Peanut butter, as the name implies, is a food paste made from peanuts. This butter is a nutrient-rich food, which contains high levels of protein, several vitamins and minerals. Humans love to spread it on bread, toast or crackers… But can we share this precious snack with our furry best friends? Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter, as long as it is xylitol/sugar free. It can be a highly motivating treat, and its sticky consistency is great for smearing inside a strong toy. Freezing is also possible and can entertain your dog for hours.
What are the health benefits of peanut butter?
Here are four reasons to choose peanut butter (raw, unsalted, and with no added sugar/xylitol) to use a treat once in a while:
– Packed with nutrition
Peanut butter contains a bunch of vitamins and minerals and is rich in protein. Since we’re talking about plant-based protein, the amino acids are not the essential ones for dogs… But they can still provide health benefits.
– Great choice for interactive toys
Peanut butter is a great paste to fulfill some interactive toys. These toys can provide ways for your dog to hunt for their food! Its consistency makes the process a lot more challenging, keeping your dog busy for a while.
Great choice for hiding pills
The sticky texture makes it easy to bind with the pill, and the high smell hides the scent of the medication.
– Great choice for bath/nail-trim time
When training your dog to tolerate bath time or nail trimming, try smearing a small amount of peanut butter on the wall of your tub, for example, as a distraction. As they’re busily licking it off, they will be less focused on what’s happening.
All these benefits are great for your dog’s mental health!
What should I be aware of when offering peanut butter to my dog?
A small amount of pure peanut butter as a treat is usually ok, but you need to remember that:
-Peanut butter should be xylitol-free
Xylitol ingestion can be life-threatening for dogs in multiple ways. If your dog eats peanut butter (or another food) with xylitol in it, contact your vet immediately.
-Dogs can be allergic to nuts
If you ever notice signs like itching, hair loss, vomits or diarrhea, stop offering peanut butter to your buddy.
-Moderation should be used when offering it
If you start to feed your pet larger amounts of peanut butter more frequently, the fat and sugar present in it may lead to adverse effects on their health. Peanut butter is a high-calorie food, so be sure to only serve it in small amounts. The rule is to give no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories in treats, so keep that in mind.
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