Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? In short, yes, they can. However, some peanut butter contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Therefore when purchasing peanut butter for your dog, you should check the labels and ensure your product is xylitol free. Peanut butter works as a great treat and can also go inside a kong, which is a fun, enjoyable, and stimulating game. 

Busy? Get Your Hands Paws On The Answers Quickly…

• Is Peanut Butter Good For Dogs?
• Why Is Xylitol Bad For Dogs?
• How Can I Use Peanut Butter As A Treat?
• Can Dogs Be Allergic To Peanuts?
• FAQs

IS PEANUT BUTTER GOOD FOR DOGS?

Most peanut butter brands supply dog-friendly peanut butter. However, some brands include xylitol as an ingredient in their products, which is highly toxic for dogs. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, vitamins B & E, niacin, and healthy fats. The best option for dogs would be unsalted or homemade peanut butter, as this will not contain extra sugars, sodium, or other additives such as xylitol. 

Peanut butter can be an excellent treat for dogs but shouldn’t be incorporated into their everyday diet. Just like all other treats, you should give peanut butter to your dog in moderation, and any serving recommendations should be followed accordingly. 

An excellent place to start and a recommendation for dog-friendly peanut butter is pipandnut. The pipandnut brand offers a smooth peanut butter at an affordable price and contains the following per 15g serving:

WHY IS XYLITOL BAD FOR DOGS?

As previously mentioned, when purchasing peanut butter, you should check the ingredients to ensure it does not contain xylitol. Annoyingly (for dogs and their owners), some peanut butter brands changed their peanut butter ingredients to include xylitol, which is a substitute sweetener used in a lot of sugar-free products. 

Xylitol causes a quick release of insulin in your canine friends, which unfortunately causes a decrease in blood sugar levels. If this is left untreated, it can be life-threatening for your dog. This process is called hypoglycemia and can occur 30-60 minutes after xylitol consumption. 

To ensure that this does not happen to your dog, carefully read the label of your peanut butter product to make sure it does not include xylitol. If you’re unsure whether your dog has eaten peanut butter containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian nurse as soon as possible to seek further advice. 

HOW CAN I USE PEANUT BUTTER AS A TREAT? 

You may find your dog having a mad moment and chasing their tail like crazy. This is due to them having increased energy levels, and this is a way for them to burn some energy. When they’re doing this, it is a perfect opportunity to provide your dog with some mind stimulating games (which also burns energy). 

The Kong
The kong has been around for quite some time and comes in all shapes, sizes, and variations. Peanut butter is an excellent kong filler as it is easily spreadable and sticks to the insides of the kong. If you want this mind stimulation game to last longer, put the peanut butter in the kong and place it in the freezer until it is needed. The frozen peanut butter will last much longer and keep your dog occupied for a considerable amount of time. 

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
I have been using this recipe for a number of years for a dog’s peanut butter biscuit treats. These can be a great replacement for shop-bought treats. However, just like any other food, this should be given in moderation. Follow this link and start baking now!

Wildbarkers Mind Stimulation Games
We have created several games that peanut butter could be used as a treat. Follow this link and read our article “7 Easy, Cheap And Homemade Enrichment Games And Activities For Dogs“. 

CAN DOGS BE ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS?

Although it can be rare, some dogs do have peanut allergies. The symptoms are similar to those in a human; these include:

> Anaphylactic shock

> Swollen face

> Difficulty breathing 

> Skin reactions

If you notice any of these symptoms after feeding your dog peanut butter, you should take it away immediately and call the emergency vets to seek further advice. 

The most common dogs’ allergens beside peanuts are beef, chicken, dairy products, rabbit, wheat, lamb, eggs, pork, and fish. If your dog is showing symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should check the label of their food and ensure it doesn’t contain any of the above. If a dog is allergic to one thing, they’re likely to be allergic to another. You should consider this when changing their meals.

FAQS

Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? 
Yes. Dogs can eat cooked broccoli, but raw broccoli isn’t recommended. However, owners must remember to limit portion sizes as too much broccoli can cause stomach problems. Broccoli is full of fiber and vitamin C; therefore, it is full of nutrients and the perfect snack for your dogs. You can find out more information by reading our article “Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?”

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Yes! It can be a healthy, hydrating, and refreshing snack for all dog breeds. There are many ways to feed this delicious treat to your dogs, from fresh, freezing, to dehydrating. However, it should be given as a treat in moderation. You can find out more about watermelon and dogs by reading our article “Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?”

Can Dogs Drink Milk?
In short, yes. Puppies can drink milk, but as all things consumed, it should be in moderation. It is important to note that a high percentage of dogs are lactose intolerant to dairy products. Veterinarians recommend that dairy products should only be given to dogs in small doses. Read more to find out about milk alternatives, possible effects of dairy consumption, and frequently asked questions. Find out more by reading our article “Can Puppies Drink Milk?”.

Can Dogs Eat Lettuce? 
Yes! Dogs can safely consume many varieties of lettuce without fear of any harmful or toxic consequences. The crunchy salad leaf can be great to add to their meals, or for dogs to eat as a healthy treat. You can find out more about the nutritional benefits of lettuce and much much more by reading our article “Can Dogs Eat Lettuce?”. 

SaveIs Peanut Butter Good For Dogs? Why Is Xylitol Bad For Dogs? How Can I Use Peanut Butter As A Treat?  Can Dogs Be Allergic To Peanuts?Published byWild Barkers

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Disclaimer: Each dog is different, and every circumstance is different. All efforts have been made to provide accurate information. However, it is not provided by a qualified Veterinarian, Veterinarian Surgeon, or Behaviorist. The information provided is purely educational. The information should not be used as an alternative or substitute for medical care. If you have any health or medical concerns, contact a qualified Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinarian immediately.