Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Holistapet

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Holistapet
Shop our solutions →

For one reason or another, putting peanut butter on a dog’s nose is incredibly popular. Maybe it’s because of how cute a dog looks trying to lick it off, or because you know how much they enjoy it. Most dog owners have given peanut butter to their dog at one point. It can be put inside certain dog toys, on treats, on their nose, or on a spoon for your dog to enjoy! But is peanut butter safe? Is it healthy for dogs? Can you give them too much?

 

Well, there are a few things you should know before giving your dog another helping of peanut butter.

 

Is Peanut Butter Safe For Dogs?

If you've given your dog peanut butter, it's likely that you've used a safe kind.

 

Most types of peanut butter are safe for dogs to eat. In moderation, it makes a tasty snack that's also packed with protein, vitamins B and E, healthy fats, and niacin.

 

Still, not all brands of peanut butter are beneficial for your canine friend. It's crucial that you never feed your dog a product that contains xylitol, as this ingredient is toxic to dogs. Your pup could end up in the hospital if they ingest this artificial sweetener, so read the ingredient labels carefully!

 

Some peanut spreads are better for canines than others. If you love giving your dog this treat, go with an unsalted or homemade product. These will be the healthiest options for your dog.

 

Often, peanut butter dental chews for dogs is high in sodium, which can cause health issues in dogs. Excess sugar in peanut butter may also contribute to weight gain. When you make your own peanut butter, you can control how much sugar, salt, and other additives are in it–the less of these, the better for your dog.

 

What Are the Benefits Of Peanut Butter For Dogs?

There are many benefits of peanut butter. This treat isn't just delicious, it's nutritious for your pup as well.

 

Peanut butter is an excellent source of:

 

  • Niacin - helps dogs break down sugar and turn it into energy.
  • Protein - builds and maintains muscle in dogs.
  • Vitamin E - is essential for healthy blood circulation and keeping muscles strong.
  • Vitamin B - keeps a dog's skin and coats clean.
  • Healthy Fats - enhance digestion and metabolism. They are also necessary to control blood sugar levels.

 

Peanut butter is clearly a wholesome treat for dogs. It can also help if you're unsure how to get a dog to take a pill. However, it’s important not to overdo it. You should always select an all-natural peanut spread that has high-quality ingredients and doesn't contain xylitol.

 

 

maltese eyeing peanut butter jar

 

 

How Much Peanut Butter Can I Give My Dog?

Peanut butter dental stick for dogs, as an occasional treat, is safe and healthy for dogs. However, too much can lead to dog obesity. It can also cause dogs to develop health complications such as pancreatitis.

 

To figure out the perfect amount of peanut butter to give your dog and how often you can provide it, there are a few things you can do!

 

The most reliable option is to ask a vet for their advice. Your vet will take your dog's diet into consideration and help you come up with the right amount of treats, or peanut butter, to give your dog each week. Proper ratios are especially important for dogs with conditions like diabetes or food sensitivities.

 

Another way to monitor how much of this snack you can give your canine is to use the ten percent rule. This rule states that a dog's diet should not contain more than ten percent of treats, including peanut butter. You should measure how much food your dog eats each day, and keep in mind treats should only make up ten percent of that amount.

 

Many owners give their dogs peanut butter as a tastier snack than the average pet treat. However, some fruits and vegetables also make delicious treat alternatives and are healthier than peanut butter.

 

Fruits that are safe for dogs:

 

  • Pears
  • Apples
  • Mango
  • Peaches
  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Blueberries
  • Cucumbers
  • Cranberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Pineapple (skinless)
  • Cantaloupe (without seeds or rind)
  • Watermelon (without seeds or rind)

 

Vegetables that are safe for dogs:

 

  • Peas
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Green beans
  • Brussels Sprouts

 

Keep in mind that these options are generally ok for canines but each pet is different. It's best to let your pet try out new foods sparingly and monitor them for any reaction. If there is no reaction then the next time you can feed them a bit more of that particular snack. Try alternating between peanut butter and a piece of fruit or vegetable.

 

You might be surprised at how much more your dog will like a piece of fruit or vegetable instead!

 

 

What Kind of Peanut Butter is Good for Dogs?

Peanut butter brands that use dry roasted and unsalted peanuts are your best bet. It’s even better if you can find one that is low or free of sodium and preservatives. The fewer ingredients in the product, the better.

 

You may have heard that crunchy peanut butter could potentially choke a small dog. However, this is very unlikely unless you try giving a tiny or very young dog a heaping serving of crunchy peanut butter. Feel free to give your dog creamy or crunchy peanut butter in moderation proportionate to their size.

 

While most brands are safe for dogs, some types should never be fed to them. Even in small amounts, there are some spreads you should steer clear of. Brands that use xylitol to sweeten their peanut spreads are extremely poisonous to dogs. This sugar replacement is safe for people, but not for your dog.

 

Thousands of dogs are accidentally poisoned every year by xylitol. Just a little more than two grams can cause a dog’s blood sugar to drop rapidly, leading to seizures and disorientation. Larger amounts can damage a dog’s liver cells and lead to death. Make sure to keep an eye out for this ingredient in any human food you may wish to feed your pet. If you think your dog has accidentally ingested xylitol, you need to bring them to the vet ASAP.

 

If you choose to buy a peanut spread, make sure to select a product that has the least amount of additives. Formulas that are low in sodium and sugar are ideal.

 

 

girl feeding peanut butter to dog

 

 

How Can I Give Peanut Butter to My Dog?

If you want to try a healthier approach to commercial peanut butter, we suggest you try making your own at home It’s a simple way to make sure your dog is eating nutritious and delicious treats! Here's How:

 

Ingredients:

  • Unsalted, roasted peanuts (1 ½ cup)
  • Honey (1 tsp. - Optional)
  • Peanut or safflower oil (1 tsp. - optional)

 

Directions:

  1. First, you’ll need to throw all your ingredients into a food processor. A high-speed blender will also do the trick.
  2. Process or blend until you reach the desired consistency. It might take about 3 minutes before the oils are released, and it becomes creamy.
  3. That’s it! Just don’t give up, the nuts will go through a few stages before achieving a buttery consistency.

 

Now that you have this safe and healthy peanut butter, you can do a few things with it. You can serve it to your dog by making frozen treats, baking healthy treats, or putting it on a spoon. You can also eat some of it yourself!

 

 

holistapet cbd stress and anxiety dog treats

 

 

Of course, not everyone has the time to make peanut butter from scratch and bake their own treats. So, the next best option is our tasty peanut butter-flavored dog treats. At HolistaPet, we have CBD dog treats that provide several wellness benefits to your dog.

 

Our Peanut Butter + Apple CBD dog treats are rich in L-Theanine, chamomile, and other superfoods like hemp seed powder and  CBD oil. This tasty and soothing mixture helps dogs remain calm and relaxed even during tense or uneasy situations.

 

Not only is this an excellent peanut butter treat, but it also works wonders for dogs that are scared of loud noises, has separation fears, mobility restraints, or have tummy troubles!

 

All of our products include organic, non-GMO, vegan ingredients, so you know that your dog is getting the best.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

Whether you are a fan of making homemade peanut butter treats for your dog or buying some at the store, there are always healthy options. Just remember to monitor what ingredients you're giving your dog. The fewer additives, sodium, and sugar, the better.

 

Never feed your canine any peanut butter sweetened with xylitol, as it is poisonous to dogs! When in doubt, ask a vet to help you figure out the best diet and treat portions for your dog.

 

Read Next: Mental Stimulation for Dogs: Why It's Important & Best Activities Explained

Reading next

Dog Food Ingredients Explained
Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs: An Ancient Herbal Remedy for Your Pup

Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Looking for something in particular?

Stay connected & get updates on the latest pet news