Can dogs eat peanut butter?
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Dogs can eat peanut butter; however, you should only feed it as a treat in moderation and alongside a healthy, balanced diet. It's always best to check with your vet before introducing anything new into your dog's diet.
Whilst most dogs can enjoy peanut butter as a small treat, there are some dogs who should avoid it, e.g. overweight dogs, those on special diets, have food allergies or intolerances or have medical conditions such as kidney problems or pancreatitis (to name a few).
For the dogs that can have peanut butter, many are safe for them to eat; however, you do need to watch out for which one you buy.
Peanut butter made with 100% unsalted peanuts is the best option, so it's always best to check the label before giving any peanut butter to your dog.
In this blog, I will share with you what to look for on the ingredients label when choosing a peanut butter and help you identify which peanut butter dogs can eat.
How to choose peanut butter for your dog?
There are many different brands of peanut butter on the market, but how do you know which kind to get?
I've spoken about this topic on social media before, to be told that it doesn't matter, that peanut butter is peanut butter and that you can buy any type.
Unfortunately, this is not the case, as not all peanut butter is created equal, especially if it's for your dog.
When shopping for peanut butter for dogs, simplicity is key.
I always recommend checking the ingredients label to ensure it is dog-friendly and free from additives, as some are not.
The peanut butter doesn't necessarily have to be a dog-specific one - some of these can still contain questionable additives. In fact, the brand I use is actually a "human" brand - Here's the brand of peanut butter dogs can eat that I use.
Here are a few things I suggest looking for when choosing peanut butter for your dog.
- 100% unsalted peanuts
- No salt
- No sugar
- No sweeteners
- No xylitol - Xylitol is toxic to dogs
- No additives such as preservatives and flavours
- No palm oil
While not necessary, if you’re like me and trying to make small changes to reduce your household plastic, I suggest getting it in a glass jar.
What to use peanut butter for?
Keeping your dog entertained: It's not always possible to engage in a game or take your dog for a walk when they decide they're bored and want to play! You can use enrichment toys to smear peanut butter in or on to keep them entertained for a bit.
Treat dispensers and lick mats can be a brilliant go-to when you can't give your dog the attention they crave.
TOP TIP: If you're using peanut butter on lick mats and freezing, mix it with a little water to thin it before spreading to help it go further and ensure your dog isn't getting too much of it in one sitting.
Making homemade dog treats: Peanut butter is an excellent ingredient for making homemade dog treats with. It pairs well with ingredients such as banana and carob.
Why not have a go at baking your own dog treats with this peanut butter and carob dog biscuit recipe or blending up some tasty frozen dog treats with this frozen peanut butter and banana dog treat recipe.
Training aid: Peanut butter can be used in combination with dog enrichment toys to create positive associations in a variety of scenarios, such as crate training, vet visits or even during necessary care routines such as bathing, grooming or nail trimming.
These lick mats are great because you can stick them to a vertical surface.