Are you wondering whether dogs can eat peanut butter? If you are, then you are on the right page. In this article, you will learn whether peanut butter is something that you should feed your beloved dogs or not.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Yes, technically, dogs can eat chunky peanut butter or the regular ones. In fact, peanut butter is considered to be an excellent source of healthy fats, protein and niacin. However, not every peanut butter is good for dogs.
Some peanut butter may contain Xylitol. This can be quite toxic for dogs and it can eventually cause death. This ingredient is often used as a sugar substitute in products such as toothpaste, chewing gum, and breath mints.
Xylitol is safe for humans. However, it is toxic for dogs because it induces rapid insulin release that can result in sudden decrease of blood sugar levels.
If your dog consumes too much xylitol, they might develop hypoglycemia. This condition can be life-threatening and your dogs might die if not treated immediately after 10-60 minutes of consuming food that contains high traces of xylitol.
Luckily, xylitol poisoning can be easily avoided. You just need to check the peanut butter ingredient label. Manufacturers are obliged to list down the ingredients used in making the peanut butter in their labels.
Also, if you intend to give you dogs some peanut butter, the best choice is to give them the unsalted variant aside from ensuring that it does not contain xylitol. This is because giving your dogs large amounts of sodium can result in other health issues in the long run.
How Much Peanut Butter Can You Give?
As mentioned above, dogs can eat peanut butter in moderation. However, what does moderation mean? In this case, moderation refers to around 5-10% of your dog’s diet, given that they are healthy and in the best condition.
However, to be sure of what’s the best dosage for your beloved dogs, it is best to ask your veterinarian. They know your dog’s best and they can provide you with more detailed advice on how much peanut butter you should feed your dog.
How to Feed Your Dogs Peanut Butter?
There are several methods on how to incorporate peanut butter in your dog’s diet.
The easiest method is to have them lick the peanut butter from a spoon. Many dogs will be excited about this because peanut butter has excellent texture and a delicious nutty and rich taste.
You can also opt to use the peanut butter as an ingredient for your dog’s treat. You can make it into a cake or cookies if you like.
Final Words
The answer to the question of whether dogs can eat peanut butter is yes. In fact, there are plenty of dogs out there who love peanut butter as a treat.
However, make sure to only give it in moderation. Also, you should check the peanut butter label if it contains xylitol or not. If it does, it is best not to give it to your dog because it can be quite harmful in the long run.