Peanut butter is not only one of the most popular foods in the U.S., but it's also a concentrated source of nutrition. It contains high sources of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. What’s more, dogs seem to love it: you’ve probably seen a million videos of dogs licking peanut butter from a jar while their pet parents trim their nails, administer eye medicine, etc. But the question is: can dogs eat peanut butter? Or is it dangerous for their health?
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Peanut butter: a snapshot
Peanut butter is a superfood that contains (or at least, it should) nothing but peanuts.
Peanuts are a source of protein (7 gr in 2 tablespoons), fiber, high fats, potassium, and magnesium. In addition, peanut butter, contrary to what people may think, helps you lose weight as it provides a satiating sensation and might even increase your metabolic furnace, according to a study conducted by the International Journal of Obesity.
Benefits of peanut butter
Besides, peanut butter…
- Reduces the risk of breast disease
- Boosts heart health
- Manages blood sugar levels
- Helps prevent gallstones
- Promotes strong bones (since it is a source of calcium and iron)
Last but not least, dogs love the taste of peanut butter (who doesn’t, right?); so, at Mokai, we wanted to shake things up: we decided to include the irresistible flavor of peanut butter in all our new vegan products. This way, you can sit back and boost your dog’s health while giving him a tasty snack he will -literally- go nuts for!
What kind of peanut butter can dogs eat?
Peanut or any other nut butter is great for dogs’ health. Many brands of peanut butter found on shelves are actually pretty good for dogs, the only thing you should check is that it doesn’t contain sugar or other added ingredients such as xylitol.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, which is a type of carbohydrate that doesn’t actually contain alcohol. It is also a chemical compound used as a sugar substitute sweetener, which is incorporated in hundreds of products, including some brands of peanut butter. It is supposed to be ‘all-natural', and although it is fine for people, it can be very toxic to dogs.
Why is xylitol bad for dogs?
Even though xylitol is often found naturally in some fruits, its chemical production can be very dangerous for dogs. Xylitol can pull water into the intestines of dogs, or it can be fermented due to bacteria present in their intestines.
Consuming xylitol can cause dogs to experience hypoglycemia, liver failure, seizures, etc. The amount of the ingesta will determine the degree of toxicity, but giving our dogs 0,05 grams of xylitol per pound of bodyweight is already considered toxic and harmful to their health.
Can dogs eat crunchy peanut butter?
The first thing you need to take into account is that, just as if you were carefully choosing a product for your own consumption, you should always go for 100% natural peanut butter, with no added ingredients. Crunchy, creamy, or any other peanut butter is okay for dogs as long as it doesn’t include any other extra ingredient.
Some people say crunchy peanut butter can represent a choking hazard for dogs, but as long as you are not giving a puppy or a very small dog a whole jar of PB, you are fine. Besides, crunchy peanut butter comes with very small pieces of peanuts, so it is very unlikely to become a choking hazard.
Naturally, these are standard recommendations. If you have any doubts or concerns, you should always consult with the vet, who knows your pup and his/her particular needs.
Peanut butter for dogs: A natural snack
As we've just mentioned, adding peanut butter to your dog's diet is definitely a plus. Including this superfood in your dog's daily meals is pretty easy, and your dog will definitely appreciate it.
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Ice cream: You can try freezing a scoop of peanut butter and later, give it to your dog for him to lick it. He will absolutely love it and it will keep him entertained.
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Cookies: Wheat flour, pumpkin puree, eggs, and peanut butter. Mix it, and that's a wrap! You will have the healthiest snack for your pup.
- Fruit: Any fruit is better with a scoop of peanut butter on top of it, right? Apples, strawberries, banana: Use your imagination, your dog will be delighted!
