Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter.
BUT, make sure that the peanut butter does not contain any Xylitol in it, as it’s toxic for dogs.
If you want to give peanut butter to your dog, start off with really low quantities and make sure that your dog won’t have any allergic reactions.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute. And while us humans can handle it just fine, it’s very poisonous for dogs.
The symptoms can range anywhere from diarrhea… to death. 😦
Just make sure to check the contents label, to confirm that the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, and you should be safe.
Allergies & Weight
Even if xylitol is not in your peanut butter, there is a chance that your dog might still react to peanut butter.
Either because of the peanuts or any of the other multiple ingredients that go into peanut butter, allergies are always a possibility.
The solution is simple - start off with a really small amount first. Put some on your finger and let your dog lick it.
Another reason to give your dog peanut butter in smaller amounts, is the danger of becoming obese.
There are a lot of calories in peanut butter and by giving your dog a lot of it at once, can cause unhealthy weight gain and put a lot of stress on your dog’s body.
Just like with us, don’t overdo it with the amount. Even though it’s delicious, don’t give your dog half a jar at once. 😅
How to use peanut butter
Peanut butter smells and tastes really good to dogs. You can not only use it in toys, but also as a way to train or redirect your dog’s attention.
There are different ways to use it, here are two examples:
Slow feeders
Get yourself a toy where your dog has to lick to get the food. As an example, toys like the Kong toy or licking mats are very good choices to use with peanut butter.
Spread some of it on the toy and put it in the freezer. When the peanut butter has frozen, give it to your dog. Because the peanut butter is frozen solid, then it will take even longer for your dog to get it.
The longer your dog can sniff, play and lick the toy, the better it is for you and your dog!
2. Redirect
You can also use peanut butter’s strong smell to your advantage in situations where normally your dog would be freaking out.
For example, put some of it on cling film or even on a spoon and let your dog eat it.
Your dog is most likely going to be so focused on the butter that you can do anything, which normally would cause a lot of stress.
Things like cutting nails, taking a shower, or even walking past other dogs that bark become much easier to do!
