Safe Ways to Feed Dogs Peanut Butter
Buy separate jars of peanut butter, one for human and one for pet consumption. Your dog will not be licking peanut butter straight out of a jar, but having a designated "pet" jar minimizes potential bacteria and contamination. I do recommend that all pet owners keep an eye on food recalls, including salmonella and other contaminants.
Aflatoxin, produced by particular fungi, contaminates grains and nuts before harvest or during storage. Pet owners can reduce the risk of an aflatoxin contamination at home by storing peanut butter in the refrigerator. Proper storage reduces rancidity of all natural peanut butter.
Another way to reduce contamination and keep the product fresh is to freeze it, or to buy the smallest jar available. Your dog should not eat peanut butter on a daily basis anyway, so a small jar will be plenty when fed as a snack.
Sugar is a big concern for when it comes to pet health. A serving of peanut butter, which is two tablespoons, contains up to 3 grams of sugar. Sugar causes health issues such as obesity, diabetes and dental problems within dogs. Too much salt is another concern, as most non-organic brands of peanut butter contain salt for taste.
Most pet owners and veterinarians recommend an all natural type of peanut butter for dogs. Purchase an organic brand that contains zero sugar. Organic peanut butter has fewer pesticides and other ingredients that may be harmful to a dog's health. Make your own all-natural peanut butter by blending shelled roasted peanuts and a small amount of peanut oil in a food processor.
A lot of pet owners ask if they should buy chunky or creamy style peanut butter. I always recommend the creamy kind as the safest. Chunky peanut butter can be a choking hazard, especially for puppies. Another hazard of peanut butter is that it sticks to the roof of their mouth and some dogs may struggle with that.
Food allergies are another concern when it comes to feeding dogs peanut butter. Signs of an allergic reaction to peanut butter would include itching, skin irritation, ear infection, biting and loss of hair. Avoid giving your dog peanut butter or treats containing peanut butter if the pet is experiencing any food allergies. Stop giving your dog peanut butter if there is diarrhea or vomiting.
Peanut butter is not necessarily bad for dogs. In fact, peanut butter is rich in oil, protein and fatty acids. These ingredients along with vitamins such as H and K give dogs a shiny coat. Vitamin E helps your dog's immune system, which helps to fight off many diseases.
Moderation is key when it comes to safely feeding a dog peanut butter. Too much peanut butter causes obesity in dogs. On the other hand, veterinarians often suggest giving underweight dogs peanut butter as a dietary supplement and a way to pack on the necessary pounds. I feed my dogs one tablespoon every two weeks. One of my dogs is overweight, which is why the amount I give them as a treat seems so low.
Pet owners find that peanut butter is useful in administering medicine or getting their dog to calm down for some time. A dog toy filled with peanut butter will keep your dog busy, especially if you have company over and your dog is harassing the guests.
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Is Peanut Butter Good for Dogs?
Published by Nina Rotz
Nina Rotz is a freelance writer, a blogger and SEO extraodinaire. Nina's experience includes running a web hosting business, fourteen-year experience of website building, programming and blogging. Her educat... View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentI stuff old beef marrow bones with peanut butter and my dog immediately knows it is time for her to get in her cage. So that means I am giving her about 4 tbsp's a day! One in the morning when I go off to work and one at bedtime. And she is the perfect weight, per my vet. 40 lbs with a beautiful shiny coat.
I have big concerns whenever I think of feeding my 'Rotties' anything with sugar and your article points that out as well. Good read, keep up the great work.
I don't have a dog right now. I can tell some else this new news to me.
I feed my dog peanut butter from the same jar I eat out of- and we take turns. My fiance won't touch the peanut butter at all because of this
I give my puppy peanut butter in a kong toy, and I've wondered if it could potentially be harmful. I don't give it to her very often, but I guess it will have to be a very, very rare treat from now on!
Peanut butter in a kong keeps my dogs busy for hours.Important information. Thanks.
Both our dogs love peanut butter, but only get it rarely, I always wondered if it was good for them - thanks for the educational article!
great info and article to care for our furry angels!
Oh my goodnes! I do EXACTLY what Linda just described with my Golden's glucosamine - Give him the big plastic jar to lick out at the end, too! He runs off with it, just SOOOO happy! I had no idea peanut butter might not be good for him. He is trim and healthy, I think maybe I'll just alternate days with something else ... Maybe a little cheese. Thank you for the information and warning!
O nooooo! I give my dog his glucosamine androitin (?) pills in a teaspoon of peanut butter every day. (In fact it's Kroger peanut butter/honey blend.) When the jar is nearly empty I let him have it and it takes him an hour or so to lick it clean. He loves that. So I thought why not wash the jar and give him an extra tsp inside the clean jar to keep him busy and happy -- every day? He never gains weight, and he is 12. So I guess this little happy dog trick has to go. Great article.