If your dog is anything like our dogs, they go nuts when you pull out a jar of peanut butter. Dogs everywhere love a mouthful of the sweet, salty treat, giving us plenty of entertainment as they attempt to get every last morsel off the roofs of their mouths. However, peanut butter has been a somewhat controversial treat for dogs lately, with many decrying its unhealthiness for pets. Is peanut butter a good treat for your dog?
The short answer: yes, with some stipulations. We love peanut butter as a fun snack for our pups, and it’s a key ingredient in our peanut butter pumpkin dog treats! It’s an “interactive” treat, especially if you stuff a Kong toy with a little PB and some crunchy nuggets. It’s also a great way to get your dogs to take their pills. Here are the things you need to look out for when using peanut butter as a treat:
Peanut butter brands labeled “all natural” might not be the best choice for your pup. Often, all-natural or sugar-free peanut butter contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s unsafe for dogs. Real sugar is best when feeding your pup. Better still, places like Whole Foods allow you to grind your own peanut butter from fresh peanuts with no additives! We use only fresh, natural peanut butter for our dog treats - no xylitol.
Feed it to your dogs sparingly, just like you would with any other treat! Peanut butter has plenty of protein and good fats, but too much of it can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. Give peanut butter to your dog in moderation - as an ingredient in a biscuit, or just a fingerful large enough to tuck your dog’s pills in.
Make sure your dog doesn’t have food allergies. Dogs don’t get peanut allergies the way humans do, but there’s always the chance that a foreign ingredient will cause some tummy upset. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, almond and cashew butters are good alternatives that are just as safe for your dogs. If you choose these alternatives, be sure you read the ingredient list to check what sweeteners they use.
At Pawsitively Pure Dog Food, we’re dedicated to using the highest-quality, ethically sourced ingredients for all of our dog treats and foods. We want your dogs to live their healthiest lives ever! We offer free doorstep delivery to pet parents in the Orlando area. Browse through our shop today and get your dog started on a healthy diet.