Do you love peanut butter? I’m willing to bet the affinity you have for it does not even compare to the way your dog feels. If my hounds are any indication, the moment a jar is opened in our house, they appear like Houdini in a magic show. Yes, folks, this ooey gooey spreadable treat does, indeed, drive the furry canines nuts. So, since January 24th is “Peanut Butter Day”, let’s have a chat regarding the pros and cons of giving your favorite pooch one of his favorite foods.
First, a little peanut butter lore. Roughly 3,000 years ago, the natives of certain regions in South America began turning their cultivated peanuts into a paste. It was not quite what we consume today. Fast forward to the 1800s, three men, Marcellus Gilmore Edson of Montreal, George Bayle in St. Louis, and cereal magnate John Henry Kellogg, are credited with the creation of today’s more familiar type of peanut butter. However, who did it first is a bone of contention. Originally, only the wealthy could afford it. But as the process to make it became easier and cheaper, peanut butter became readily available for mass marketing. Today, it is enjoyed by pretty much everyone who is not allergic to it and, of course, our doggy friends.
From a health perspective, you need to be aware of some facts before you let your pup gobble up the sticky stuff. First, like most things, your dog’s needs may vary based on their health conditions. If your dog has been diagnosed with diseases like pancreatitis or diabetes or is obese, you should ask your veterinarian whether your dog should even have it. Just because your pooch may be able to eat peanut butter, that does not mean you can give them as much as they want. Peanut butter does not provide a balanced source of nutrients since it is mostly fat. In addition, peanut butter is approximately 180-200 calories per 2 tablespoons, which means calories add up quickly. Therefore, try limiting any offerings to no more than ½ teaspoon twice per day for small dogs and 1 teaspoon twice per day for medium or large dogs. Remember, dogs find flavorful small amounts to be just as thrilling as larger portions.
But even if your dog can eat peanut butter without risk, you still need to be cautious. Most peanut butters are safe for dogs and, in moderation, can be an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin. However, some manufacturers will use a sugar substitute known as xylitol, which is also found in other products like chewing gum, candy, and baked goods. While relatively safe for people, it is extremely toxic to dogs.
Xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, resulting in an equally rapid decrease in blood sugar levels, which can be life-threatening. Studies have proven that even a small amount of xylitol can cause severe liver damage and coagulopathy (an impairment in the blood’s ability to clot). If you think your dog has ingested xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately and watch for any symptoms, such as weakness, lack of coordination, seizures, and lethargy. Your healthiest and best options are to buy brands with only one ingredient, peanuts, and avoid those brands with sugar, salt, preservatives, and other nuts, or buy dog-specific peanut butter or make your own. Homemade peanut butter does not contain a high salt content, extra sugar, or other additives and can be done by simply grinding peanuts in a food processor.
Although rare, some dogs can develop peanut allergies. Vomiting and diarrhea, as well as itching, hair loss, and an excessively greasy coat, may all occur with the allergy. And even though anaphylactic shock and difficulty breathing can occur in dogs, the biggest risk is to people with severe peanut allergies. Those individuals need to avoid contact with pets that may have consumed peanut butter since the dog’s mouth and breath may directly transfer the allergen to the allergic person or the environment.
Now that all the “what not to do” has been mentioned, here are some ideas on how and when to give peanut butter to your dog. Giving a dog medications can be challenging since dogs do not willingly take them. Peanut butter can help make it a lot easier by coating the dreaded medication in some smelly deliciousness. Give peanut butter as a reward during training sessions. Perhaps offer it straight from the spoon to lick. If you have a smart, high-energy, food-motivated dog, use peanut butter with a puzzle feeder toy or spread it on a lick mat. Or, fill a KONG with kibble, seal the hole with peanut butter, and put it in the freezer for a few hours. This is a great way to keep the dog entertained. Other ideas can be found on the KONG Company website (https://www.kongcompany.com/library/).
As a last note, are you wondering if cats can eat peanut butter? Yes, they can, but guardians should avoid giving any to their feline friends. It provides no nutritional value and, more importantly, certain ingredients, like fat and added artificial ingredients, can be toxic to cats. Many peanut butters are also high in sodium and, when ingested in large amounts, a cat can experience vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and/or urination, depression, seizures and heart issues.
