One of the most well-known and classic treats for dogs is peanut butter.  Your canine friend will probably salivate immediately upon you opening a new jar of peanut butter.  However, many people fail to realize that not all peanut butters are created equally when it comes to being safe for dogs.  This article will explore which peanut butters you should avoid feeding to your dog due to health concerns. It’ll also outline which peanut butters are safe to consume, and why they still make a great choice for a healthy snack that your canine companion is sure to enjoy.

Peanut Butter Dogs Should Avoid

The number one ingredient that dog owners should look for in peanut butter and steer clear of is xylitol.  Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is now in common use as a sweetener where food manufacturers want to avoid the use of sugars.  Two of the most popular products that xylitol is found in is chewing gum and peanut butter, both of which pose a risk for your dog’s health.  Because xylitol can be fatal in even small doses for dogs, owners should be particularly mindful when selecting a peanut butter to use as a treat.  Even if you have used the same brand of peanut butter for years, it is a good idea to check the ingredients anytime you purchase more, as the recipe may have changed.

If you wish to feed your dog peanut butter, it is also recommended to avoid peanut butters that are sweetened with sugar and have any added salt.  Dogs cannot process sugar in the same way that humans can, so when a dog consumes something with sugar such as peanut butter, they will have excessively high blood sugar levels for longer periods of time.   The high sodium content found in many peanut butters commonly found on grocery store shelves can also be detrimental to your dog’s health and should be avoided.

Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs

While the caveats that accompany peanut butter are serious, there are a number of dietary benefits that peanut butter can provide your canine companion that make it work considering as a treat.  First, be sure to seek out peanut butters that are natural and contain limited ingredients.  As discussed, avoid any peanut butters that contain xylitol, extra salt, or added sugar.  The easiest way to ensure that you are giving your dog a healthy snack is to make homemade peanut butter.  If this is not possible, seek out an all-natural peanut butter that contains just peanuts.

Peanut butter itself is a great treat for dogs, and one that they are sure to enjoy.  Peanut butter is packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and niacin.  Not only that, but peanut butter is often used in conjunction with other treats, such as bananas, to create an irresistible delicacy for your canine.  As with any treats, excessive consumption of peanut butter should be avoided in dogs.  In order to determine how much peanut butter is safe for your dog to consume you should speak to your veterinarian.  As a general rule, however, follow the same principle as you would with any other treat.  

Peanut Butter Is Safe For Dogs

Peanut butter can make an excellent treat for your dog in small amounts.  Many people take a Kong or similar toy, stuff a piece of banana or cheese into it, and then seal it with peanut butter and freeze it.   This will provide your dog with a great treat they can slowly consume and enjoy.  Peanut butter is generally healthy for dogs and provides protein, vitamins, and healthy fats that are part of a balanced diet. However, dog owners need to be aware that in recent years an increasing number of products are sweetened with the sugar alcohol xylitol, which is fatal to dogs.  Xylitol can now be found in a number of peanut butters commonly found on grocery shelves.  Alongside xylitol, dog owners should avoid peanut butters with added sugar and salt, as excessive consumption of these can cause health issues as well.

The safest bet for dog owners is to make their own peanut butter or stick with all-natural peanut butters with no added ingredients.  If you are buying peanut butter in a store, be sure to always check the ingredients in case the recipe has changed since the last time you bought it.