There are so many ways to enrich your dog’s life, especially now there’s more information about making each day interesting beyond walkies in the park. Dogs need to be kept busy and be mentally stimulated to tire them out at the end of the day beyond their regular walks.
As parents, we’re always looking for different and interesting new ways to keep our beloved pets entertained. It’s no misunderstanding that dogs love peanut butter as a tasty snack and as an effective training treat. But many parents are asking the question, can dogs eat peanut butter? We’ve gathered all the information so you know what your pup can eat and the different ways you can feed it to them!
Can dogs have peanut butter?
Dogs can have peanut butter in their diets, they find it to be a delicious treat that can be added to their diet as a special snack from time to time. If you’re wondering should dogs eat peanut butter, it has fairly limited health benefits so it’s not an essential to their diet. If you’re looking for something to fill a Kong Classic Toy or put on a Licki Mat then it’s the perfect consistency for spreading and using as part of enrichment.
Is peanut butter good for dogs?
Most types of peanut butter are usually safe for dogs to eat, and they tend to really enjoy it. Peanut butter contains fibre, protein and healthy fats so isn’t all bad for them. However, if your pup is trying to shed a few pounds then it isn’t the best choice as it can be quite calorific. The only peanut butter that is not safe for dogs to eat are those that contains xylitol. Xylitol is a sweetener that can be added to food instead of sugar. Many brands choose to include xylitol because they can then market their product as being lower in calories and suitable for people on diets, it’s also a cheaper ingredient to include compared to sugar.
When you shouldn't give your dog peanut butter
Peanut butter can be unsuitable for some dogs with food intolerances and any with kidney issues. As it’s naturally high in salt which can have an adverse effect on any pups who have problems with their kidneys.
Like any treat, peanut butter should be fed in moderation otherwise your pooch will gradually lose sight of their waistline!
Can dogs be allergic to peanuts
While it’s not very common, for some dogs peanut butter can be an allergy. Symptoms that peanuts don’t suit your pup include rashes on their skin. It may look red or sore and patches of hair loss can also be a sign.
A more severe reaction can include hives, difficulty breathing and a full collapse if they have a very acute allergy to peanut butter. If you think your pup is having a reaction to peanut butter, then you should get in touch with your vet straight away.
What type of peanut butter is good for dogs?
Dogs are just like people and may have a preference towards chunky or smooth peanut butter. Both are good, safe options and it just depends on what they enjoy. While there are brands of peanut butter marketed specifically towards dogs, many human brands are perfectly safe for your four-legged friends.
Peanut butter brands like Sun-Pat and Whole Earth and made with natural ingredients so can be safe for your dog to eat. On the other hand, brands like Skippy and Jif have products that contain artificial sweeteners. Be sure to read the ingredients if you plan on getting a jar of peanut butter for your beloved pet.
How to choose peanut butter for dogs
While you can find several brands of peanut butter on the shelves of most supermarkets that don’t contain xylitol, there is one way to be sure it’s safe for your dogs to eat. Opting for dog safe peanut butter is the perfect option for our four-legged friends. With no harmful ingredients, no artificial sweeteners and low sugar, you feel secure in your peanut butter option for your pup.
Peamutt Butter for Dogs is a dog safe brand of peanut butter. Peamutt is popularly used for treats, or for acting as a food topper to encourage even the fussiest of eaters to polish off a whole bowl of food in one sitting.
Our favourite peanut butter dog treats
Peanut butter is a great way to reward your pup for good behaviour. The spread itself can keep your pup busy for long periods, especially if you spread it on something they can lick and chew off.
You can even put enrichment in the freezer for a few hours to make it last longer. To incorporate their favourite flavours into their training, there are lots of options for peanut butter treats available for dogs too! You can brush up on their cues and reward good behaviour easily with these.
Wagg Peanut Butter and Banana Cookies, Dog Treats
Wagg Peanut Butter and Banana Cookies are the perfect sizes to use as rewards for your pup. They can be fed to puppies as young as eight weeks and are only made using salt and sugar free peanut butter. With added vitamins and minerals, these treats aren’t just good snack options but they’re good for your beloved pet’s health too!
Denzel’s Squishy Plant Based Bites Dog Chews
If you’re looking for something with a little less crunch, these Denzel's Squishy Plant Based Bites Dog Chews are perfect for rewarding good behaviour. They’re made with only the freshest ingredients and cooked right here in the UK. They’re a low-calorie option with no added sugar and nutritionally beneficial to your four-legged friend so make for a great healthy option for treats.
Made from peanut butter, carrots, banana and kale, your pup is bound to love these healthy, bite size snacks.
Infused with synthetic, human grade flavours, the peanut butter toy encourages chewing which is a natural behaviour for many dogs. As they chew, small rice size pieces of nylon will come away from the toy which is 100% safe to ingest and will simply travel through their digestive tract, making their way out in their stool.
Nylon bones are a great option for teething dogs or for breeds that enjoy chewing to relieve stress and release endorphins like bull breeds and terriers.
To find your pup’s new favourite peanut butter brand or peanut butter flavoured snack and all your other doggy essentials, check out at our wide range of products in store.