Believe it or not, our furry pals love peanut butter as much as we do! But what kind of peanut butter is safe for dogs? It’s true that dogs can safely eat and enjoy this sweet, nutty spread, but it’s also important to keep it in moderation. Too much of a good thing can make them chubby and can lead to health problems like obesity.
There’s also a problem with peanut butter brands using sugar substitutes which may harm your furry pal. One of these additives is called Xylitol.
The problem with Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in many sugar-free sweets we hoomans enjoy. It’s also used in toothpaste because it keeps bacteria from hurting the teeth. Xylitol can be found in foods like chewing gum, juice drinks, vitamins, and even peanut butter.
While this isn’t harmful to us hoomans, this substitute can lower your dog’s blood sugar and make them feel weak. If your pupper accidentally eats any food with this sweetener, it’s best to make sure they vomit it out within the first 30 minutes. Otherwise, it’s best to see a vet quickly and let them care for your doggo.
Know your labels!
If you want to treat your puppers to the occasional bit of peanut butter, be sure it’s not only free of Xylitol but also free from artificial additives.
Reading the ingredients list in the peanut butter jar is the best way to avoid xylitol poisoning. You should also check other sweets at home and see that they’re out of your dog’s reach. It’s best to have separate places for treats that your doggo can enjoy safely. Keeping your pantry organized this way leads to fewer worries later on.
What kinds of peanut butter can doggos eat?
Whether it’s creamy or crunchy, anything made with peanuts and free of artificial additives is fair game. They’ll be fine as long as it’s only at least half a tablespoon for small doggos and 1 tablespoon for the big ones. Just be sure to only feed it once a day, or this sweet treat can make them fat.
Peanut butter with jelly is also something that should be avoided. These types have lots of sugar; some brands may even have Xylitol. Either way, too much sweet stuff can increase the risk of diabetes in dogs, much like how it can happen in us hoomans.
What about Almonds?
Peanut butter brands made from Almonds can be a huge risk for puppers. While some may love the taste, they won’t be able to digest it as easily as we hoomans do.
These nuts are also high in fat and can cause problems in the tummy if your puppers eat too much of them. While a couple may not cause too many problems right after eating, it’s best to watch your doggo carefully and see if they end up vomiting or feel uncomfortable. Call a vet right away if they start feeling unwell.
Another way to serve Peanut Butter
Want to serve REAL Peanut Butter treats to your good pupper? The best way is to give them in the form of treats like Awesome Pawsome Peanut Butter and Cranberry!
This tasty doggo snack is made with real Peanut Butter and Dried Cranberries, with all-natural ingredients and aromatic botanical extracts of Green Tea and Spearmint. It’s perfect for them because it also has no artificial flavors or preservatives, making it a worry-free treat for your furry pal.
Check out our official website for more Awesome Pawsome treats, with 6 tasty flavors inspired by recipes humans love! Get it at a store near you.