Is peanut butter a safe treat for your pup? Many have asked The Paw Squad® this question before and while there is no one size fits all answer, the short answer is yes.
What we do know is that this sweet treat is packed with protein and with a little caution, you should be able to integrate this treat into your pups’ diet safely. Check out some of our tips on incorporating this treat into your pups’ diet below.
- Use in Moderation: Too much peanut butter isn’t good for humans or our furry friends due to its fat content. However, as an ingredient in a “high-value” treat or as a mechanism to hide medications as well as a Kong or Bone stuffing ingredient, it can be a great option.
- Monitor for Reactions: Believe it or not, some dogs can be allergic to peanut butter too! It’s smart to introduce them to this treat in small amounts and then monitor for any negative reactions they may have. These can include: hives or small areas of swelling on their body, rapid or difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, and severe itchiness…and be aware of cross-contamination with peanut sensitive humans in your household.
- Check the Ingredients: When looking for a good peanut butter, you should always be sure to check the ingredients before purchasing. Some of the more processed brands contain Xylitol as an increasingly common sugar-replacement sweetener that’s in hundreds of food products. It’s an “all-natural” sugar substitute that’s fine for people, but it’s extremely poisonous to dogs.
Now that you know the basics on this treat, go get out that peanut butter jar and share the good news with your furry friend. March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day so don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate.
