Is Peanut Butter Good for Dogs?

Did you know November is “Peanut Butter Lovers Month”? That’s right—and nobody proves to be better peanut butter lovers than our beloved canine counterparts! We’ve all rewarded our furry friend with a spoonful or two of peanut butter, but is it actually healthy for our dogs?

We did a little investigating to find the answers!

It turns out that peanuts are a legume and not actually a nut (isn’t that nuts?) and as it turns out, is generally considered safe fordogs—but not for cats. Our feline counterparts have been known to get digestive upset from eating peanut butter. As well, while there are not many health benefits for our whiskered friends, peanut butter does have a handful of health benefits for your pups.

• The protein, vitamin E, and healthy fat content contribute to a full a shiny coat.
• Peanut butter contains higher levels of antioxidants
• It can provide an energy boost to tired or lethargic dogs

There can be hazards though when it comes to giving your tail-wagging buddy a peanut butter treat. Crunchy peanut butter has always been my personal favorite—but that won’t be the same for your pup! The tiny nutty bits are potential choking hazards. Stick to creamy peanut varieties, and make sure to watch for sodium content. Too much added salt can be bad for your furry friend just like it is for us. When picking peanut butter brands, the natural low-sodium variety is recommended. (It’s also healthier for you, so you’re doing yourself and your tail-wagging friend a favor when you make the purchase!) Some brands we recommend include:

• Smucker’s All Natural Peanut Butter with No Salt Added
• Simply JIF Peanut Butter with Low Sodium
• SKIPPY Natural 1/3 Less Sodium & Sugar Peanut Butter Spread

Like us as well, dogs can have peanut allergies. Watch to see if your pet develops any symptoms such as hair loss, vomiting, or rashes after ingesting peanut butter. If this occurs, we advise taking your dog to the veterinarian to see if a peanut allergy needs to be diagnosed.

How much is too much?
Stick to a serving of a teaspoon a day at most, and for extra fun, place that dollop inside your dog’s favorite KONG toy. The peanut butter taste will last longer, and he will further enjoy his play time. You may also enjoy whipping up a peanut butter treat for your pooch. Pinterest has several links to good ones, including this one from The Simple Life Blog by Rachael Miner:

Ridiculously Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
•  1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 cup skim milk, or 1 cup hot water (NOT BOILING WATER)
• 1 egg, this is optional you do not have to include it. The egg makes a dogs coat shiny

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with tinfoil or parchment paper and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl combine the whole wheat flour and the baking powder. Then, in the same mixing bowl add the milk, or hot water, and peanut butter.
• Carefully mix the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients. If the dough is too dry add a little more milk or water, or if it is too wet add an additional tablespoon of flour until it is not too wet.
• Place dough on counter and roll it out with a rolling pin, or flatten the dough out with your hands.
• Use dog bone cookie cutters and cut the dough into various size dog biscuits. Place cut out dog bones on cookie sheet. Leave space between the bones on the cookie sheet because they will spread slightly and rise. If the dough gets too sticky while you are cutting out the bones sprinkle it with flour and it will decrease the stickiness.
• Once all the dough is cut up bake the bones for twenty minutes at 375 degrees. The bones should be light brown when done. Allow the bones to cool before giving one your puppy!

Happy Peanut Butter Lover’s Month!