
Breed Spotlight: Catahoula Leopard Dog
Happy National Catahoula Day! Celebrated on April 8th, this national…
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.
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:
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
Directions
Happy Peanut Butter Lover’s Month!
Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.