By Isabel Merriman
Occasionally the question, “Is peanut butter safe for dogs?” comes up, and in most cases, the answer is yes. However, there is important information to know before giving your dog the tasty treat peanut butter.
Generally, peanut butter is safe for dogs to consume. Peanut butter provides a great source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin, to name a few. Although peanut butter offers health benefits, it is essential to remember that peanut butter is a treat and to give it in moderation. It is important to remember too much of anything, including peanut butter, is not good for dogs.
When picking out peanut butter for your dog at the store, there are a couple of important things to keep in mind. All-natural peanut butter is ideal. If that is not possible, it is critical to check the labels. Some peanut butter contains the chemical xylitol, a sugar substitute that is poisonous to dogs. Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (rapid drop in blood sugar) and potential liver damage, to name a few. A toxic amount of xylitol is smaller than a toxic amount of chocolate for dogs. Avoid brands such as ‘Go Nuts, Co.,’ ‘Krush Nutrition,’ ‘Nuts ‘N More,’ and ‘P28’, which are known to have xylitol in their peanut butter. It is best to avoid peanut butter that says “Natural sweetener” or “Sugar-Free” since companies do not always disclose exact ingredients like xylitol. However, it is uncommon for peanut butter to contain the chemical. It is also best to avoid crunchy peanut butter and stick to smooth to prevent any choking hazards.
Additionally, it is important to know that dogs can develop allergies like humans, including peanut allergies. If your dog has an allergy to peanuts, peanut butter should be avoided at all costs. If your dog has an allergic reaction or consumes xylitol, call your vet immediately.
As mentioned previously, few brands across the globe contain xylitol, and peanut butter is safe for dogs. Xylitol is uncommon in the United States. When creating ‘Peanut Butter Dogs’ and ‘Peanut Butter Puppies’ and during photoshoots, we ensure our furry friends are safe, all labels are checked, and the dogs are given small amounts of peanut butter.
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