It’s no secret that dogs love peanut butter, but is it really okay for your pet to have crunchy peanut butter specifically? Crunchy peanut butter has small pieces of peanuts throughout, which some pet owners worry can cause problems for their pets.
In the article below, you’ll find out more information about whether or not it’s okay to give your dog crunchy peanut butter and what it can do for your pet as well. Read through this guide to get a better idea of which type of peanut butter, if any, is best for your furry friend.
Creamy vs. Crunchy
Creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanut butter are both equally safe for dogs. They both contain the same ingredients and nutrients, which means they do the same things for your dog regardless of style.
As long as your dog is old enough to eat kibble, she should be perfectly safe eating crunchy peanut butter without the risk of choking on a peanut. Very small dogs, however, may be more at risk of choking than larger dogs, so keep this in mind when choosing for your pet.
Organic vs. Non-Organic
There is no real difference between organic and non-organic peanut butters when it comes to feeding your dog. Both types of peanut butter are equally safe and healthy for your dog as long as they are made only from simple ingredients including peanuts, oil, and real sugar. There are some ingredients that are dangerous for dogs which we will discuss more in-depth in a later section.
Of course, if you have a preference when it comes to purchasing organic or non-organic peanut butter, it’s fine to stick to one or the other. Just make sure to carefully read the label before giving it to your dog, no matter which one you choose.
Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs
Peanut butter contains many healthy nutrients that are good for dogs (and humans too). When fed in moderation, it can provide an additional boost of protein as well as vitamins B and E. It is also a healthy source of fat that is a great addition to your dog’s diet as a supplement. For all these reasons, it’s easy to see why peanut butter is recommended as a healthy snack for dogs now and then, as long as you don’t overdo it by feeding it too often.
Peanut butter also has the benefit of working well as a treat even for dogs who are not usually food motivated. Most dogs love the taste of peanut butter and will follow commands and behave better when they know they’re getting some peanut butter out of the deal. You can also fill a Kong or other similar toy with some peanut butter and freeze it for your dog to enjoy when she has to be left alone for a while. The frozen peanut butter entices her to lick it, but it remains solid for a long time, so the treat lasts a long while too.
Dangerous Additives to Look For
Peanut butter that is made from just peanuts, oil, and real sugar is perfectly safe for dogs in moderation. You should, of course, not give your dog too much of this treat, as overindulgence in sweet food and oils can contribute to a risk of diabetes in your pet. But a little peanut butter made with simple ingredients every now and then is perfectly safe for your pet to enjoy, as long as you’re careful to read the label before giving it to her.
Every now and then, peanut butter may contain an ingredient called Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely harmful to dogs. It may be labeled as Xylitol specifically, or it might go by another name that begins with the letters “xyl.” Any of these ingredients can be potentially fatal to your pet if ingested. Xylitol toxicity causes rapid breathing and heart rate as well as difficulty standing or walking. It can lead to dehydration and pale gums, especially if your dog is unable to get to the water dish because of the weakness and paralysis it can cause. In more severe causes Xylitol toxicity may cause seizures and death.
Dogs Can Eat Crunchy Peanut Butter
As you can see, dogs can eat crunchy peanut butter. There’s no real difference between giving your dog crunchy or creamy peanut butter. Instead, the ingredients in the peanut butter are what make a bigger difference, so make sure you’re carefully reading the labels of any peanut butter you consider giving your dog.
If you are worried about giving your dog crunchy peanut butter for any reason, remember that you don’t have to. For more information, contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic by calling (843) 553-0441. We will always be here for you and your pet!