Can dogs eat peanuts? In principle, YES dogs can eat peanuts safely, because they are not considered toxic to be a toxic food to your dog, unlike other nuts.
What about peanut butter? Is peanut butter good or bad for dogs?
You love your dogs and it is only natural that you would want to share the food you love with your pets. Be Careful though as it can be dangerous to feed animals that are made for human consumption.
This article will examine if it is safe to feed peanuts and peanut butter to your pooch.
What you need to know about dogs, peanuts, and peanut butter
Dogs love peanuts, and we sometimes give dogs peanuts as rewards we cannot, however, assume peanuts are good for them.
While we may enjoy watching our dogs have a peanut treat, not all peanuts are safe for dogs. Peanuts and peanut butter are great sources of protein, fats, vitamins and other nutrients. Just because they are delicious does not mean that they are safe for your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
Yes, dogs can eat peanuts but only in moderation and only if the peanuts are in their natural state.
The peanuts can be dry-roasted but ensure that they are unsalted and unflavored. The added sodium and other artificial flavorings that are added to some peanuts can be detrimental to the health of your dog.
Make sure that you remove the shell from the peanut before offering it to your dog. The shell is abrasive and can potentially damage the dog’s digestive track. The shells sometimes have a fungus that grows on them. This fungus can be a real health risk to your dog.
How much can my dog have?
The number of peanuts you give to your dog will naturally depend on the size of the dog, his appetite and how much the dog likes the nuts.
Although peanut butter is beneficial for dogs, it should be given only on special occasions. It should not be a regular treat or in place of a meal as an excess can be harmful.For a puppy or small dog no more than a teaspoon full of peanut butter at a time; a bigger dog can have up to a tablespoon.
Peanuts should, however, be given in limited amounts, do not allow the dog to help himself to as much as he wants. They should be given as occasional treats only and not as part of the dog’s usual diet. Excess consumption of peanuts can result in a stomach upset or even pancreatitis.
As with all things, the first time you give the dog a new food give only one or two and observe the dog for any reaction it might have to the new food. There is always the danger of the dog having an allergy to a new food and peanuts are one of the foods that are known to cause allergies.
If there is a problem, contact your vet immediately to find out how to proceed.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is more easily digested than whole peanuts as the dog may not chew the peanut sufficiently to extract all the nutrients for the nuts.
Read the ingredients on the bottle you do not want to feed your dog peanut butter that has additives, as this will be unhealthy or even dangerous for your pet.
Choose a brand that does not have added sodium or sugar, or another sneaky ingredient protein powder.
Creamy peanut butter is a better choice than Chunky peanut butter to give to your pet. The oil in the peanut butter if taken in small quantity is great for your dog’s health. If taken in excess, added sodium can cause sodium ion toxicosis.
Xylitol which is a sugar substitute found in some peanut butter is toxic for dogs. It may cause seizures, loss of control, disorientation or excessive panting. Xylitol is sometimes labeled: “natural sweetener” or “sugar alcohol”, but it remains the same toxic chemical.
Xylitol is safe for humans but not for dogs Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some peanut butter and nut butter. It is an active ingredient used in gums, mints, and sugar-free toothpaste.
When your dog eats peanut butter that contains Xylitol, insulin is released, and its blood sugar level decreases too rapidly and can lead to liver failure and even death. If your dogs have any side-effects, you need to get help from a professional without delay.
Even if there are no side effects and the dog loves this new treat; do not give the dog too much peanut butter, just a little as a treat from time to time.
Peanut butter can be a great aid when giving medicine to your dog. To get a sick dog to take its medicine, wrap the tablet in peanut butter; the dog will take its medicine without a fight. Win win situation for both of you.
Did you know that it is possible to get peanut-butter-flavored toothpaste? This product works like magic for dogs that don’t like to get their teeth cleaned.
Peanut butter treats also work as rewards to dogs that are being taught new tricks.
The reward will help to enforce the new behavior, and the dog will be eager to repeat it when he knows a new reward will be in store for him.
The Benefits of Peanuts
Peanut butter has several benefits for your dog. Some of these advantages include
- Used as a reward peanut butter can help train your dog.
- It contains protein and is low in carbohydrates, which can boost your dog’s energy and stamina.
- Peanut butter contains Omega-3-fatty acids, which can help reduce high cholesterol. All natural peanut butter is also great for dogs that have canine diabetes. This is due to the low carbs and high protein and fats.
- Peanut butter can mask a dog’s bad breath. It is not, however, a permanent fix, A dog with bad breath should get proper dental treatment or a checkup with a vet to make sure there is not a more serious underlying cause.
- Peanut butter contains vitamin E which helps boost your dog’s immune system.
- It also contains vitamin H which keeps your dog’s coat and skin in great condition.
- It contains niacin, which helps to keep blood flow optimal–
- The fiber contained in it will help to keep your dog’s colon clear and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
- Calcium another property helps give your dog strong bones and teeth.
Can dogs have peanut allergies?
Obviously, not all dogs will be allergic to peanuts, but some dogs may be allergic or become allergic to peanuts after prolonged use. You just have to be very observant of your dog’s reactions when you feed them peanuts or peanut butter.
Do not assume that if the dog did not react the first time badly that it will be okay forever. Continued monitoring of your pet is essential.
The first time you give a dog a new food is the always the most important. So make sure that the initial portion is small and that you watch the dog for any reaction.
The outward signs of an allergy are skin rashes abnormal swelling of the lips or tongue or an uncontrollable itch. If you see, any of these signs take the dog to the vet immediately.
Make Your Own Peanut Butter Dog Treats
This delicious dog biscuit recipe by Paula Bodeen is a must.
Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit
Ingredients:
- 1 x egg
- 1 x cup of smooth peanut butter.
- 1 x tablespoon of baking powder.
- ¾ x cup of fat free milk.
- 2¼ to 2½ x whole wheat flour.
Method:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Whisk egg, milk and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl.
- You can add more or less liquid according to what your dog likes.
- Add the flour and baking powder, mix into a very stiff dough.
- Flour your work space and roll out dough to ¼ -inch thickness.
- Cut the dough to the size that suits your dog.
- Bake for about 20 minutes at 325 degrees on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Turn the biscuits over and bake for another15 minutes.
- Remove the finished product from the oven and allow to cool.
- Store in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Fresh and 100% natural peanut butter and unshelled peanuts are great for your dog when given in moderation. They have so many nutritional benefits and can occasionally be given as treats or rewards to dogs
Always check the ingredient label before purchasing any peanut butter. Lastly, always remember what is good for you doesn’t mean it is right for them.
Please use the comment section to share your thought and feelings.
