We already know that dogs would eat just about anything they see us eat. One common food people want to know about is peanut butter. So below we answer the question “can dogs eats peanut butter?”
Let’s dive in and see if peanut butter is safe for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
According to research, dogs can digest peanut butter and, yes, are able to eat it… with a few caveats (outlined below).
Now you probably already know about this because you’ve probably given your dog some peanut butter in the past. We don’t blame you; our beloved pets are hard to resist!
Dogs love peanut butter – it drives them nuts!
It seems like they can sense it even before you start opening the peanut butter jar.
But the bigger question here isn’t whether or not your dog can eat the delectable treat, but whether or not it is safe for them.
There are some health facts regarding peanut butter that you need to be aware of before you give in to the temptation of feeding your dogs another spoonful.
Peanut butter usually is a healthy snack for dogs – as long as it is given in moderation.
It is also a great source of protein for our pets. A little peanut butter now and then also provides healthy fats and different nutrients such as Vitamin B, niacin, and Vitamin E.
Some Cautions About Feeding Dogs Peanut Butter
However, peanut butter is only good for your dogs if it is unsalted or, better yet, homemade. The benefits of giving your dog homemade peanut butter are that you know exactly what’s in it and you can only add ingredients that you know won’t be harmful to your pet.
On the other hand, salted peanut butter – or the regular ones you can buy from the store – contains an unhealthy amount of sodium that can cause a lot of health problems for your buddy. Most store-bought peanut butter brands also contain high levels of sugar and additives.
A BIG Warning to Keep in Mind When It Comes To Dogs and Peanut Butter
If you are giving your dogs store-bought peanut butter, be sure that they are unsalted and doesn’t contain Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs. This is often found in health products such as toothpaste, breath mints, and sometimes baked goods.
In this case, it is always good to read the label to make sure you know what you are giving to your pets. If you are unsure about a certain ingredient, it is best to give your veterinarian a call.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Please check out other articles in the series including Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
