Does your dog like peanut butter? This creamy treat is a favorite among both people and pups. In fact, it may very well rank as one of Man’s Best Friend’s favorite treats! Peanut butter can be a healthy way to get your canine pal’s cute tail going, as long as you don’t go overboard. A Roanoke, VA vet discusses giving Fido peanut butter below.
A Helpful Treat
Peanut butter had a bad rap for a while, but it’s actually a very healthy food. It’s not only high in protein, it also contains Vitamins B and E, niacin, and healthy fats. Peanut butter deserves a bit of extra appreciation because it can actually be quite handy. Is your canine pal chewing destructively? Fill a Kong toy with some PB, and let him go to town. It’s also a great addition to pill pockets. And, as you may have seen, it’s also sometimes used just to distract Fido as you’re bathing him or cutting his nails.
Safety
Did you know that many peanut butter brands contain xylitol? Xylitol is often found in processed foods, such as cakes, cookies, and gum. While it’s safe for us, it is definitely not safe for Fido. Your canine pal could have a blood sugar spike, with the crash coming soon after. Warning signs include dizziness, collapse, weakends, and seizures. You also don’t want to combine your furry friend’s peanut butter with jelly or other sugary foods. Chocolate is definitely a huge no. Ask your vet for more information.
Treats
Want to get Fido’s cute tail going? Combine one cup of pureed pumpkin with some natural peanut butter, an egg, and whole-wheat flour. Divide into small portions, and bake at 375F for about 15 minutes. Be sure to have your pup do a cute trick for his snack!
Tips
It’s probably safe to say that your canine companion would be thrilled to have peanut butter available all day, every day. However, this yummy snack is very high in calories. There are about 188 calories in just two teaspoons. All of those health benefits we mentioned earlier could be negated if your pooch gets obese! In fact, too much pb can lead to pancreatitis. Ask your vet for specific advice, including serving sizes.
Do you have questions about your dog’s diet? We can help! Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, today!
