If you’re a dog owner, you’re probably aware of how often peanut butter is recommended for dogs. Many dogs find the taste of peanut butter irresistible, so it has multiple uses beyond being a tasty snack. Since peanut butter has become so popular among dogs, you probably can’t help but wonder if it’s good for them.
Surely something so highly recommended can’t be harmful to dogs, right? Well, peanut butter is generally safe for dogs to eat and might be good for them in moderation. However, this only applies if the peanut butter contains no harmful ingredients and is formulated specifically for dogs.
Read on to find out if peanut butter is good for dogs and other noteworthy facts about peanut butter.
The 4 Reasons Why Peanut Butter is Good for Dogs to Eat
Peanut butter is more than just pureed peanuts in a jar: it’s a blend of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins. These nutrients have dietary benefits that make them naturally good for dogs to eat.
Not all types of peanut butter are created equal, and some contain dangerous ingredients that are not good for dogs. It is best to only feed dog-specific peanut butter and avoid those formulated for human consumption.
So, what makes peanut butter good for dogs?
1. High in vegetable proteins
For starters, peanut butter is a rich source of plant-based protein and essential amino acids. Dogs benefit from both animal and plant-based proteins in their diet. Peanut butter is particularly rich in, among others, the essential amino acids phenylalanine and lysine. Phenylalanine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones and leucine is necessary for muscle protein synthesis.
2. Healthy fats
Peanut butter is rich in healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Peanut butter contains polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic acid which is an omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid is not only essential for dogs since they cannot produce it themselves, but it also benefits the health of their skin and coat.
Although the fat in peanut butter is healthy, it should still be fed sparingly as it is high in calories. It’s important to offer peanut butter to your dog in moderation, as the calories in treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s total calories per day.
3. Source of B vitamins
Peanut butter is an excellent source of niacin or vitamin B3. Niacin is an important vitamin for dogs and plays a role in enzymatic and skin barrier function.
4. Multiple uses
The nutrients in peanut butter aren’t the only benefits for dogs. Peanut butter has multiple uses for dogs beyond being a tasty snack. Some dog owners use peanut butter to get their dogs on certain medications. Most dogs cannot resist consuming medications if they are covered in peanut butter. Additionally, peanut butter can be used to encourage dogs to chew on their toys or to keep them distracted while they are being groomed.
Dangers of Giving Peanut Butter to Dogs
While dog-specific peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, it’s important to know the dangers of some regular peanut butters. Before you rush to give peanut butter to your dog, be sure to check the ingredients on the label. Some ingredients that are seemingly innocent to us can be deadly to our dogs.
Xylitol
While many brands of peanut butter do not contain xylitol, there are many that do. Xylitol is generally used as a sugar substitute for humans and is extremely toxic to dogs. Even the smallest amounts of xylitol in peanut butter can put your dog’s health at risk.
Signs that your dog has ingested xylitol may include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Liver failure
- Convulsions
- Death
Too salty
Most peanut butter for humans contains added salt, which is not good for your dog in excessive amounts. Ideally, dogs should be offered unsalted peanut butter. Most dogs don’t prefer the taste of salty foods, so feeding them unsalted peanut butter will be no less enjoyable. food blog
Feeding Dogs Peanut Butter Safely
If you feel like feeding peanut butter to your dog, make sure it’s specifically formulated for dogs to eat or that you carefully check the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol or extra salt or sugar. Opting for peanut butter sold specifically for dogs can eliminate the risk of purchasing the wrong kind.
Peanut butter specifically for dogs, such as the popular Bistro Bark Mate Butter, is free of harmful ingredients that put your dog’s health at risk. They contain no xylitol or added salt, sugar or oils. Additionally, it was formulated to meet the dietary needs of dogs rather than humans.
You should not give peanut butter to your dog too often and ideally no more than a tablespoon for medium to large dog breeds. Smaller dog breeds should not eat more than a teaspoon of peanut butter at a time.
Conclusion
Peanut butter is generally good for dogs when fed sparingly and in moderation. In addition to being safe when xylitol-free and unsalted, peanut butter has dietary benefits for dogs. Peanut butter is full of healthy fats and essential plant proteins.
As with most treats, peanut butter should only be offered as an addition to your dog’s complete and balanced diet as it is a prize food.
소액결제 현금화 방법: https://mobilcashmall.com/