Is Peanut Butter Safe For Dogs?

There’s been a long withstanding debate among dog owners about peanut butter. Some say that they fed their dogs with peanut butter, and they’re completely fine, while some claimed that it almost killed their pets.

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

Peanut butter is actually rich in Protein, Niacin, Vitamin B, and Vitamin E, which are known to be helpful in dogs. Protein and Niacin help in muscle development, while Vitamin B and Vitamin E aid in brain and nerve functions.

However, some peanut butter brands contain Xylitol, Aflatoxins, excessive sugar, and harmful unbalanced fats, which can pose serious threats to your dog's health.

In short, the answer to this question is that yes, dogs can eat of peanut butter, granted that they don’t contain these harmful ingredients. Which pretty much means that dogs can only consume organic brands. So, the answer to this debate actually lies in the nutritional facts indicated on the peanut butter.

But if you want to be safe than sorry, it’s best to skip the peanut butter and just look for other dog treats that contain all of these vitamins. There are also of course, a wide range of supplements for dogs which will provide the necessary nutrition.

What are the risks of eating peanut butter for dogs?

Xylitol is the number one component of some peanut butters that causes poisoning in dogs. It is used to substitute sugar. While it is safe for humans, it can seriously affect the health of dogs.

Xylitol triggers an overproduction of insulin in dogs’ bodies. This results in a rapid decrease of sugar levels in their blood. Dogs will then experience hypoglycemia, usually characterized by lethargy, fainting, nausea, and even vomiting.

Another risky component in some peanut butter is Aflatoxins. These are poisonous carcinogens that are acquired during the growing phase of peanuts. While they cannot pose serious threats when consumed in small doses, excessive amounts can trigger liver cancer.

Dogs love the taste of peanut butter because they’re sweet. Once they taste it, they will demand more. This is exactly one of the reasons why it’s dangerous for dogs- it’s too sweet. It contains an excessive amount of white sugar, which can trigger diabetes.

Too much sugar can also make dogs’ bodies a good breeding ground for fungi and parasites. This makes them more susceptible to allergies, yeast infections, stomach worms, and other bacterial infections.

Lastly, peanut butter has harmful unbalanced amounts of fats. This can lead to various heart diseases, especially atherosclerosis, in which blood vessels are blocked by fat build-up.

The excessive amount of Omega 3 and 6 can also joint inflammation. This is why it’s best that they’re consumed in regulated amounts to ensure their health benefits, such as lubricating joints and increasing mobility.

This is why we always recommend natural peanut butters not containing Xylitol or Aflatoxins.

How to treat peanut butter poisoning in dogs

If you think that your dog has eaten an excessive amount of peanut butter, you can induce vomiting by feeding them grass. However, it’s still best that you immediately consult a veterinarian. This is because dogs have active digestive systems, and they might have broken down the poisonous components already.

Feeding your dogs isn’t enough. You have to feed them right. This includes avoiding food that may pose a threat to their health.