Peanut butter is a beloved snack for humans and dogs alike, but not all peanut butter is created equal. Like us humans, our dogs have specific tastes and nutritional needs.
You’d be surprised, but dogs can be really picky eaters, too!
This is why it’s important to consider what makes up the ingredients, texture, and overall value of peanut butter when selecting one that’s safe and healthy for your pup.
What Makes a Good Peanut Butter?
It’s essential to find peanut butter that contains only simple, wholesome ingredients such as peanuts, salt, and maybe a sweetener such as honey or molasses. Avoid any kind of added sugar or preservatives, as these can cause health issues in dogs over time.
Natural peanut butter with no added oil is often the most healthful option as they don’t contain any unhealthy fats or cholesterol. Additional pro tip: always check for xylitol on the ingredient list, as it can be toxic to dogs, especially if ingested in large amounts.
How Much Peanut Butter is Too Much?
Like humans, moderation is key when feeding your pup peanuts or peanut butter, especially considering that peanuts are high in fats and oils. An excess of this treat can cause obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
The amount you should give them daily also depends on their size.
Small dogs should be limited to a half-teaspoon of peanut butter a day. At most, you can feed them peanut butter twice a day, but you should avoid making the consumption a daily habit.
For medium to large dogs, half a tablespoon twice a day is okay now and then.
If you plan to use peanut butter as a treat while training your dog, opt for low-calorie varieties with fewer added sweeteners to limit their calorie intake during the day.
Recommended Brands for Your Dog
After thorough research and consultations with veterinarians, the following brands are vet-approved for their quality and safety:
Jif Natural Peanut Butter: Made with Organic Peanuts, No Added Sugars
Known for its clean ingredient list, Jif Natural uses only organic peanuts and avoids added sugars, making it a wholesome choice for your canine companion.
Skippy Natural Super Chunk: Low in Sodium, High in Protein
Skippy Natural Super Chunk offers low sodium levels and a high protein content. This makes it a nutritious pick for active or training dogs.
Lily’s Peanut Butter: Available in Philippine Markets, No Harmful Additives
Popular in the Philippines, Lily’s Peanut Butter offers a locally available option free from harmful additives, meeting the needs of health-conscious pet owners in the region.
Which Types Should I Avoid?
When comparing different brands of peanut butter, avoid those made with hydrogenated oils. These contain trans fats, which have been linked to obesity and heart disease in humans and pets alike.
Also, avoid “low fat” varieties that replace healthy fats with sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other fillers that offer little nutritional value while potentially causing digestive upset in some dogs.
Finally, avoid giving your pup processed nut products such as chunky peanut butter, salted nuts, or a trail mix containing dried fruit. These snacks can quickly get stuck in their throats or cause intestinal blockages if consumed whole.
Conclusion
It’s essential to read labels carefully when selecting good-quality peanut butter for your pup. Look for healthy and balanced ingredients like peanuts, salt, and natural sweeteners like honey or molasses. Anything else may provide little nutritional value while potentially being harmful if consumed in large amounts over time.
Most importantly, though, remember moderation! A half-teaspoon per day should be plenty, so use it sparingly throughout the week as an occasional treat.
With careful consideration and research, you’ll find the perfect peanut butter brand for your pet’s tastes and nutritional needs.
Do you have a favorite brand that your dog loves?
