Giving Fido Peanut Butter

Today, March 1, is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day! It’s probably safe to say that your canine buddy would be delighted to celebrate with you. Many pups are quite fond of this rich, creamy treat. It’s perfectly fine to give Fido some PB on occasion. However, there are some things to keep in mind. A Washington DC vet discusses giving your pooch his snack in this article.

Benefits

Peanut butter is very healthy, but it’s also very high in fat. Like the egg, it’s bounced back and forth between being considered good and bad. The final verdict? There’s a lot to love beside that rich flavor. PB is packed with protein. It also contains Vitamins B and E, niacin, and healthy fats. Two paws up for those health benefits!

Brands

Before giving Fido his PB, check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, an additive which is toxic to pets. Xylitol is safe for us, but can cause dizziness, collapse, and even seizures in dogs. 

Pairings 

Hopefully this goes without saying, but don’t mix Fido’s PB treat with chocolate, frosting, and/or other sweets, like marshmallow, jams, or jellies. Fluffernutters are definitely out of the question!

Amounts

Peanut butter does pack a lot of calories, so you’ll need to take care not to go overboard here … no matter how cute your furry pal looks when he’s begging. You aren’t doing Fido any favors by overfeeding him! 

Uses For Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can actually be a pretty useful pet-care tool. For one thing, it’s great for using in pill pockets. You can also spread it on dog biscuits. This can make a good high-quality training treat. (Just don’t do that too often, as that makes for a pretty calorie-heavy snack.) It can also come in handy as a distraction during baths or nail-trim time. Some people have even gone so far as to smear peanut butter on shower walls or wind cling wrap around their foreheads and put it on that. Consult your vet before trying those—or any other—viral pet care hacks.

Bacon/PB Ice Cream

Want to make your canine friend a special snack? Mix natural PB with pureed pumpkin and bacon fat and/or bacon bits. Divide into small portions and freeze overnight. Voila! Instant tail wags.

As your Washington DC animal clinic, we’re always here to help. Contact us anytime!