Calling all peanut butter lovers—January 24th is National Peanut Butter Day! Whether you prefer it crunchy, smooth, with chocolate, or with jelly, this is a celebration you definitely wouldn’t want to skip out on!
First patented by Marcellus Gilmore Edison in 1884, peanut butter has been around for more than a century now, yet it remains a classic favorite in many American households. However, humans aren’t the only ones going nuts for the nutty food spread, our canine friends are, too! But the question is, should we share spoonfuls of peanut butter with them on National Peanut Butter Day?
Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?
If you’re wondering whether or not peanut butter is safe for dogs, then the answer is yes—it can even be beneficial. With peanuts as its main ingredient, peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, as well as vitamin B, vitamin E, and niacin. For dogs, the unsalted variant is the best and safest choice.
However, like with any other food, moderation is key. Feeding your dog too much peanut butter could lead to obesity and more serious complications, like diabetes pancreatitis. Some dogs may also be allergic to peanuts and suffer fatal inflammatory reactions when fed peanut butter.
So before you let your dog lick peanut butter off that spoon, make sure to contact your veterinarian first. They’ll let you know if your dog can tolerate it and how much is okay.
The Dog-Killer Peanut Butter
While most peanut butter variants are safe for dogs, you should steer clear of those that have chocolate, grape jelly, or xylitol—all of which are unsafe for dogs.
What makes chocolate a no-no for dogs is that it contains a compound called theobromine, which acts similarly to caffeine. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have the ability to digest it, so it builds up to toxic levels and cause poisoning.
Grapes, together with raisins and currants, on the other hand, are known to cause sudden kidney failure in dogs—sometimes even in small amounts.
Out of the three, xylitol is the most dangerous. Often used a sugar substitute, it’s a common ingredient in peanut butter, as well as gum, toothpaste, candies, chewable vitamins, and baked goods. While it’s perfectly safe for humans to consume, it’s extremely toxic to dogs.
When dogs consume xylitol, it causes their body to release large amounts of insulin, causing their blood sugar levels to plummet. This condition is known as hypoglycemia and if left untreated could easily lead to death.
How to Make National Peanut Butter Day More Fun for Your Dog
Use Stimulating Treat Dispensers
Instead of letting your dog eat peanut butter the old fashioned way (AKA licking it off a spoon), make the experience more engaging and challenging by using a treat dispenser! We especially love these ones (click on the names for more details):
- Kong Dog Toy: A durable rubber toy that allows you to stuff your dog’s favorite wet treat or food paste inside for your dog to enjoy!
- Hyper Pet LickiMat: A rubber slow feeder that lets you spread wet treats or food pastes onto its textured surface.
Bake Some Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Make National Peanut Butter Day more special by whipping up some delicious, peanut butter dog treats for your pooch! If you’re feeling extra, ditch out your old recipes and try out a new one. Whether you choose to get creative and brainstorm never-before-tried peanut butter combos or go online for some inspiration, we’re sure your canine companion appreciate it!
Have a Peanut Butter Dog Treat Party
If you’re more of a social butterfly than a cook, then why not invite your friends and their furry pals over for a peanut butter dog treat party? Encourage everyone to bring their dog’s favorite peanut butter delicacies for other canines to enjoy during the celebration.
You’ll have a blast catching up with your friends and the dogs will enjoy munching on tasty peanut butter treats—everybody wins!
How do you plan on celebrating National Peanut Butter Day with your dog?
