Most dogs enjoy eating peanut butter due to its taste and smell. However, some do not love this taste and would rather be given another treat by their owners. So why is that? Read on to find out why some dogs do not enjoy peanut butter and what other alternatives you can use.
Why Doesn’t My Dog Like Peanut Butter?
Just like humans, dogs can be picky eaters as well. Although most dogs love peanut butter, some would rather not eat it. This is especially common with toy breeds or the smaller breeds of dogs that tend to be picky with their food. You can try other alternatives to peanut butter instead.
Is it Normal for A Dog to Not Like Peanut Butter?
There is no need to be alarmed if you notice your little friend does not like peanut butter, yet many dogs love it. As mentioned earlier, some can be picky eaters. Fortunately, the lack of peanut butter on your dog’s diet does not mean they will get sick or that they are missing out on an essential nutritional meal. Find alternative ways to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need.
How is Peanut Butter Used by Dogs?
Peanut butter can be used for a few reasons, as seen below.
Help The Dog Take Medicine
Some dogs can be problematic when taking pills. Most people will therefore use it to hide pills inside. This is a method recommended by most vets as a small amount of peanut butter is enough to hide medication. Because peanut butter has a strong scent and is sticky, most dogs will just gobble on it without knowing a pill is inside. You can also spread the peanut butter on a piece of bread and put the pill inside. That way, giving your dog medication does not have to feel like a chore.
Alleviate Boredom
Dogs love attention and playing. Therefore, when the weather is terrible, or the owners are occupied, they get bored quickly. They also need mental stimulation, and when they are bored, they might cause trouble by damaging your furniture, mail, or their favorite toy. To prevent this boredom, most people stuff some peanut butter inside a Kong toy to keep them engaged for a while. The licking and chewing can also reduce stress and keep your dog happy. Another alternative for a Kong is a Licki mat. It also helps calm your dog down while they are enjoying the peanut butter. It also encourages the behavior of licking, which can help stimulate the dog’s tongue.
It is Healthy
Peanut butter is also nutritious. It contains proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. It also has folic acid, which aids with cell growth, and magnesium, which helps cells metabolize complex vitamins.
What To Put in a Kong Toy if My Dog Does Not Like Peanut Butter
If your dog does not like peanut butter, here are a few alternatives you can put inside the Kong toy:
- Canned, wet, or dehydrated dog food: This is what most people use. You can actually use dog food that your dog does not eat as much. The special treat will help keep your dog busy while adding nutrients.
- Canned pumpkin: This is one of the healthiest treats for your dog. Fresh pumpkin is also good, but canned pumpkin has a higher concentration of nutrients like fiber. This is because fresh pumpkin contains a high water content. Be careful when getting canned pumpkins, as some come with additives like salt, sugar, and spices that can irritate the dog’s stomach.
- Unsweetened applesauce: You can mix unsweetened apple sauce with some yogurt, then freeze it. Not only is it good for keeping the dog busy, but it can also be used when your dog has a upset stomach. It is gentle and has a lot of liquids, so it helps with hydration as well.
- Sweet potatoes: This is another alternative you can stuff inside the Kong toy. Ensure it is well cooked and the skin has been removed. The skin can be hard for the dog to digest.
- Chicken: This is a great treat that you can stuff inside a toy. And it also has no effects, even if your dog eats it every day.
- Peas: Peas are another alternative that is healthy for dogs. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. They also have lutein, which is an antioxidant that helps the heart and skin. However, if your dog has kidney problems, do not feed it peas. They have a compound called purine which produces uric acid. Too much uric acid can cause kidney conditions like kidney stones.
How Can I stuff Dry Dog Food In a Kong?
It is also possible to stuff dry dog food inside a Kong. Take a portion of the dog food and pour it into a container, then add some water. Ensure the dog food is completely submerged in the water. When the food has soaked for about 30 minutes, it will start swelling and become soft. You can then take the soft dog food and put it inside the Kong. Put it in a freezer for it to harden, then serve your dog afterwards.
Is Peanut Butter Bad For Dogs?
Not really. Peanut butter is actually a great and safe treat that most dogs will love. It is an excellent source of vitamins B and E, healthy fats, proteins, and niacin. However, it needs to be eaten in moderation. Always go for homemade peanut butter since it lacks additives or extra sugar, or unsalted peanut butter. High sodium levels are not healthy for your dog.
How Much Peanut Butter Can a Dog Eat?
As it has health benefits, too much peanut butter can cause obesity or other health conditions like pancreatitis. To find out how much peanut butter is enough to give to your dog, call a vet. This is particularly important if your dog has health issues like diabetes or other food sensitivity issues.
Another alternative is the 10% rule. Basically, any treats you feed a dog should not be more than 10% of the dog’s diet. Even with the nutritional benefits, peanut butter should be categorized as a dog’s treat. That means it is used to complement a dog’s diet and not replace it. Also, note that alternating with other health threats like dog vegetables and fruits are better than using peanut butter only.
Can I Feed my Dog Peanut Butter Every day?
It is not advisable to feed your dog peanut butter daily. Twice or thrice a week is recommended. On other days, use healthy treats like fruits and vegetables that are dog-friendly. For small dogs, 1/2 of a tablespoon is enough, while for medium-sized dogs, about 1/2 to 1 will do. For the large breeds, about one tablespoon to 1 1/2 is okay.
When is Peanut Butter Harmful to Dogs?
As much peanut is delicious and safe for dogs, some ingredients used may cause problems. Some brands use xylitol as a substitute for sugar, which can be deadly to dogs even though it is harmless to humans. Fortunately, most peanut butter brands do not use it, but that does not mean you will not find it on shelves. If you know you enjoy sharing your peanut butter with your dog, then confirm you are getting a brand that does not have xylitol.
So how does this ingredient affect a dog? Once a dog takes xylitol, the compound causes the pancreas to rapidly release insulin, leading to a significant drop in blood sugar. The effects include general weakness, disorientation, seizures, and tremors. If the amount consumed is a lot, it can lead to liver failure.
Do Dogs Suffer from Peanut Butter Allergy?
Even though it is rare, dogs can also develop peanut allergies. Allergies can result in skin reactions, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, anaphylactic shock, rashes, vomiting, hives, among others. If you notice such symptoms after feeding your dog peanut butter, consult a vet immediately. It is also good to consult a vet before feeding your dog some food as they can guide you on what to feed the dog and what to avoid. Suppose you are unsure whether your dog may have any allergies. In that case, the best way is to try giving them in small quantities and observe any reactions.
What Peanut Butter is Good for Dogs?
Here are a few categories you may want to consider for your dog’s peanut butter treat.
- Dog-friendly peanut butter: This is peanut butter made for dogs specifically. It lacks any harmful ingredients like xylitol, stabilizers, and hydrogenated oil. It is perfect for your little friend.
- Commercial peanut butter: This is regular peanut butter that you will find in any grocery store. Just ensure it does not have xylitol.
- Homemade peanut butter: This is a healthy option that you make at home by grinding peanuts.
- Natural peanut butter: Organic peanut butter contains peanuts only. It does not have any preservatives like the commercial peanut butter. You will mind that it is sugar-free, preservative-free, non-GMO, and salt-free.
What To Give my Dog Instead of Peanut butter
Below is a list of alternative treats you can feed your dog instead of peanut butter.
- Pumpkin seeds: You can find them in your grocery store, and are most likely cheaper than peanut butter. It has fiber which aids with digestive issues. It also has potassium and iron, which aid with keeping the blood pressure under control and boosting the dog’s cardiovascular system.
- Almond butter: Almond butter provides your dog with magnesium and vitamins E and B2. However, note that some dogs cannot digest almonds well. So, even if it is not toxic, be cautious, and limit it to just a tiny amount.
- Sunflower seeds: Your dog will get niacin, vitamins E and B, selenium, fiber, iron, and protein from sunflower seeds. When making the sunflower seed butter, the seeds should be raw, unshelled, and unsalted.
- Cashew butter: Cashew contains healthy fats plus magnesium, copper, and manganese. Due to their high-fat content, feed your dog only a small amount of cashew butter. About a teaspoon or four cashews is enough for the smaller breeds, while for a bigger dog, a tablespoon is enough.
- Sesame seeds: Your dog will be getting iron, selenium, zinc, copper, and Vitamins B6 and E. All these are great for strengthening the dog’s immune system. Sesame seeds also have magnesium and calcium.
- Chia seeds: They contain calcium, iron, protein, fiber, and magnesium. Chia seeds help reduce inflammation, enhance puppy growth, brain development, among other things.
- Hemp seeds: Your dog can digest hemp seeds with ease. On top of that, they contain antioxidants, proteins and provide the body with about nine amino acids. Hemps seeds also have a good balance of omega 6 and omega 3 fats, which helps with inflammation. Other nutrients in hemp seeds include magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, potassium, zinc, and vitamins E and B.
What Can You Replace Peanut Butter With?
Just because nuts and seed butter have nutritional benefits does not mean that you should substitute them for a healthy diet. Your furry friend eating dog food is the best way they can get the beneficial nutrients. The majority of a dog’s daily calories are from dog food. Treats are only meant as a once in a while thing.
What Natural Treats can I Feed my Dog?
There are other natural treats you can feed your dog which are totally healthy. However, every time you introduce a treat to a dog, start doing it in small portions and see if it can handle it. Even if your friend is using a treat on theirs, dogs are different, and maybe yours will not react the same way.
- Bananas: Bananas have healthy nutrients, and most dogs love them. Also, this is a treat that most likely will always be in your home if you love fruit. However, ensure you do not overdo it because of the high sugar content.
- Watermelon: Ensure you have removed all the seeds first to prevent intestinal blockage.
- These are great veggies, especially for pups—also, the high fiber content aids in digestion.
- Strawberries: They provide vitamins, but you should limit intake due to the high sugar content.