Dana Scott
Can dogs eat peanut butter? Most people never even bother to ask the question.
Peanut butter is just one of those foods people assume is safe for dogs.
Many pet owners and even some veterinarians are unaware that one of the most popular dog treats can be harmful.
Below, we talk about how the harmful fats in peanut butter can affect your dog’s health, and safer peanut butter alternatives you can give your pup.
Let’s start by exploring why peanut butter might not be the best treat for your dog.
6 Reasons Why Peanut Butter Is Toxic To Dogs
1. Lectins
Lectins are proteins produced by plants as a defense mechanism against predators, and peanuts contain high levels of these anti-nutrients. When consumed, lectins can bind to carbohydrates and sugars in the body, disrupting cell communication and triggering inflammatory responses.
This can lead to gut irritation and a condition known as leaky gut, where the gut lining becomes permeable, allowing lectins and other food particles to enter the bloodstream.
Lectin exposure can also contribute to a host of other health problems in dogs, including allergies, arthritis, and kidney disease.
2. Harmful Fats
Peanut butter often contains trans-fatty acids, which are created through a process called hydrogenation. This process stabilizes the fats, allowing peanut butter to have a longer shelf life ... but it also produces toxic fats that can cause chronic inflammation, leading to problems like diabetes and heart disease in dogs over the long term.
Additionally, the fats in peanuts can go rancid when roasted, further contributing to their toxicity. These rancid fats can exacerbate health issues such as allergies or joint problems in dogs.
To minimize these risks, it's crucial to avoid peanut butter with hydrogenated fats and opt for raw, non-hydrogenated varieties if you choose to give peanut butter to your dog, though high aflatoxin risk and other problems remain.
3. Sugar And Artificial Sweeteners
Many brands of peanut butter contain added sugars, which can contribute to a variety of health issues in dogs. Excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems, and it also provides a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and yeast, exacerbating infections and inflammatory conditions.
More concerning is the presence of artificial sweeteners like xylitol in some peanut butters. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and can cause rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia, seizures, and potentially death.
It's hard to enjoy peanut butter knowing this artificial sweetener poses such a big risk to dogs. So always check the ingredient list and avoid any peanut butter that contains xylitol or added sugars to keep your dog safe.
4. Imbalanced Fatty Acids
Peanuts are high in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial in moderation, but they have an unfavorable ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids.
One cup of peanuts contains an overwhelming 35,578 mg of Omega-6 fatty acids compared to just 196 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids.
This imbalance can promote inflammation in your dog's body, contributing to chronic health issues like allergies or joint problems.
Maintaining a proper balance of fatty acids is crucial for supporting a healthy inflammatory response and overall health ... which means peanut butter is a less-than-ideal choice for regular consumption.
5. Glyphosate Contamination
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, is commonly used on crops like peanuts to control weeds and accelerate harvest. Unfortunately, this chemical is absorbed by the plants and remains in the harvested peanuts, making it impossible to wash off.
Exposure to glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of chronic health issues in both humans and dogs.
Studies have found significant levels of glyphosate in many popular brands of peanut butter, including those marketed as natural or organic.
To minimize this risk, it's important to seek out peanut butter alternatives that are less likely to contain harmful chemicals and additives.
6. Aflatoxins
Aflatoxins are naturally-occurring mycotoxins produced by the Aspergillus fungus, and peanuts are particularly susceptible to contamination. These toxins are among the most carcinogenic substances known and pose significant health risks, including liver toxicity in dogs.
Research shows that aflatoxins can lead to acute liver damage and, with chronic exposure, cause impaired protein formation, and suppressed immune function. Even the FDA warns about aflatoxin exposure risks, noting its severe impact on the liver and overall health.
Unfortunately, aflatoxins are prevalent in peanuts and can be found even in organic, store-ground peanut butter, making it difficult to avoid them completely.
Safer Alternatives To Peanut Butter For Dogs
It's not the end of the world if your dogs eat peanuts or peanut butter. In fact, some people wonder how much peanut butter a dog can have. Dogs can eat as much as a ½ teaspoon for a small dog, twice per day, or 1 teaspoon for a medium or large dog, twice per day.
Still, given the risks above, we recommend avoiding peanut butter altogether if possible. Because while your dog likely loves peanut butter treats ... the fact remains there are many better options compared to feeding dogs peanut butter.
Raw bones are an excellent alternative choice, providing dental benefits and mental stimulation, while being free from harmful additives and contaminants.
Dehydrated liver is another tasty treat that's not peanut butter. It's a nutritious option, rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and minerals that support your dog's diet. And there's no risk of xylitol poisoning.
You can also explore homemade treats using dog-friendly ingredients like pumpkin or blueberries, ensuring your pet enjoys a safe and delicious treat without the risks associated with peanut butter.
If you absolutely must give your dog a peanut butter treat, it's best to make your own peanut butter so you know exactly what's going into it. Avoid both crunchy peanut butter and creamy peanut butter from the major peanut butter manufacturers you see in the grocery store.
FAQ
Which peanut butter is safe for dogs? When selecting a dog peanut butter, ensure it is xylitol-free peanut butter and contains no added sugars or hydrogenated fats. Opt for unsalted peanut butter or homemade peanut butter to avoid harmful additives and preservatives.
Is Jif peanut butter safe for dogs? Jif peanut butter may contain sugar and hydrogenated fats, making it less ideal for dogs. Always check the label and consider feeding peanut butter that is natural, unsalted, and free from harmful additives.
Which peanut butter has xylitol? Some peanut butter brands add xylitol as a sugar substitute, which is toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredient list to ensure you are providing xylitol free peanut butter for your pet.
Can my dog eat human peanut butter? Dogs can eat human peanut butter if it is free from xylitol, added sugars, and hydrogenated fats. Unfortunately, these ingredients are in many peanut butters. It's best to choose natural, unsalted, or homemade peanut butter to ensure it's safe for your dog.
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