Nutty goodness

Peanut butter can be your best tool in coaxing Fido to eat the food he hates, train a stubborn pooch or simply keep him occupied.
Pets Team 08 October 2014

Peanut butter for dogs?

Ask around and you will be surprised at the number of pooches that are huge fans of this paste made from ground roasted peanuts. Not only is it one of the few human foods that is actually safe for Fido, it has several nutritional benefits for our furry friend as well. It contains healthy fats,vitamin B, niacin and vitamins E and H. In fact, it is believed that a moderate amount of peanut butter can contribute to a shiny and luscious coat. Vitamin H also strengthens the nails and keeps the skin healthy. On the other hand, vitamin E help to fight diseases and illness and improves a canine’s overall immune system.

Despite the possible benefits, peanut butter should really be used only as a treat. When consumed in large amounts, it will add unneeded calories to Fido’s diet. Besides weight gain, there is a risk of tummy upset and even pancreatitis in extreme case. As it is high in calories and fats, the recommended dosage is not more than a teaspoon a day for a healthy dog. It may not be suitable for all canines as the occasional dog may suffer from peanut allergies. Hence it is important to watch out for any adverse reactions that can range from non-life threatening symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, to more severe signs like bloat, swelling of the facial region and respiratory difficulties.

Apart from being a life-saver when administrating medication to dogs, there are many other ways to utilise this delicious treat. Stuff some into a non-toxic, rubber toy such as Kong and you will find that it is a perfect tool for keeping Rover occupied for an extended period of time

Choosing the right one

With the large number of peanut butter variants available, it can be a challenge deciding the right one for Fido. Avoid chunky varieties as the peanuts may present a choking hazard, especially for young puppies. Choose brands that are free of preservatives and chemicals and stay away from those that use any artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, as they can be toxic to dogs and even other animals. You should select an organic, unsalted and creamy peanut butter for your furkid.

Make your own

If you are concerned about the ingredients that go into a commercially produced bottle of peanut butter, why not take some time and make your own all-natural paste from scratch?

Here’s what you need.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Serving: 1½ cup of peanut butter

Ingredients

2 cups unsalted, roasted peanuts
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon peanut or safflower oil (optional)

  • Place peanuts into a food processor or high-speed blender and process for 3minutes.
  • Add in the optional ingredients and blend for another minute or so until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Spread it on a dog cookie or put some into a toy and let Fido lick it up immediately. Scrape the remaining peanut butter into a storage container, cover and refrigerate. It will keep for several weeks in the fridge.

 

image source: www.seriouseats.com/images/2013/12/20131210-leftovers-pb.png