Peanut Butter Things To Love & Learn

Hounds & Houndettes Everwhere Salute The Mighty Peanut

When Marcellus Gilmore Edson first patented peanut butter in 1884, he probably had no idea it would become a taste sensation for humans and dogs alike. Whether you go crunchy or smooth pet parents everywhere are sharing spoonfuls with their furry companions. Peanut Butter is a healthy, favorite treat chock full of good stuff for your fur babies. It is an excellent source of protein, heart-healthy fats, and vitamins B, and E. If your house is like mine there is even a couple of kongs filled with Peanut Butter at the ready for a special treat.

Some Peanut Butter Brands Contain Xylitol

But while we are extolling the virtues of Peanut Butter, be very sure your brand of choice does not contain Xylitol. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that while safe for humans can make pets who eat Xylitol become very sick. In some cases, they could even die. This most important fact to your hounds and houndettes is that YES they can have Peanut Butter and YES it is even good for them. But with the many varieties and brands of Peanut Butter lining store shelves everywhere, as dog parents, we need to ensure our Peanut Butter of choice DOES NOT contain xylitol. So dog parents, after you double and triple check the ingredients, feel free to get out the jar and a spoon and make your dog’s day.

Pet Parents Make The Best Detectives

You may have to do some detective work reading labels. Xylitol may not be listed as such. Beware of labels listing the following. All are forms of Xylitol and need to definitely be avoided.

•  xylite
• anhydroxylitol
• d-xylitol
• xylitylglucoside
• 1,4-anhydrous-d-xylitol

Even extremely small amounts of xylitol can cause your dog’s blood sugar level to drop drastically sending them into a hypoglycemic crisis. An easy way to think of this is to consider xylitol 22 more times as deadly to dogs than chocolate.

Allergies: Not Just For People

Just like humans, our dogs can also have allergic reactions to peanuts. And just like with humans, that allergic reaction can range from mild to severe. Until you know for sure that peanuts/Peanut Butter is safe for your canine friend, don’t overload him or her right off the bat.

Signs of An Allergic Reaction

1. Coughing
2. Sneezing
3. Hives
4. Swelling, especially around the mouth and face
5. Trouble breathing

If any of these symptoms appear in your dog after feeding them peanuts or Peanut Butter, STOP, don’t give them anymore, and call your veterinarian right away to find out what to do next. You may be able to treat a mild reaction with an oral antihistamine like Benadryl. Anything more serious requires quick veterinary attention.

Peanut Butter, How Much Is Too Much of A Good Thing?

As amounts vary with humans, the same is true with dogs. What may be an OK amount for dog “A” may not be an OK amount for dog “B”. It also will vary from Peanut Butter to Peanut Butter. The best way to determine what is OK for your particular furry friend is to check the number of calories on the label. A good rule of thumb seems to be about 1/2 tablespoon a day for small dogs and no more than approximately 1 tablespoon for larger dogs.

All Nuts Are Not Created Equal!

Peanuts are one of the safest “nuts” you can give your dog when plain, de-shelled and have no additional additives or sweeteners. Tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Definitely watch out for mold on walnuts, hickory nuts, and pecans. This mold secretes mycotoxins which can cause symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle tremors. One of my personal favorites, macadamia nuts, are one of the most dangerous nuts of all. More research is being conducted on these human yummy creations, but it is believed to be a neurotoxin. A dog who has gotten his or her paws on macadamia nuts may show signs of lethargy, joint stiffness, weakness of their hind legs, along with vomiting and seizure.

A forewarned pet parent = a safe, healthy fur baby. Enjoy your furry companions, if they are Peanut Butter lovers like NY Vinny and Lady Norma, go ahead and have some quality time over a spoon of Peanut Butter. Above all LOVE THEM!

Do you have any interesting Peanut Butter Facts? Comment below.

To read some about some Fun Facts & History Of Peanut Butter. Go to: https://houndpower.net/?p=57452

Watch for the next article on keeping your dogs healthy and safe.`