Peanut butter is not only a favorite delicacy of many, but also a product that boasts a healthy diet. This is usually made from peanuts, a great source of good fats and proteins. However, in order for this product to benefit rather than harm our health, it is necessary to know a few important things.
Can Australian Shepherds Eat Peanut Butter? Yes, Australian Shepherds can eat peanut butter as long as it doesn’t contain Xylitol, a potentially hazardous artificial sweetener. Also, it depends on the quantity and secondly on the list of ingredients. You should also choose peanut butter with as little salt as possible and preferably no salt at all.
What Is Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is a soft spread that consists largely of ground peanuts. It was developed in the United States in the 18th century. Peanut butter can really be a useful snack for those who care about their health. This product, unlike many used today, is fortified with good fats. Peanut butter is also rich in vegetable protein and vitamin B.
Australian Shepherds, Peanut Butter and Xylitol
Peanut butter by itself is not dangerous for dogs. Most dogs find it so tasty that it can be used as a treat. There are a few safety issues around peanut butter that dog owners should be aware of.
Peanut butter should only be fed in moderation due to the high sugar content. In addition, you have to be careful what kind of sugar is used in the peanut butter. Some manufacturers use xylitol instead of sugar. Xylitol are known to be very toxic to dogs, and an excess of sugar can be harmful to the dog’s health, so it means that it is never a good idea to give products that contains a lot of sugar.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute, usually associated with various sweets, but it is also found in many other products, such as peanut butter. Of course, not all manufacturers put it in their products, so be sure to consider before choosing what kind of peanut butter to buy. The pancreas of the dog confuses xylitol for sugar and releases insulin to store it. This leads to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels which can be life threatening if it is not treated.
How Much Peanut Butter Can You Give?
The second typical concern is how much peanut butter you can give your Australian Shepherd? In general, all nutrition specialists recommend that pet owners should follow the 10 percent rule with treats. It means that treats should never make up more than 10 percent of the dog’s diet. If this is your dog’s first time having peanut butter, try starting with just a small lick and look how your Australian Shepherd behave afterwards, just to be on the safe side.
However, while peanut butter can be a healthy snack, be aware that it is very high in calories. Peanut butter should be kept as a high-value treat and only consumed on special occasions. It’s not something your Aussie should eat on a regular basis.
When Can You Give Peanut Butter to Your Australian Shepherd
As you probably already know, dogs should not be given delicacies very often. It should be like an incentive, a training tool. Your Australian Shepherd should do some task, then he deserves a treat for a well-done command or for good behavior.
Treats can also be used as a redirect tool. Delicacies can be given to puppies who like to chew everything in a row. The delicacies are chewed for a long time, so the puppies will forget other household items. A good example is a Kong toy. You can spread a little peanut butter inside. And your Australian Shepherd will have not only a good time but also a very tasty delicacy.
There are many dog cookie recipes out there, including some that use peanuts or peanut butter as an ingredient. Of course, as with anything sweet, the big amounts are not good for anyone, so be careful not to overdo it with peanut butter.
Watch How Your Australian Shepherd Reacts After Eating Peanut Butter
As it was mentioned above, give your Australian Shepherd a small amount of peanut butter at first, just to test how he reacts and if there are no negative signs.
If your Australian Shepherd shows any peanut butter intolerance signs, you should call your veterinarian for help.
Possible food intolerance could be:
- Scratching
- Skin problems
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If you notice any of these signs even after small amount of peanut butter, it can be that the dog is suffering from allergic reaction, and it is very important to contact your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Usually peanut butter is not dangerous for dogs. If you plan to give your dog peanut butter, choose the one with the least amount of additives. It’s best to buy unsalted and sugar-free peanut butter. It is best to give a very small amount initially to make sure the dog is not allergic. So, letting your Australian Shepherd to lick a little of spoon every now and then, not 7 days a week, is no problem. But be sure beforehand that you Aussie is not allergic to peanuts. If you notice anything unusual, take your Australian Shepherd to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.