Can dogs eat peanut butter?

There are various treats that dogs love, and these treats can also be little snacks and goodies we consume, ourselves. 

Many people love peanut butter, so it’s no surprise that some might think it’s a good idea to give their dogs this popular treat. However, it’s important to remember that dogs and humans have different nutritional needs, so what may be tasty and harmless to us could be harmful to them. It is not safe for dogs to eat, despite what many people think. Even natural, organic varieties with no added sugar can be harmful to both humans and dogs.

There are various reasons why peanut butter may be bad for dogs.

Some brands of peanut butter are now adding Xylitol, which can cause a condition called hyperglycemia where blood sugar levels become too high. Seizures, liver failure, and death can occur in extreme cases. 

The second reason is that regular peanut butter contains sugar, which can lead to constant inflammation, diabetes, obesity, oral disease, yeast overgrowth, cystitis, and cancer. In fact, the more sugar consumed, the greater the risk for these diseases.  

Many types of peanut butter have been shown to contain aflatoxins, which are mycotoxins that occur naturally and are produced by a fungus called aspergillus. These mycotoxins are very carcinogenic, and peanuts have been shown to contain high levels of them. This can lead to cancer and liver toxicity.

Peanut butter contains a type of chemically-modified fat known as a trans fatty acid, which helps to preserve it, but also makes it more harmful to consume. Trans fats have been linked with health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic inflammation.

There are no benefits to eating peanut butter. The best you can do is eat raw peanut butter with no added sugar or unhealthy fats, but that does not negate the fact that peanuts contain high levels of aflatoxins.

It’s better to be safe and look out for another treat, or of course, feed these tasty treats to your dog in moderation.