Last Updated on 11/17/2021 by Veronica Jones
Peanut butter cookies are a delicious snack when you need a little pick me up, and our furry friends share our love for them. But can dogs eat peanut butter cookies and should you be sharing them with your pooch?
Let’s start by looking at what ingredients go into cookies.
Can dogs eat peanut butter cookies?
Is peanut butter safe for dogs? In short, as long as the cookies do not contain chocolate or xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is harmless to humans but can be fatal to canines, your dog can eat peanut butter cookies safely.
However, that doesn’t mean you should be allowing your pet to tuck into these treats because of the chemicals that human foods often contain. There are much healthier options available to reward your dog with.
Although peanut allergies are rare in dogs, they can react to foods that contain peanuts. Itching, red skin, bald spots and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of an allergic reaction that you should be aware of as a dog owner.
Can my dog eat a Nutter Butter cookie?
A Nutter Butter cookie contains a delicious creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched between two cookies and often shaped like a peanut.
Most Nutter Butters don’t contain Xylitol, however they do often contain unnatural ingredients such as additives and preservatives.
Xylitol can cause your pooch to experience vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, a sudden drop in blood pressure and fainting. In some cases, consumption of Xylitol can even lead to death.
Natural peanut butter dog treats
Instead of buying ready-made peanut butter, homemade dog treats are a much safer way to treat your pup to a tasty snack. Plus, nothing beats the smell of delicious treats baking in the oven.
All you need is:
• Whole wheat flour (2 cups)
• Eggs (2)
• Dog-friendly peanut butter (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (half a teaspoon)
• Baking powder (half a teaspoon)
• Cinnamon (half a teaspoon)
If your dog is allergic to peanut butter, swap it for pumpkin or sweet potato.
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 175 °C (347 ºF).
2. Add some baking paper to a baking tray.
3. Whisk all of the ingredients in a bowl and gradually add a small amount of water until the dough can hold its shape.
4. Roll the dough out and use a cookie mold to make shapes.
5. Place the shapes on the baking tray and bake for around 40 minutes until the biscuits harden and turn golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. You can even batch make the dough and freeze some for another day.
Which brands of peanut butter are safe for dogs?
If you want to give your dog a peanut butter treat, always choose natural, organic and unsalted peanut butter. Peanut butter is high in calories so shouldn’t be given as part of a dog’s daily diet.
Here are a few dog-safe peanut butter brands to consider:
• Green Coast Pet Pawnut Butter
• KONG Real Peanut Butter Tube
• Poochie Peanut Butter
• Hyper Pet IQ Peanut Butter
Avoid any brands of peanut butter that contain xylitol.
You can give your pooch organic peanut butter treats in interactive toys such as a Kong or adding some to a food bowl.
Can dogs eat regular cookies?
Cookies that are designed for humans to eat should not be shared with animals. Cookies, especially Nutter Butters, contain huge amounts of fats, sugars and artificial preservatives that dogs can’t process.
Cookies that don’t contain peanut butter do not contain any ingredients that are beneficial to canines. While butter, sugar and flour are not toxic to dogs, they are not healthy for them either.
Some cookies may contain toxic ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts and nutmeg.
If your dog is diabetic, sugary cookies should be kept well out of reach of your dog’s paws. If you think your diabetic dog has snatched one of your sugary treats from behind your back, call your vet for advice.
Can dogs actually eat peanut butter?
Yes, as long as the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, it can be given to dogs as a treat in moderation. Peanut butter contains healthy fats and is a great source of protein and niacin too.
Healthy fats: the fats found in peanut butter help maintain healthy skin in dogs. It has also been proven to improve irritated skin and dry coats for canines.
Protein: an essential part of a dog’s diet to build healthy muscles and repair muscles that are damaged. Protein also helps support a healthy immune system. Your dog’s food will contain the necessary amounts of protein, so make sure you don’t give your dog too much protein by only giving your pooch small amounts of peanut butter as a treat.
Niacin: also known as vitamin B3, helps to break down sugar and fat in a dog’s body to use as energy. Niacin also helps maintain a healthy digestive tract in dogs. Peanut butter is a good source of Niacin that can be given as an energy boost for canines.
How much peanut butter is safe for your dog will depend on the size of your canine friend. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about how much to include in your dog’s diet.
Dogs and peanut butter cookies
If you decide to treat your dog to some shop-bought peanut butter cookies, remember to check the ingredients first and avoid them if they contain xylitol. Making your own homemade dog biscuits or dog-friendly cookies is a safer and healthier option that you can enjoy with your pooch without worrying about any harmful ingredients.