When it comes to your dog’s obsessions, peanut butter likely ranks right up there with chasing squirrels and W-A-L-Ks. And while the sticky stuff makes both animal and owner happy (it’s a delicious distraction and instant behavior booster all in one!), is it good for your pup?
Read on for more, along with our guide on how to make peanut butter dog treats.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Yes—for the most part. It’s nutrient-dense thanks to its high levels of fat and protein, so peanut butter is a perfectly acceptable treat for your four-legged friend. But the type of peanut butter you buy matters. Never give a dog a nut butter that has xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener that can be fatal to canines, or one with trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils, which can cause diabetes or heart disease.
Your best bet? A 100% natural peanut butter that is made solely from peanuts.
Psst: Here are more “people” foods that you can share with your dog. Just make sure you keep these dangerous foods away from Fido.
How to Make Peanut Butter Dog Treats
While you can certainly give your pup a scoop of peanut butter straight from the jar, you can also mix it into treats for an extra-flavorful (and less messy) bite. Bonus: This recipe from Whole Foods includes parsley, which is a natural breath-freshener for dogs.
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of oat flour
- 2/3 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of dried parsley
- 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 egg, beaten
Step 1: Stir It Up
Preheat the oven to 300°. Then mash the banana—the more ripe the better—in a bowl, using either a spoon or potato masher, before adding the remaining ingredients. Now, just make sure everything’s thoroughly combined. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes—perfect for a quick fetch sesh.
Step 2: Roll & Press
Begin by rolling 24 small balls of dough, using about one tablespoon of the mixture per ball. Then place the balls onto a baking sheet and gently press them into flat coins with the back of a spoon or your hand.
Pro Tip: Use parchment paper on top of your baking sheet to prevent the treats from sticking and to help them cook evenly.
Step 3: Bake, Cool & Treat
Place the treats in the oven and let them cook for 40 to 45 minutes, or until firm and a dark golden brown. Remove and let cool completely before treating your pup to homemade happiness. Store the batch in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Want more delicious homemade dog treat ideas? Whip up one of our favorite Fido-approved recipes.
Jealous? Make These Peanut Butter Snacks for People, Too
This recipe packs so much flavor into a beautiful, healthy presentation. I love to serve it as an hors d'oeuvre or as the main dish when I have folks over. It's always a hit! I usually serve it with a little extra hoisin on the side. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
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Everyone loves ice cream, but we all know it doesn't make a great after-school snack. Until this! With its sweet banana-almond flavor and chunky texture, this appealing banana peanut butter "ice cream" is a crowd-pleaser. People who ask me for the recipe can't believe how easy it is to make. —Kristen Bloom, Okinawa, Japan
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Being a New England native, I love apple-picking season. Grab some apples and peanut butter to make your own creamy riff on a PB&J. Of course it’s great on a sandwich, but you can dunk sliced fruit or graham crackers in it, too. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, South Dakota
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I work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital and when I come home in the morning, I don't feel like cooking a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears, and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
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As a vegan, I'm always looking for impressive dishes to share. Sweet potatoes loaded with beans and a touch of peanut butter are one of my mom’s favorites. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
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I wanted pumpkin pie for breakfast but without the effort. This smoothie delivers that wonderful pumpkin-cinnamon combo. Dress it up with a little whipped cream and a sprinkle of granola on top. —Alisa Christensen, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
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We moved into a house with a garden that needed tending. Using the herbs we found, we made these fresh-tastic wraps for our first dinner there. —Chris Bugher, Asheville, North Carolina
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This delicious dip is full of flavor, color and crunch, but not full of calories. There's mild sweetness from the honey with a bit of heat at the end from the pepper flakes. If spicy food is your thing, feel free to add an extra dash of pepper. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
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I converted these blondies to be gluten-free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were really craving brownies one night, and this cakelike treat hit the spot! —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York
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I found this recipe years ago and immediately served it for a ‘company dinner. It’s easy and fun and takes only minutes to cook, but it makes a fancy entree for special occasions. The peanut butter and soy sauce lend a nice Asian flavor. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
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I keep these little bites on hand in my refrigerator and grab them for breakfast or snack on when I'm in a hurry. We have a lot of food allergies in our family and I like to keep healthy snacks around that everyone can eat. This recipe has no gluten, eggs, dairy or corn, so it's the perfect go-to treat in our house. —Tanja Miller, Peoria, Arizona
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The classic flavors of peanut butter and bananas come together in this kid- and adult-friendly oatmeal. I tweaked one of my diet recipes to fit my husband's taste buds. We have eaten it many mornings. —Debbie Perdue, Westland, Michigan
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Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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When you bite into one of these yummy cookies, you'll never guess it's low in fat. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
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Perfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska
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As a toddler, my son loved bananas, so we always had them in the house. We didn't always eat them all before they were too ripe, so we experimented beyond basic banana bread. That’s how we came up with Elvis bread! —Liz Somppi, Greenfield, Wisconsin
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My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It's a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut
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With Kansas being one of the top wheat-producing states, it seems only fitting to share a recipe containing whole wheat flour. These are great muffins to have for breakfast or a late night snack with a cup of hot cocoa. —Regina Stock, Topeka, Kansas
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A little sweet, a little sour, and a whole lot of flavor! These kabobs make a wonderful accompaniment to any party or get-together. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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The post Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Taste of Home.
Amanda Tarlton
