Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats for dogs, so it’s not surprising that they love it so much. However, when it comes to peanut butter cookies, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

Many peanut butter cookies contain some harmful added sugar as well as other ingredients that may not be good for dogs which often causes health issues to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter Cookies- To know more about dogs and peanut butter cookies, then keep reading as we have a lot to enlighten you about dogs and peanuts.

Can Dogs Safely Consume Peanut Butter Cookies?

Dogs can eat peanut butter cookies as it has some basic nutritious components which can be beneficial to your pet. However, its level of consumption is largely dependent on the ingredients used in making them. This is because not all are healthy to be consumed by your dog. Some of them are highly toxic and harmful to their health.

Furthermore, dogs can eat peanut butter cookies if they contain no chocolates, preservatives, or added sugars like xylitol. Also, if your canine buddy is allergic to peanuts, flour, or wheat, they should not be eating peanut butter cookies because they could develop an allergic reaction like itchy skin.

Understanding Peanuts Butter Cookies

When we talk about peanut butter cookies, we are referring to those types of cookies that have peanut butter as one of their main ingredients. They are usually soft and chewy with a crisscross pattern on top which is made by pressing a fork on the dough. 

Description And Ingredients Commonly Found In Peanuts Butter Cookies

Below are the ingredients that are commonly found in peanut butter cookies. They are:

A. Peanut butter

The peanut butter is exactly what gives the cookies their flavour and texture. Some recipes use natural peanut butter, which has no added sugar or salt. Others tend to use regular peanut butter. It is important to avoid peanut butter that contains xylitol as they are toxic to dogs.

B. Butter

adds richness and moisture to the cookies. Some recipes use unsalted butter, 

This adds richness and moisture to the while others use salted butter. If using salted butter, you may need to reduce the p of salt in the recipe.

C. Sugars

Most recipes use a combination of white and brown sugars, which create a sweet and warm flavour. Brown sugar also helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.

D. Egg

This acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough. Some recipes usually use one large egg, while others use two.

E. Flour

This gives the dough structure and helps it hold together. Most recipes use all-purpose flour, but some may use oat flour or other gluten-free flour for dietary reasons.

F. Baking soda and baking powder

These are leaveners that help the cookies rise and spread in the oven. Some recipes use both, while others use only one or the other.

G. Salt

This enhances the flavour of the other ingredients and balances out the sweetness. Some recipes omit salt if using salted butter or peanut butter.

Nutritional Content Of Peanut Butter Cookies And Its Potential Benefits For Dogs

Below are the nutritional components of peanut butter çookies which make them unique and special.

1. High In Protein.

They are a key part of your pup’s diet and it is recommended to have 18–22% dietary protein each day. It helps to maintain tendons and ligaments, as well as in forming blood, muscle, hair, and skin. 

Giving your pet a spoonful of peanut butter now and then ensures that it’s getting quite a bit of protein, as peanut butter has roughly 25% protein. That’s a lot. Can

2. High In Fiber

Peanut butter is an excellent source of insoluble and soluble fibre. And though your dog doesn’t need a ton of fibre in its diet, it does require at least help to regulate its digestive system. 

Fibre can prevent the formation of harmful bacteria, reduce instances of diarrhoea, and possibly even reduce the risk of your pup getting colon cancer.

3. Contains Niacin

Peanut butter goes is niacin or vitamin B3. This vitamin is especially beneficial for your pup as niacin breaks down fat and sugar into energy. 

So, if your pup has hit an energy slump, then this vitamin is the one that will help it boost its energy levels. And niacin also aids in keeping the digestive tract healthy, which is a bonus for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

4. Contains Healthy Fats

Peanut butter is definitely high in fat. These fats, like polyunsaturated fatty acids, are helpful in maintaining healthy skin and improving dry and irritated skin and coats. These healthy fats also help aid in growth and immunity.

5. Vitamins

Niacin isn’t the only important vitamin found in peanut butter that your dog needs. Peanut butter also contains a fair amount of Vitamin E, which is important for maintaining the health of the eyes, skin, and muscles. Vitamin E also helps regulate metabolism. 

Additionally, peanut butter is also rich in biotin and folic acid (Vitamin B7 and B9), which aid in keeping skin and coats healthy, plus assist in the production of red blood cells.

6. Contains Vital Minerals

It contains numerous vital minerals which are good for your dog. However, among all the vital minerals, magnesium is the most vital and important. It helps produce energy and reduces the damage free radicals cause. 

Peanut butter also has manganese, which can help your pup metabolize carbs and protein. Finally, peanut butter is a good source of phosphorus, a mineral that works in conjunction with calcium to strengthen teeth and bones.

More Like This: Can Dogs Eat Nutella: Understanding The Impact Of Nutella On Your Dog’s Health 

Potential Risks Of Peanuts Butter Cookies For Dogs

Below are the potential risks of feeding your dogs with peanut butter cookies. They are as follows:

1. Allergic Reaction

The first risk of peanuts is allergies to certain ingredients in cookies. It can be anything such as wheat flour etc. 

However, to curtail the chances of your dog experiencing any allergies, you need to stop feeding your dogs with them and take your pup to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has a peanut allergy.

2. Choking Hazard

This solely depends on the size of the dog, peanut cookies can be choking thereby resulting in a choking hazard. If your dog is one to get excited over treats, there’s a chance they will try to quickly devour several if they have the opportunity to enjoy it again. So it is important that you try and store it away in a place where they are out of reach for grabs.

3. Diabetes

Eating sugary food or cookies, can result in the development of diabetes in your dog which is a potentially fatal condition for a dog if their blood sugar levels become too elevated.

4. Obesity

Cookies are loaded with fats. Therefore, consuming too much fat regularly can lead to obesity in animals. Obesity in dogs might show signs such as lethargy and your body becoming prone to cardiovascular health issues, including high blood pressure.

5. Stomach Upset

If your dog consumes too many cookies or other human food at a high rate, there will be a problem of stomach upset or even abdomen pains which can make your dog very uncomfortable. Visit your veterinarian if the pain persists.

6. Xylitol Toxicity

Avoid giving your dog human cookies or even sugar-free cookies since they are likely to contain xylitol. Xylitol is a sweetener that is highly poisonous to dogs. 

Some brands of peanut butter contain the sugar substitute xylitol. This artificial sweetener can be life-threatening to dogs as it can cause a condition known as hypoglycemia which can result in liver failure that can be fatal.  

So, it is advisable that before you feed or buy any store peanut butter cookies, you should study the label of the cookies and ensure that there isn’t any xylitol on them.

7. Tooth Decay

Too much consumption of cookies or sugar cookies can cause your dog to develop some tooth problems such as tooth decay.

8. Portion Control 

Peanut butter has a high fat content, so if you own a dog. You should be concerned about your dog’s weight and should avoid feeding them too much. 

Based on the 10% rule, treats should contribute only 10% out of 90% of your dog’s daily calories. So ensure that you feed your dogs with moderation.

Benefits Of Peanut Butter For Dogs

Below are the benefits of peanut butter for your dog. They include:

1. Protein

This is one of the first benefits of peanut butter cookies. It contains proteins which are important to dogs. It is an essential part of your dog’s diet, and peanut butter is a great source. 

Most peanut butter contains around 25% protein, which is high for plant-based food. Protein benefits your dog by providing amino acids that support its immune system, repair and maintain cells and assist with making hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.

2. Fibre

Another key reason peanut butter is beneficial for dogs in moderation is it contains fibre. As with humans, fibre is essential for regulating your dog’s digestive tract. It is broken down into fatty acids to strengthen the colon or prevent bad bacteria from forming. Fibre also reduces the chances of diarrhoea or constipation and also speeds up bowel movements, reducing the time your dog’s digestive tract is exposed to carcinogens.

3. Healthy Fatty Acids

Peanut butter is famously high in fat. They contain high amounts of healthy fats. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, contain omega-6, which promotes growth, immunity, healthy skin, and more. In addition, healthy fats are still a type of fat and are high in calories.

4. Vitamins

Peanut butter is a good source of vitamin E, an essential nutrient for both humans and dogs. 

a. Vitamin E is key for maintaining healthy muscles, eyes, and skin. It also helps promote healthy cells and regulate fat metabolism. Additionally, studies show that vitamin E may help prevent arthritis. Peanut butter is also rich in B vitamins, like biotin, niacin, and folic acid.

b. Biotin (vitamin B7) helps maintain healthy skin, coat, and nails. Veterinarians often give dogs with dry skin vitamin B7 supplements. 

c. Niacin (vitamin B3) aids the metabolism of fatty acids, boosts brain function, and acts as a catalyst for hormone production. 

d. Folic acid (vitamin B9) promotes healthy fetal development and assists red blood cell production and DNA synthesis.

5. Essential Minerals

Several minerals in peanut butter are essential to a dog’s diet. Peanut butter contains magnesium, a macromineral involved in energy production at the cellular level. 

Magnesium also helps with oxidative stress, reducing the impact of free radicals. Dogs suffering from a magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) may have difficulty walking, muscle pain, and seizures.

Another mineral found in peanut butter is manganese, which dogs need to produce energy and metabolize proteins and carbs. Peanut butter is also high in phosphorus, which works with calcium to improve bone and teeth strength.

Use Of Peanut As A Training Tool Or For Mental Stimulation

Peanut butter can be used as a training tool or mental stimulation for dogs in various ways such as:

1. You can use peanut butter as a reward for teaching your dog new tricks or commands. Peanut butter is a high-value treat that most dogs love, so it can motivate them to learn and perform better.

2. You can spread peanut butter inside hollow bones and toys, such as Kongs, and freeze them. This can keep your dog occupied for hours, as they try to lick out the peanut butter. This can also help with separation anxiety, boredom, and destructive behaviour.

3. You can hide peanut butter in different places around the house or yard, and let your dog sniff it out. This can stimulate their natural hunting instincts and provide mental enrichment.

Safe Ways To Incorporate Peanut Butter Into A Dog’s Diet

Some safe ways to incorporate peanut butter into a dog’s diet are:

1. Use peanut butter as a reward for training or teaching new tricks. Peanut butter is a high-value treat that can motivate your dog to learn and perform better.

2. Spread peanut butter inside a rubber dog toy, such as a Kong, or on a lick mat. This can keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated for a long time, as they try to lick out the peanut butter.

3. Mix peanut butter with your dog’s regular food or use it as a food topper. This can add some variety and flavour to your dog’s diet, as well as some extra nutrients.

4. Hide peanut butter in different places around the house or yard, and let your dog sniff it out. This can stimulate their natural hunting instincts and provide mental enrichment.

Safe Peanut Butter Treats For Dogs

The safest peanut butter treats are homemade peanut butter treats. Homemade peanut butter cookies are preferred to the ones sold in retail stores. Most commercial ones are primarily for human consumption and contain preservatives, added salt, and sugars. 

Hence, they are unsafe for your furry friend. With homemade peanut butter, you have the advantage of using ingredients safe for the health of your furry friend.

1. Peanut Butter Cookies For Dogs

Peanut butter cookies are a delicious way to treat your furry best friend. Made with a base of wholesome peanut butter and oats, these yummy peanut butter snacks for dogs provide a nutritious and irresistible treat. 

Combining peanut butter and banana makes for an incredibly tasty reward that even the pickiest of pets will love. With just the right amount of sweetness, these homemade dog treats are sure to put a smile on any pup’s face.

Category

Dog Treats

Servings

8 treats

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Ingredients

1 ¾ Cups Oat Flour

½ Banana Cut into 4 Chunks

¼ Cup Peanut Butter

1 Tbsp Flaxseed Meal

2 ½ Tbsp Water

Preparation

A. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

B. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

C. Mix flaxseed meal and water together to create a flax egg.

D. Blend together peanut butter, flax egg, and banana in a blender.

E. Pour mixture into a bowl of oat flour.

F. Stir until it becomes a dough, and then roll it into balls.

G. Flatten with a fork to create a criss-cross pattern.

H. Bake for 15 minutes, then let cool.

I. Serve and watch your pups enjoy.

2. Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 eggs

1/4 cup water

Note: You can use other kinds of peanut butter such as chunky, but if you do you’ll probably need to add more water to the mixture in order to make it into workable dough.

Preparation

A. Preheat your oven to 350 F.

B. Mix together your flour, peanut butter & eggs in a large bowl until slightly combined.

C. Add in a little bit of water (approximately one Tbsp at a time) until the mixture becomes wet enough to roll out as dough.

D. Roll out your dough & cut out your favourite shapes with some cookie cutters.

E. Place your treats onto your baking sheet & cook for about 15 minutes. For a little bit of crunch, I like to take mine out once the bottoms start to darken.

Note: If you use regular-sized cookie cutters this recipe will make 36 treats (it makes 3 baking sheets worth of treats). For storage, these can be kept in the pantry for a week. Since this recipe makes so many treats I usually keep half in the pantry and freeze the other half for later.

If you don’t have any cookie cutters on hand you can use a knife to cut out some fun shapes, or you can make some DIY cookie cutters of your own using soda cans.

3. Soft Peanut Butter And Carrot Dog Treats

To make these scrumptious treats, grab the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup (255 grams) peanut butter

¾ cup (180 grams) skim milk

1 large egg or ¼ (32 grams) cup unsweetened applesauce

⅔ cup (60 grams) shredded carrot

2¼ cup (290 grams) flour

1 tablespoon of baking powder

⅓ cup (30 grams) of oats

Preparations

A. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prep two baking sheets. Parchment paper or baking mats will make removing the cookies easier.

B. Use a large bowl to mix your ingredients. Start with peanut butter, milk, eggs, and carrots. Then add your baking powder, flour, and oats. You may need to knead it a bit, and you want the texture to be nice and thick.

C. Roll out the dough so it’s ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Cut the desired shapes out and arrange the cookies on your sheets.

D. Bake for 15 minutes or until light brown.

E. Remove the cookies, flip them over, and pop them back in the oven for another 10–15 minutes. The longer you bake them, the crunchier they’ll be.

Note: Your pup likely won’t be able to eat all of this in a reasonable amount of time, so you can freeze the dough for up to two months.

4. PB And Banana Treats

Ingredients

1 peeled banana

1 cup (128 grams) oat flour

⅔ cup (60 grams) rolled oats

½ cup (64 grams) diced parsley

3 tablespoons of peanut butter

1 beaten egg

Preparation

A. Prep your supplies and preheat the oven to 300°F (148°C).

B. Use a spoon, spatula, or masher to squish up that banana! It’ll be gooey.

C. Add the flour, egg, oat, parsley, and peanut butter. Mix thoroughly.

D. Roll the dough into balls. You’ll likely make around 24 balls, and each will contain around a tablespoon of mix. After rolling, flatten them into 1–1½ inch (25–38 mm) thick coins, then place them on your sheet.

E. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the bottoms are a nice, crispy golden brown. Allow them to cool before feeding your pups.

Note: These treats are best served cold from the fridge. You can also freeze them for later, just let them thaw a little before serving them up.

5. PB and Oatmeal Treats

Looking for something simple? This PB and Oatmeal treat is the perfect pick! You don’t need many ingredients, either! Here’s what to grab:

Ingredients

2 cups (256 grams) of flour

1 cup (128 grams) of rolled oats

⅓ cup (30 grams) of peanut butter

1¼ cup (294 grams) of hot water

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you can start cooking.

Preparations

A. While you get things ready, preheat that oven to 350°F (176°C).

B. Use a large bowl to mix the dry ingredients, which will be your flour and oats.

C. Add in your peanut butter and water. Your dough might get a little sticky. If this happens, add a little more water. You don’t want to make glue.

D. Knead that stuff!

E. Roll out the dough into a ¼ inch (6 mm) sheet and cut out the desired shapes. 

F. Place the shapes onto your baking sheet. You may add an egg wash on top if you want; it’ll make them nice and shiny.

G. Bake for 40 minutes.

Like the other treats, these can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Let them thaw (or cool) before you feed them to your pup.

6. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats

Is your pup in an autumnal mood? Give them a taste of fall with this yummy pumpkin and peanut butter treat recipe. To make these, you’ll need:

Ingredients

⅔ cup (225 grams) pumpkin puree

¼ cup (60 grams) peanut butter

2 large eggs

3 (or more) cups of flour

Once you have your ingredients ready, follow along with us! Here’s how to make these delicious bites:

Preparations

A. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°F) while you’re prepping your treats.

Using an electric mixer, beat together the egg, puree, and peanut butter. You want them to be well mixed.

B. Once you’re satisfied with this, slowly mix in 2½ cups (70 grams) of flour. Your dough may require extra to become less of a sticky mix, so add it in ¼ cup (30 gram) increments. You want to have a nice, doughy consistency like you’d expect from any other cookie.

C. Use a lightly floured surface to knead the dough. Once it’s well mixed and kneaded, you can roll it into a ¼-inch (6 mm) thick slab. Cut the shapes out and arrange them on your baking sheet.

D. Bake for 20–25 minutes. They should be a lovely golden brown when they’re ready.

Store-Bought Peanut Butter Treats Designed Specifically For Dogs

Examples of store-bought peanut butter treats include

A. Peanut Butter Kisses

What happens when two cookies collide with peanut butter?. You get our delicious Peanut Butter Kisses treat. These amazing cookies are perfect for any pups, and they’re available in packs of one dozen. You can even mix and match your cookies by using our Barker’s Dozen ordering page.

B. PB And Yummy Bars

Another of our in-house faves are the adorably delicious PB and Yummy Bar. It is made with peanut butter, honey, yoghurt, and applesauce, this dog-safe treat is sure to turn heads. 

Like all of our treats, these specially baked goodies can easily be delivered directly to your doorstep.

C. Mutter Butter Cookies

Let your pup take a bite out of a classic with our Mutter Butter cookie. This is our classic pick, and it can be part of your Barker’s Dozen. You can even get nothing but Mutter Butters.

These tail-thumping beauties are baked with the finest ingredients, including peanut butter, honey, and applesauce.

Tips For Introducing Peanut Butter Treats Into A Dog’s Diet

You can introduce peanut butter treats to your dog’s diet through the steps below.

A. Give peanut butter treats in moderation. 

Peanut butter is high in calories and fat, so it should be avoided in large quantities.

B. Avoid peanut butter treats for puppies under a year old. They don’t have strong enough stomachs to digest the fats.

C. Check The Label For Xylitol. 

This is a sugar substitute that can be dangerous for dogs. It is found in some peanut butter brands and some peanut butter treats. It’s best to buy a pet-safe peanut butter made specifically for dogs or to make your own peanut butter treats at home with natural ingredients. 

D. Watch Out For Allergies. 

Some dogs may have a hypersensitivity reaction to peanut butter, resulting in facial swelling or skin reactions. If your dog shows any signs of allergy, stop feeding peanut butter treats and seek veterinary care.

E. Use Peanut Butter Treats As A Reward Or A Distraction. 

Peanut butter treats can be used to hide pills, distract your dog during grooming, or fill toys like Kong or lick mats for your dog’s enjoyment. They can also be used as a training tool to reinforce positive behaviour.

Read More:

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• Can Dogs Have Pumpernickel Bread? What You Should Know
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Conclusion

Dogs can certainly enjoy the taste of peanut butter cookies. However, it is important to be mindful of the risks of feeding your dog with them such as choking hazards, allergies, stomach upset and many others. Feed them homemade peanuts straight from the oven in small quantities and keep an eye on them for any reaction as no quantity is safe.

As always, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet or health. In general, plain peanut butter in moderation is a safe and healthy treat for dogs to enjoy. For questions and recommendations, comment them in the comment section below. Click the subscribe button for more dog tips.

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