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Can Great Dane Puppies Eat Peanut Butter?

Bringing a Great Dane puppy into your home can be exciting and sometimes overwhelming Finding the right treats or training tools for that Great Dane can be a challenge, but peanut butter could be just the answer for your new puppy.

Great Dane puppies can eat peanut butter without causing any medical issues as long as the peanut butter does not contain xylitol.  Peanut butter can be a useful training tool for new puppies or just as a treat for your young Great Dane to enjoy, but, as with many things, moderation is key.

Now that you know that peanut butter is a safe and tasty treat to give to your new Great Dane puppy, you probably have a few more questions and wonder what else you need to know before you crack open that container in your cupboard.

Keep reading for more information about giving peanut butter to your Great Dane puppy. 

Why Give Your Great Dane Puppy Peanut Butter

Now that you have welcomed your new Great Dane into your home, there are some genuinely good reasons to give your puppy peanut butter. 

If you have ever had a dog, you will know they go crazy for that occasional spoonful of peanut butter and as an owner, it can provide some genuine entertainment as they try to lick the sticky substance from the spoon or the roof of their mouth.

Bottom line is that most dogs just plain enjoy the gooey treat!

Apply peanut butter to hollowed-out bones or certain toys like this one (Kong), to give them a safe alternative to fulfill those natural puppy chewing needs.

Your Great Dane is going to chew and this is a great alternative to your favorite pair of shoes. It will teach them to learn what is ok to chew and what isn’t.

To slow down your Great Dane, load up a few Kongs with peanut butter and stash them in the fridge. This allows the peanut butter to harden and makes it much harder for your dog to retrieve and therefore lasts longer as well.

Peanut butter is often used when training puppies to do everything from potty training, the basic sit and stay type commands, and even to help reinforce quiet behaviors. Think of the peanut butter as a kind of glue preventing the puppy from barking. 

Using peanut butter for a conditioning treat can help you have a well behaved and obedient new addition in your home. 

Health Benefits Of Peanut Butter

There are several benefits to giving your Great Dane puppy a bit of peanut butter. When given in moderation, peanut butter can be a great way for your dog to get the necessary protein into their diet (AKC.org).

Peanut butter also contains healthy fats and vitamins B and E along with niacin.

Be sure not to overdo it though. Too much peanut butter can lead to obesity in dogs. With obesity, comes a full list of other health problems that could greatly reduce the lifespan of your pet.

Why is Xylitol Bad For Dogs?

Xylitol is the determining factor if that jar of peanut butter in your cabinet is something you can feed your new pup or not. But what is it, and why is it so bad for dogs? Xylitol is a common sugar substitute found in a lot of your foods (FDA)

That sugarless gum in your purse, or the sugar-free ice cream in the freezer? It more than likely contains xylitol. Even the toothpaste in your bathroom cabinet contains xylitol.

This sugar substitute is not dangerous to people, but it is for dogs. For dogs and for people, a release of insulin from the pancreas controls the level of blood sugar in the body.

Xylitol is rapidly absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream and can force their pancreas to release an unsafe amount of insulin. In humans, xylitol does not cause the pancreas to release that insulin rush at all.

Here are a few brands you might see in your grocery store that contain xylitol:

  • Go Nuts, Co. 
  • Krush Nutrition 
  • Nuts ‘N More 
  • P28 

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning

There are some symptoms you can watch for in your pet. Your dog might experience weakness or become uncoordinated in their movements. Xylitol can also lead to vomiting and even seizures.

If you believe your dog may have eaten something with xylitol as an ingredient, immediately call your vet or visit an emergency animal clinic.

What Brands Of Peanut Butter Are Safe

You’ve decided to try giving your Great Dane puppy peanut butter, but which brands are the best? You go to the store and see so many options, and after ruling out any with xylitol, you are still overwhelmed. 

Generally, any peanut butter without xylitol is a safe bet when trying to pick out a jar for your pup, but there are some that are better than others.

Some brands contain more additives or preservatives than others, and some have a lot more sugar. And don’t worry about crunchy versus creamy peanut butter. They are both safe 😉

There are also dog-specific versions of peanut butter available online and at local pet stores. Poochie Butter (Amazon) is just one brand available on Amazon and is a sure way to give your puppy the benefits of peanut butter and ease any concerns you might have. 

Don’t worry. I’ve compiled a list of safe options that will are readily available throughout the country, low on sugars and additives, and fit within a budget. 

  • Crazy Richard’s All Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
  • JIF Natural
  • Poochie Butter 
  • Peanut Butter & Co. 
  • Smucker’s

If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own nut butter. This can be done in a food processor or even in a quality blender. This way you can know exactly what is going into your puppy’s system. 

Peanut Butter As An Ingredient

Buying Peanut Butter Treats At The Store

Maybe you want to give your dog some variety. My dog has always been a bit of a picky eater, even when she was a puppy, so giving the same treatment day after day doesn’t work for us. 

There are a variety of products on the market that use peanut butter as the main ingredient so you just aren’t doling out straight peanut butter. Be sure to look at the ingredient lists at stores or online to make the best selection for your pet. 

Making Your Own Treats With Peanut Butter 

Are you an avid Pinterest user? I have found several recipes to make your own delicious dog treats. They are healthy alternatives for your Great Dane puppy. 

Another advantage is that you know exactly what is going into your puppy’s body. My pup will do backflips for these treats (Proud Dog Mom). 

There is a little kitchen time involved, but you can get a lot of treats out of this recipe. I also have a little fun with these and use all sorts of different cookie cutters throughout the year.

At Christmas time, my dog enjoys snowflakes and ornament shaped peanut butter treats. 

Alternative Nut Butters 

If your puppy has fallen in love with peanut butter, venture out and try other nut butters. Cashew butter and almond butter are other alternatives to peanut butter that are safe for dogs to try.

They are not toxic to your animal but should be used in moderation. 

Again, make sure these alternatives do not contain xylitol and read all labels before you give your Great Dane these treats. 

There are some other nuts that are on the do not feed list. Avoid macadamias, pistachios, and walnuts. They contain a toxic chemical that can hurt your dog. 

Remember each dog is different and what agrees with one animal, might not agree with another, so it is a good idea to share just a small portion at the beginning. You’re dog surely won’t hate a little taste testing. 

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