Here at Troy Animal Hospital, we like to celebrate all of the pet observation days, both the serious ones and the silly. There’s one coming up that’s a little bit of both. Peanut Butter Appreciation Day is January 24th! It’s probably safe to say that our canine companions are very appreciative of peanut butter. However, there are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when giving Fido PB. A Tipp City, OH vet discusses some of them in this article.

Basics

Peanut butter is actually quite healthy for dogs: it contains nutrients such as niacin and vitamins B and E, and is packed with healthy fats and protein. The main concern with peanut butter is the fact that some brands use an additive called xylitol. This is extremely toxic to pups, as they can’t metabolize it properly. Always check the label, and make sure that the brand you are giving your furry friend is xylitol-free. Aside from that, just take care not to give Fido too much PB. Everything in moderation!

Treats

There’s almost no end to the dog treat recipes that include peanut butter. Here’s a good one: combine a half cup of peanut butter with two eggs, a quarter cup of water, and two cups of whole wheat flour. You can also add some pureed pumpkin. Combine the mix into a batter. If it’s too thick, add some water. Divide into small portions, and then cook at 350 for 15 minutes. Or, when summer comes around, you can make your canine buddy some peanut butter ice cream. Just combine PB with ripe bananas and/or fat-free yogurt and freeze. Done!

Tricks For Treats

Did you know that dogs enjoy learning? Not only does Fido feel very proud and accomplished when he is being a good boy, this is also a great way to bond with him. If your pooch hasn’t finished his obedience training, get that done first. Otherwise, move on to some cute tricks. PB treats make great training aids!

Celebrating

How does one honor this ‘pawspicious’ day? Buy or make some peanut butter snacks for Fido, and pick up some for yourself. As for movie selections, The Peanut Butter Falcon is the obvious choice. Dogs definitely make great movie-watching buddies! As your Tipp City, OH animal clinic, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch veterinary care. Please contact us anytime!