Today it's all about Peanut Butter (make it safe!)

Today is official Peanut Butter Day! For a list of all the important Doggy Dates check out this blog post here. I'm a big Peanut Butter Fan myself (who else?) and lots of dogs like it too! Here are some ways on how to use Peanut Butter within Enrichment for your Dog. And also some words of warning when Peanut Butter can actually be dangerous for your dog and what to look out for.

"Dogs almost certainly love the sugar and salt in peanut butter," Wynn said. "That would certainly make them remember it once they have tried it, but I think the aroma is what makes them immediately attracted. That roasted aroma comes from proteins and fats that have been changed in the roasting, and they probably smell a bit like caramelized meat."

"Dogs (and people) are hardwired to seek out certain chemicals that signal a nutrient-rich food, with fat and protein being the primary drivers". Dr. Susan Wynn, a veterinarian at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital (access the full Dodo article here)

Ways to use Peanut Butter for your Dog

Has your dog tried Peanut Butter yet? If not, maybe let them have a lick of it's pure taste and see how your dog likes it.

If you already have a Peanut Butter Lover at home have you tried the following things?

• Put it on a Lickimat
• Add it - with other yummy bits - into a Kong or a Toppl
• Have you baked Peanut Butter Treats?
• Has your Doggy ever tried Peanut Butter Pupcakes? (we got the yummiest from our friend Vicky when Chalkie arrived as a welcome gift. Oh my dog, they smelled sooooo good!)

Careful: when Peanut Butter can be TOXIC for your Dog

Dogs can eat Peanut Butter - in moderation though! And in order to keep it safe you need to avoid Peanut Butters that contain XYLITOL as this is TOXIC for dogs! There are brands who do specific dog-friendly Peanut Butter.

Forever Dog has a free Nutbutter Guide for Pets (you will need to register to download), which you can access here.

Just like people, some dogs might be ALLERGIC to Peanut Butter (read the whole article from BCSPCA here).

• Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
• Red and itchy skin
• Bald patches
• Hotspots
• Difficulty breathing
• Agitation
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

If you notice your dog experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

I'd looooooove to hear your favourite Peanut Butter Recipes!! ❤️