What Is Almond Butter?
First, let’s understand what exactly almond butter is and what ingredients it consists of. It is deemed as a slightly healthier option than peanut butter because it has more vitamins, fiber and minerals. Whereas both butters contain the same amount of calories and sugar while peanut butter has more proteins.
Typically homemade almond butter is made up of one ingredient– almonds! Other ingredients such as salt, honey, vanilla are also added in some almond butters. So be sure to check the ingredients on the label especially before giving it to your pet. You never know what has been mixed in there!
Can Dogs Eat Almond Butter?
The short answer is: yes! As always, your pup should eat in moderation. Remember, too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. While almonds are not toxic to canines, not all dogs are able to stomach it well and could potentially create digestive issues due to its high fiber content if given in large quantities. Even hoomans are not spared from this consequence.
Another thing to know about almonds is that they are high in fats. Please remember this before you feed this to your doggo especially if their breed is prone to pancreatitis. By feeding your doggo high fat content food, it will cause digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea and discomfort in the stomach. It is always safer to feed your pet small quantities and understand your pet’s tolerance before feeding them more.
Last thing to note- if you see “Xylitol” on the food label. DO NOT feed it to your pupper! Not even in small amounts. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener and is poisonous to dogs according to the US Food and Drug Administration. It is a common artificial sweetener used in nut butters so be very careful to be on the lookout for this ingredient!
As a rule of thumb, it is always best for your pup to avoid foods with additives and artificial ingredients.
Read more: Can Dogs Eat Fries?
How Much Almond Butter Can I Give My Dog
This really depends on your dog’s medical history and diet. Due to almond’s high fat content, it is not advisable to give it to your pup often. According to Dr. Bustamante, a veterinarian at Caring Hands Animal Hospital in Florida says that she does not recommend feeding your dog almond butter everyday.
However, as a general rule, she recommended feeding 1 tablespoon to a large dog such as a german shepherd and 1 teaspoon to small dogs like pomeranians. And, treat your pup to almond butter once every 2 weeks with one or two spoonfuls depending on the size of your pup. Another way your pup could enjoy almond butter more often is to bake almond butter in their treats so they can enjoy it in smaller portions more regularly.
Is Almond Butter Bad For Dogs?
As mentioned earlier, almonds- as with most nuts- is higher in fat than what’s recommended for dogs. This can lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, vomiting and pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is caused by the inflammation of the pancreas and can be life threatening for dogs if not treated. That is why it is important to feed this in moderation to your pup or if better yet, avoid it completely if your pup has pancreatitis.
How About Peanut Butter, Cashew Butter or Hazelnut Butter?
Peanut Butter
As you might have guessed, peanut butter is safe for dogs! Peanut butter is an excellent source of proteins and natural fats. Having said that, too much of a good thing can also result in obesity and pancreatitis. Oof. If you are still cautious about feeding your dog peanut butter, ring up your local veterinarian and ask for their advice. Check with your vet especially if your pup has food sensitivities.
Regular peanut butter is safe for dogs but be on the lookout for peanut butter containing xylitol. Yes, that is the xylitol that I mentioned earlier. This artificial sweetener is very toxic to dogs and consuming it causes hypoglycemia that is life threatening to your pooch. So, keep your eyes peeled for that toxic friend, oh I meant xylitol.
Cashew Butter
Yes, cashew butter is safe for dogs! So, what is cashew butter? It is basically cashew nuts ground into a creamy, smooth butter. Like with most nuts, it is high in fat content so be sure to feed your fur kid small quantities. But, one thing to remember is that raw cashew nuts contain a toxin to dogs so ONLY feed roasted cashew nuts to your fur baby!
If you bought cashew butter from a supermarket, remember to check the label to make sure no added sugars and additives such as Xylitol are found in it! It is better to feed your fur kid the purest cashew butter you can find or you could also make it yourself at home.
Hazelnut Butter
Hazelnuts are not toxic to dogs. In fact, it is packed with many nutrients. Hazelnut butter is high in magnesium, copper, and vitamin E that help strengthen the immune system in the body. Your dog will probably like this butter because it is sweet making it a delightful treat for your pup. Luckily, unlike the 2 other butters, hazelnut butter does not cause stress on the digestive system so this is a great way to change up your treats game by adding hazelnut to your options.
Read more: What Is Hemp Seed Oil?
3 Nuts Your Dog Should Completely Avoid
Walnuts
If your pup happens to snag a walnut off the floor, there’s nothing to freak out. The reason why walnuts are quite hazardous to dogs is that they are particularly susceptible to a black mold that is extremely toxic to canines. As walnuts contain high moisture content, it is easy for fungi growth to happen on the walnut. The fungi then produces metabolites called mycotoxins that can cause possible tremors and seizures if ingested.
Another type of walnut to not feed your dog is the black walnut. Black walnut is typically grown in the Northeastern United States & Canada and is poisonous to dogs and horses (not cats). Oh, store bought walnuts are usually English walnuts so don’t worry too much about it.
Macadamia Nuts
According to the American Kennel Club, macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs. Just like raisins and grapes, scientists have not figured out what toxins cause the poisoning of canines. Poisoning can still happen even if it is eaten in small quantities so never never let your pooch near macadamia nuts even when you snack on it.
Pecans
Unfortunately, pecan nuts contain a compound called Juglone that is toxic to dogs and causes digestive issues which usually leads to vomiting. Like walnuts, pecan nuts are also prone to growing a mold that is harmful to your pup. So, the safest thing to do is to NOT share it with your pooch.
Final Thoughts
Almond butter is safe for dogs to eat, but it should be given to them in moderation. Almonds are not toxic to canines, but some dogs may have difficulty digesting them due to their high fiber content. Also, almonds are high in fats, which can cause digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, and discomfort in the stomach.
If a dog has a history of pancreatitis, it’s advisable to avoid almond butter altogether. It is always best to check the ingredients on the label and feed your pup small quantities and understand their tolerance before increasing the amount.