Does your Shih Tzu love peanut butter? A lot of them do. In fact, they act as if they can’t get enough of it. But why do Shih Tzus love peanut butter? And it is okay to give it to them? Find out before you dig out a spoon and share.
Why Do Shih Tzus Love Peanut Butter?
Who doesn’t love peanut butter?
It is sweet and salty and nutty.
What’s not to love?
Shih Tzus are no different.
For them, it is lip-smacking good.
This is especially true if you put it in a toy like a Kong Toy.
It can give them pleasure for hours.
And you can bet they will keep at it until they get every last morsel.
Even so, not all peanut butter is created equally and some of it can be downright dangerous for your Shih Tzu.
What Peanut Better Can I Give My Shih Tzu?
Luckily, most brands of peanut butter are fine to give your dog, but you do need to take care.
You will want to watch for Xylitol in the ingredients list.
This is a sugar substitute used in a lot of sugar-free products.
It is fine for humans, but for dogs, it is another story.
According to the American Kennel Club:
“Xylitol consumption causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, which results in an equally rapid and profound decrease in blood sugar levels. and can be life-threatening if left untreated. This condition, scientifically known as hypoglycemia, can occur as quickly as 10-to-60 minutes after eating xylitol.”
So, stay away from sugar-free peanut butter when giving it to your Shih Tzu.
Should You Give Your Shih Tzu Peanut Butter?
Like most things in life, moderation is the key.
Peanut butter has a lot of good stuff in it such as vitamins E, B, and niacin.
It also contains protein and healthy fats.
Keep in mind though that a lot of peanut butter is high in salt which is bad for dogs.
An unsalted brand is the best and natural peanut butter made with no hydrogenated oil is better than the more commercial brands that take the peanut oil out and add in corn oil.
You can find a natural brand here. That doesn’t add salt or sugar.
If you’d like, you can also make your own and homemade peanut butter is healthier as well and less likely to cause stomach upset.
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How Much Peanut Butter Should You Give Your Shih Tzu?
As you well know, Shih Tzus are pretty small dogs, so you don’t want to overdo it when it comes to peanut butter to ensure they maintain their ideal weight.
Even though there are a lot of healthy things in it, it is high in calories and fat content.
When in doubt, ask your veterinarian.
This is doubly important if your Shih Tzu has any health issues.
A teaspoon or tablespoon is more than enough and you will want to make it an occasional treat from time to time and not something you give to them on a regular basis.
Too much peanut butter can lead to digestive issues such as pancreatitis.
If your Shih Tzu is diabetic, then you also need to limit the sugar they receive, so you don’t increase their blood sugar level.
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To Sum it All Up:
For the most part, humans should eat human food and dogs should eat dog food, but as pet owners, it is hard to always say no to those big, pleading eyes. Most peanut butter brands are fine to share with your Shih Tzu once in a while as they are a good source of protein. Just be sure to limit the amount, so your pouch doesn’t get an upset stomach, and remember that unsalted peanut butter is best, and don’t forget to check the ingredient lists before you share as artificial sweeteners can be deadly.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian or doctor if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
