All it takes is one lick of a peanut butter-smeared spoon and dogs are hooked. Have you ever wondered why your dog can't get enough of this tasty treat? Here are a few reasons why:
The Taste
Why does anyone enjoy eating their favorite snack? Because it tastes good, of course!
Peanut butter is filled with the fat, sugar, and sale that all mouth-watering food is filled with. "Dogs are more likely to treasure food that is heavy in sodium and fat because these factors would be less commonly encountered in their "wild diet," says Dr. Christy Michael, a veterinarian at Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital. Dogs also have a sweet tooth and enjoy the extra sugar that comes in the form of peanut butter that typically isn't in their dog food.
High In Protein
Dogs need plenty of protein as part of a healthy diet, and peanut butter is loaded with the stuff! Due to outdated beliefs and concerns about too much protein in a dog's diet, many mainstream dog foods are low in protein. Dogs often have a taste for foods they require, and it's entirely possible that some dogs may gravitate towards peanut butter because it's full of protein and easy to digest.
It's Smell
According to Dr. Susan Wynn, a veterinarian from Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, dogs love the smell of peanut butter. Wynn claims that the smell is what makes dogs attracted to it. "The roasted aroma of peanut butter comes from proteins and fats that have been changed during roasting, and they probably smell a bit like caramelized meat."
Dogs have a natural instinct to "seek out certain chemicals that signal a nutrient-rich food" and peanut butter gives the smell of that.
Feel like getting creative? Use a small spoonful of creamy peanut butter as a distraction to help take the edge off unpleasant tasks, such as giving your dog medications or cutting his nails.
Looking to treat your pup to something special? Here is a cool peanut butter treat idea that your pups are sure to love on a hot summer day:
HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER POPSICLES:
Ingredients:
• 1 cup peanut butter, preferably unsalted and unsweetened (Check your peanut butter's label to make sure it doesn't contain any kind of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.)
• Half a ripe banana, mashed
• Water, as needed
Recipe:
1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with a little water or half a mashed banana. (The water and banana aren't essential, but they help with freezing consistency.)
2. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper
3. Spoon the mixture onto the tray just like you would cookie dough. Freeze the tray or toys for several hours or overnight. If you need to reuse the tray right away, pop out the cubes and store them in a bag or container in the freezer.
4. Give them to your dog to enjoy! Remember that treats, including peanut butter, should only account for 10 percent of your pet’s diet. Always be sure to check the ingredients of the peanut butter you're using and steer clear of any artificial sweeteners that are harmful to your dog, such as xylitol.
Don’t feel like making a mess in the kitchen? Try adding peanut butter to these puzzle & treat toys to make treat time more exciting for your dog!
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