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If you notice your dog sitting close by you while eating a PB and J sandwich you might wonder if it’s okay to share some with them.
You eat PB and J and it’s fine for you, but is that the case for dogs?
Can dogs eat Peanut Butter And Jelly? It’s not recommended to feed your dog PB and J. While peanut butter is often fine to give to your dog in moderation, jelly is filled with sugar and preservatives which makes it bad for them. Also, many jelly’s have xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
In this article you’ll discover:
- A detailed explanation of why dogs shouldn’t eat PB and J
- What makes Peanut Butter and Jelly bad for dogs
- The 5 major dangers of dogs eating Peanut Butter and Jelly
- What to do if your dog eats a large amount of PB and J
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Have Peanut Butter And Jelly?
Many people love to give their dogs a little peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a snack, but they may not realize that this seemingly harmless treat can actually negatively affect their furry friend.
While most dogs can digest peanut butter without any problems, the sticky jelly can actually cause digestive issues.
In addition, many types of jelly contain sugar substitutes like xylitol, which can be poisonous to dogs. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid giving your dog a PB&J sandwich.
However, there are some types of peanut butter that are specifically made for dogs and are safe for them to eat.
So if you’re looking to give your pup a tasty treat, look for a dog-friendly peanut butter that doesn’t contain any sugar substitutes.
Is PB And J Bad For Dogs?
While peanut butter is often a treat favorite in many homes with dogs, the combination of PB and J isn’t a good choice for dogs.
The sugar-free sweetener xylitol, found in some types of jelly, can be toxic to dogs.
Even if the product doesn’t contain xylitol, the sticky texture of the jelly can cause digestive issues for some dogs.
Additionally, many peanut butters on the market contain added salt and sugar, neither of which are good for dogs.
So, to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid giving your dog a PB and J sandwich altogether.
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Jelly? Is Jelly Safe For Dogs? (We Asked A Vet)
The Dangers of Dogs Eating PB And J
There are a few specific dangers associated with dogs eating PB and J.
- Tooth Decay/Infection – Because of the sticky nature of jelly, it can cause tooth decay and infection if not cleaned off promptly. Many people don’t give their dog’s mouth a good cleaning very often, so if they eat sticky, sugary food, there’s an increased chance of infection.
- Choking Hazard – The small size of peanuts in crunchy peanut butter can pose a choking hazard to dogs. Also, because of the sticky nature of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, if they eat too big of a bite, they have a chance of choking.
- Sugar Substitutes – As mentioned before, some types of jelly contain sugar substitutes like xylitol, which can be poisonous to dogs.
- Weight Gain – Peanut butter is high in fat, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. If your dog is already overweight, giving them a PB and J sandwich is not a good idea.
- Type Of Jam/Jelly – If you do choose to give your dog a PB and J sandwich, make sure to check the label on the jam or jelly to ensure it does not contain any sugar substitutes like xylitol. You also absolutely want to avoid grape jelly as grapes are poisonous to dogs.
For these reasons, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog PB and J as there are much safer, healthier alternatives that they would like just as much.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Lot Of PB And J
If your dog has eaten a lot of peanut butter and jelly, the biggest concern is if Xylitol was present in the sandwich. If it was, you should contact your veterinarian immediately, as Xylitol can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.
Other than that, the biggest concern would be an upset stomach or indigestion. Common symptoms of an upset stomach include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
In these cases, symptoms should go away after the food has been processed through their body.
Small dogs are more at risk of developing issues because they have a smaller body size and, therefore, can’t handle as much food. As a result, they are at risk of developing pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
Large dogs may not be as affected by eating a lot of PB and J, but they can still develop an upset stomach. In severe cases, a large dog’s biggest concern is bloat. So If your dog is displaying any severe symptoms or has symptoms that last longer than 24 hours, it’s best to contact the vet.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs Eating PB And J
What Peanut Butter Brands Are Safe For Dogs?
Brands can change the ingredients of their product on any given day. So it’s best to understand what ingredients you want to avoid in peanut butter if you’re planning on giving some to your dog.
As a general rule, you should avoid giving your dog peanut butter that contains:
- Sugar
- Sugar Substitutes (Xylitol)
- High Amounts Of Salt
- Hydrogenated Oils
These ingredients can be dangerous or even poisonous to dogs. So it’s best to find peanut butter that doesn’t have them.
What Can I Feed My Dog Instead Of PB And J?
There are a number of healthier alternatives you can feed your dog instead of PB and J. Some good options include:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Watermelon
- Cooked Chicken
- Cooked Fish
- Cottage Cheese
Can My Dog Eat Strawberry Jelly?
Strawberry jelly is very high in sugar and should be avoided. Unfortunately, it’s also high in preservatives, which makes it an unhealthy treat option for your dog.
What Happens If a Dog Eats Jelly?
If a dog eats jelly, they may experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s best to take them to the vet to have them looked at.
Final Thoughts
So, can dogs eat PB and J?
The answer is technically yes, but there are a number of risks associated with feeding your dog this sandwich.
It’s best to avoid giving them PB and J altogether and instead opt for healthier alternatives like cooked chicken, fish, or cottage cheese (if not lactose intolerant).
If you do decide to give your dog PB and J, make sure it’s sugar-free, low in salt, and doesn’t contain any hydrogenated oils. If they get some PB and J by accident, be sure to keep an eye on your dog for any potential adverse reactions.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Can Dogs Eat Grilled Cheese? 4 Dangers & Tips If They Do