Condiments are a great part of my recipes. From sandwiches to steaks, they all add their individual touch to any diet they are included in. Think Aioli, Kewpie mayo, Costco’s Kirkland signature peanut butter, and even bearnaise sauce.
Peanut butter is not just a treat; it is a religion, and I am one of its staunch followers, carrying the good news to all taste buds I can access. Dogs can have peanut butter, and a large variety of peanut butter products are made specifically for them and are found on the counters of supermarkets. But is Costco peanut butter safe for dogs?
This article contains all the information you need concerning Costco peanut butter for dogs, benefits, serving size, caveats, other safe brands, and awesome ways to feed peanut butter to your pooch.
Costco Peanut butter
A few peanut butter jars are offered at Costco, like Jif and Skippy, but they are not made by their store brand (Kirkland) but can be found in their stores and websites.
I have taken time to observe the labels of all the jars, and I can confirm that Kirkland’s signature peanut butter is Costco’s sole peanut butter (as Kirkland is their store brand).
Kirkland signature peanut butter is made with only one ingredient, the Valencia peanut, which is the healthiest peanut available. It has no added preservatives, sugar, vegetable shortening, or stabilizers. Usually, the oil from the nut is separated from the entire mix and would need one good stir, and the peanut butter will remain ready for use till it is used up.
In every two tablespoons, you could be supplied with 185 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrates, 16 grams of fat, two grams of sugar, 3 grams of fiber, and eight grams of protein.
Is Costco peanut butter safe for dogs?
A tablespoon of Costco’s Kirkland signature natural peanut butter is safe for dogs to have on bread, in their meals, and on lick mats as a sole treat. It is made with only Valencia peanut and doesn’t contain xylitol or any toxic ingredient, but it shouldn’t be given to dogs with a history of pancreatitis.
Usually, in most peanut butter made for humans, sweeteners like xylitol are added, and while these sweeteners are safe for humans to consume, they are quite toxic to dogs in certain amounts and should be avoided. Also, other additives and binders, like vegetable shortening used to stabilize some peanut butter, can oversupply your dog with bad fats.
Is Costco peanut butter healthy?
The benefits of Costco peanut butter for dogs include boosting the immune system and supporting cognitive functions, as it is a source of proteins, antioxidants, and helpful lipids.
Peanut butter is not only a delicious treat your dog could go crazy for; it is also a house of minerals such as copper, niacin, manganese, selenium, and vitamin E. These important nutrients help to uphold the immune system of dogs.
When you turn some Kirkland peanut butter on a lick mat for your dog, it could help with improving cognitive functioning as your dog has to think of many ways to lick up stuck peanut butter, providing a challenge that also takes away boredom.
However, like with every other treat for dogs, peanut butter has to only make up 10% or less of your dog’s daily food intake.
Caveats
Costco Kirkland natural peanut butter contains lots of fats and calories, so it is essential to track your pup’s calories when you add peanut butter to their diet, as consuming too much will lead to weight gain and possible pancreatitis. For my dog, I usually split his 10% treat ratio into 5% low-fat treats and 5% fatty treats.
Other brands’ dogs can have
When offering peanut butter to dogs, we should prioritize organic versions that don’t include hydrogenated oils or xylitol among their ingredients. If possible, it is best to always shop for dog-specific products. Here are lists of dog-specific peanut butter:
Poochie
This peanut butter is one of the best as it contains flax seed, ginger, parsley, and turmeric, which have huge anti-inflammatory properties. This product is free from preservatives, sugar, and salt.
You can spread it on a piece of dog-safe bread, like plain white or brown bread or Ezekiel bread. Poochie peanut butter can aid in training, clipping nails, and bathing, as you could also spread it on a lick mat to distract your pooch. However, the only downside is the price, but the health benefits are guaranteed.
Honest Paws Calm Natural Peanut Butter
This peanut butter is great for dogs as it contains CBD, which aids in correcting behavioral issues, maintaining calmness, and improving brain functioning. Its ingredients include hemp oil, dextrose, dry roasted peanuts, salt, and MCT oil. The serving size is a tablespoon per day if your dog is under 25 pounds and 2 tablespoons if they weigh over 25 pounds.
Hyper Pet IQ Treat Spread Dog Peanut Butter
Hyper Pet IQ Treat Spread Peanut Butter is another dog-specific peanut butter with lots of adventurous flavors like pumpkin, bacon, banana, and natural peanut butter flavor. Honey is usually added, and there are no stabilizers, so it would require a good stir.
Creative Ways to Serve Costco’s Peanut Butter to Dogs
Costco peanut butter for dogs can be enjoyed in numerous ways that could be beneficial or just pure fun for your pooch. Think toys, puzzle feeders, lick mats, or homemade treats like turon. Whichever method you use, you are sure to eliminate anxiety and boredom.
Pupsicle by Woof
The Pupsicle by Woof is a great have for your pooch. It is an innovative device that dispenses treats in a manner that challenges and stimulates your dog mentally. For fast eaters, this is a great way to pace their consumption.
It was uniquely designed to entertain your dog, getting them to nudge and lick—reducing anxiety and boredom—turning a mere peanut butter into an enriching experience. Yet, it is easy to clean up and is dishwasher-safe.
Lick Mats
Lickmat is one of the best ways to relieve anxiety in dogs. When dogs lick, serotonin and endorphins are released, regulating anxiety in your dog and making them calm and less anxious.
They come in rubber mats or silicone and can serve as a great way to treat your dog to probiotic yogurts, Costco peanut butter, fruit bits, wet or dry food, puree, and lots more. It is a pleasurable experience.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can have Costco Kirkland natural peanut butter in moderate amounts, and it could provide lots of healthy benefits for your pooch. Unlike other human-grade peanut butter, Costco’s is made with only one ingredient, the valencial peanut, and it has no added sugar, preservatives, or binders, making it a healthy choice.
