Many dog owners enjoy giving their furry friends treats like peanut butter sandwiches made with crackers. Ritz crackers with peanut butter is a popular combination that seems like it would be safe for dogs to eat. However, there are some important factors to consider before feeding your dog this snack.
The Short Answer
In moderation, dogs can eat Ritz crackers with peanut butter. However, there are some risks to be aware of, and steps you can take to make this treat safer if you choose to share it with your dog.
Can Dogs Have Peanut Butter?
Plain peanut butter is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. It can be an ingredient in homemade dog treats or used as a supplement when training dogs. There are a few things to keep in mind though when feeding peanut butter to dogs:
- Use all-natural peanut butter with no added salt or sugars
- Avoid peanut butter containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs
- Feed only a small amount, around 1 tsp for small dogs, 2 tsp for larger dogs
- Peanut butter should not make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake
As long as you are choosing a dog-safe peanut butter and limiting the amount, peanut butter can be a healthy treat for dogs in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Crackers Like Ritz?
Plain crackers like Ritz can also be fed to dogs in small quantities. Some things to consider with crackers and dogs:
- Opt for low-salt crackers made with simple, dog-safe ingredients
- Avoid crackers with onion or garlic powder, which can be toxic to dogs
- Break crackers into small pieces to reduce choking risk
- Limit crackers to 1-3 per day for small dogs, 2-6 for larger dogs
Crackers made from white flour have simple carbohydrates and are not the healthiest option for dogs, but occasional crackers in small amounts are not harmful.
Are Ritz Crackers Healthy for Dogs?
Ritz crackers are not the best choice for a regular dog treat. Here are some downsides of Ritz crackers for dogs:
- Made from refined white flour with added sugars
- Higher in salt, sugars, and fat compared to many dog treats
- Lack nutrients found in whole grains, meat, and vegetables
- Can contribute empty calories and lead to weight gain
While an occasional Ritz cracker won’t harm your dog, they should not make up a significant portion of your dog’s diet. There are healthier treat options, but Ritz can be given in moderation.
Risks of Feeding Dogs Ritz Crackers with Peanut Butter
There are some risks and warnings to consider before allowing your dog to eat Ritz crackers with peanut butter:
- Choking hazard – crackers can get stuck in dogs’ throats, especially in brachycephalic breeds with shorter airways
- Weight gain – crackers and peanut butter are high in fat and calories
- Nutritional imbalance – should not make up a major part of a balanced dog diet
- GI upset – unusual new foods or treats can cause diarrhea or vomiting in some dogs
- Food allergies – some dogs may be allergic to ingredients like wheat or peanuts
It’s best to introduce any new food slowly and watch for signs of an adverse reaction when giving your dog a new treat like Ritz crackers with peanut butter.
How Much Can Dogs Have?
Moderation is key when feeding Ritz crackers with peanut butter to dogs. Here are some serving size guidelines:
| Dog Size | Ritz Crackers | Peanut Butter |
|---|---|---|
| Small breed | 1-2 crackers | 1 tsp |
| Medium breed | 2-3 crackers | 1-2 tsp |
| Large breed | 3-5 crackers | 2-3 tsp |
This should be an occasional treat, not a regular part of your dog’s diet. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust serving sizes if needed.
Tips for Serving Ritz Crackers and Peanut Butter Safely
If you want to share this snack with your dog, follow these tips to reduce risks:
- Choose plain, low-salt Ritz crackers
- Pick an all-natural peanut butter for dogs
- Spread peanut butter thinly to reduce choking risk
- Break crackers into small bite-sized pieces
- Supervise your dog while eating to monitor for choking
- Brush your dog’s teeth after eating peanut butter
- Avoid giving to young puppies or brachycephalic breeds
- Introduce slowly and watch for signs of GI upset or allergic reaction
With proper precautions, most healthy adult dogs can enjoy a Ritz cracker with a thin spread of peanut butter as an occasional treat in moderation.
Healthier Treat Alternatives
While the occasional Ritz cracker with peanut butter won’t harm your dog, there are healthier treat options to consider as well. Some alternatives include:
- Fresh fruits – apples, bananas, watermelon
- Vegetables – carrots, green beans, sweet potato
- Lean meats – baked chicken, turkey, or beef
- Low-fat cheese sticks or cubes
- Unsalted popcorn
- Peanut butter dog treats
- Greek yogurt
Rotate different natural, wholesome treats to give your dog variety. You can also try making homemade healthy dog treats using human-grade ingredients.
Can Puppies Eat Ritz Crackers with Peanut Butter?
Ritz crackers with peanut butter are not recommended for puppies under 1 year old. Young puppies have a higher risk of choking, and their digestive systems are still developing. Puppies also require different nutrient levels than adult dogs.
Wait until your puppy is older before introducing this treat. For the first year, stick to healthy puppy treats designed for their nutritional needs like chew bones, frozen vegetables, or peanut butter on its own in a toy.
Conclusion
In moderation, most healthy adult dogs can enjoy an occasional Ritz cracker topped with a small amount of peanut butter as a treat. However, there are some risks to be aware of including choking hazards, weight gain, and nutritional imbalance. It’s best to break the crackers into small pieces, choose a natural peanut butter, limit the amount, and supervise your dog closely. For puppies, there are healthier and safer treat options than Ritz crackers with peanut butter. While not toxic, Ritz and peanut butter should only be a small part of a balanced dog diet.