Quick Answer
No, dogs with pancreatitis should avoid peanut butter. Peanut butter is high in fat, which can worsen pancreatitis and cause pain, nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms. There are a few peanut butter alternatives that are lower in fat and may be safer for dogs with pancreatitis. It’s best to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to a dog with pancreatitis.
What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?
The pancreas is an organ located near the stomach that produces enzymes to help digest food. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can occur suddenly (acute pancreatitis) or over time (chronic pancreatitis).
Some common causes and risk factors for pancreatitis in dogs include:
- High fat diet
- Obesity
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels)
- Trauma
- Infection
- Certain medications or toxins
Pancreatitis can range from mild to life-threatening. Mild cases may cause vague symptoms like lethargy and loss of appetite. More severe cases can cause:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Hypothermia
- Heart arrhythmias
- Breathing difficulties
- Septic shock
If pancreatitis is suspected, the vet will run tests such as a blood test, urinalysis, and imaging scans. Treatment focuses on pain management, controlling nausea/vomiting, restoring fluid levels, and low-fat diet. Severe cases may require hospitalization and supportive care.
Why Peanut Butter is a Concern for Dogs with Pancreatitis
Peanut butter is generally high in fat. Most regular peanut butter contains 8-12 grams of fat per tablespoon. Peanut butter can be anywhere from 50-75% fat, depending on the brand.
The high fat content makes peanut butter a risky food for dogs with pancreatitis. The pancreas has difficulty producing enough enzymes to properly digest high amounts of fat. This can lead to inflammation and an “attack” of pancreatitis.
Some signs that a high-fat food like peanut butter may be problematic for a dog with pancreatitis include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Hunched posture
Peanut butter may also be a concern due to its high calorie content, which can contribute to obesity. Obese dogs are more prone to developing pancreatitis.
Alternatives to Regular Peanut Butter
Rather than regular peanut butter, consider these lower fat alternatives:
Low-fat or Reduced-fat Peanut Butter
Some brands make peanut butter specifically formulated for dogs. These are lower in fat, around 2 grams per tablespoon. Brands like Holistic Select, Newman’s Own, and Trader Joe’s have dog-friendly peanut butter. Read labels carefully and look for no added sugar.
Powdered Peanut Butter
Powdered peanut butter is made from peanuts that are pressed to remove most of the natural oils and fats. What’s left is a peanut flour that can be reconstituted into a paste with the addition of water. Powdered peanut butter typically contains 1 gram of fat or less per serving.
Fresh Peanuts or Peanut Flour
Dogs can enjoy freshly ground peanuts or peanut flour made from shelled, roasted peanuts. These provide the flavor of peanuts without the high fat content. Peanut flour has about 2 grams of fat per 2 tablespoon serving.
Other Nut and Seed Butters
Try nut and seed butters made from almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. These provide protein, healthy fats and fiber. Compare labels and choose no sugar added products with less than 4 grams of fat per serving.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits like bananas, applesauce, or canned pumpkin can be healthy, lower fat treats. Some dogs enjoy steamed vegetables like carrots, green beans or sweet potatoes. Be sure to introduce new foods slowly.
Tips for Giving Peanut Butter to Dogs with Pancreatitis
Talk to your veterinarian before introducing peanut butter or any new treats to a dog with pancreatitis. In some cases, it may be best to avoid peanut butter altogether. But some dogs may be able to handle small amounts of reduced fat peanut butter. Here are some tips if your vet approves:
- Choose all-natural, no sugar added reduced fat peanut butter.
- Start with a small amount like 1⁄2 teaspoon.
- Gradually increase up to 1 tablespoon for a large dog, 1 teaspoon for a small dog.
- Give peanut butter as an occasional treat, no more than 2-3 times per week.
- Watch for any signs of GI upset or pancreatitis flare up.
- Stop giving peanut butter and call your vet if you have any concerns.
You can also combine peanut butter with lower fat items or use it to coat less palatable medications. Some ideas:
- Spread on apple slices or bananas.
- Combine with pumpkin puree or Greek yogurt.
- Use as a coating for pills.
The Dangers of Xylitol for Dogs with Pancreatitis
When choosing a peanut butter brand, be sure to avoid those containing xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener than can be extremely toxic to dogs.
Brands that contain xylitol include Go Naturally, Krush Nutrition, Nuts ‘N More, and P-28 Foods.
Xylitol toxosis can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage. It has also been linked to necrosis of the pancreas. This severe damage to the pancreas could be devastating for a dog with pancreatitis. Always check labels and do not feed peanut butter with xylitol to dogs.
Signs of Pancreatitis Worsening
Pancreatitis causes significant abdominal pain and discomfort. Watch for these signs of a flare-up or worsening pancreatitis:
- Crying out or vocalizing
- Hunched posture
- Guarding the abdomen
- Seeking warmth or hiding
- Restlessness or reluctance to move
As well as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Panting
- Lethargy or depression
If you notice any of these signs, withhold all food and call your veterinarian right away. Severe or recurrent pancreatitis requires close monitoring and treatment.
Preventing Pancreatitis Flare-Ups
Along with avoiding high fat foods, here are some tips to help prevent flare-ups of pancreatitis:
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals
- Choose a low-fat prescription diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit table scraps and treats
- Use digestive enzymes if needed
- Give anti-nausea medication as prescribed
Routine vet exams and bloodwork can identify early signs of pancreatic inflammation before it progresses to pancreatitis.
Conclusion
Peanut butter should be avoided for dogs with pancreatitis due to its high fat content. Lower fat alternatives can satisfy a dog’s cravings while reducing the risk of painful flare-ups. Check with your vet before making any diet changes. Closely monitor your dog’s condition and tell your vet about any concerning symptoms right away. With proper management and care, dogs with pancreatitis can still enjoy a good quality of life.