Peanut butter can be a tasty treat for dogs, but how much is safe for French Bulldogs specifically? As with any food, moderation is key when feeding peanut butter to Frenchies.
Can French Bulldogs eat peanut butter?
Yes, French Bulldogs can eat peanut butter in moderation. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. It also contains vitamins like niacin and vitamin E. As long as it doesn’t contain xylitol, peanut butter is typically safe for Frenchies to consume.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding peanut butter to your Frenchie:
- Choose all-natural peanut butter without extra sugar or salt.
- Look for peanut butter made for dogs to avoid xylitol, a sugar substitute toxic to dogs.
- Peanut butter should only be an occasional treat, not a regular part of your Frenchie’s diet.
As with any new food, introduce peanut butter slowly and watch for signs of an allergic reaction. Provided your Frenchie isn’t allergic, natural peanut butter is fine for Frenchies in moderation.
Are there any dangers of feeding a Frenchie too much peanut butter?
Yes, feeding your French Bulldog too much peanut butter can lead to several health issues:
- Obesity: Peanut butter is high in fat and calories. Too much can quickly lead to weight gain in dogs.
- Pancreatitis: A high fat diet increases a dog’s risk of developing this painful inflammation of the pancreas.
- Diarrhea: Too much peanut butter may upset your Frenchie’s stomach and digestive system.
- Choking hazard: Peanut butter can stick to the roofs of dogs’ mouths, which could present a choking risk.
- Xylitol poisoning: Some peanut butters contain this toxic sugar substitute. Even small amounts can be deadly for dogs.
To avoid these issues, peanut butter should only be fed occasionally and in small quantities tailored to your Frenchie’s size.
How much peanut butter can French Bulldogs have?
The exact amount of peanut butter a Frenchie can have depends largely on the dog’s weight. As a general rule of thumb:
- Small French Bulldogs (under 25 lbs): No more than 1 teaspoon of peanut butter per day.
- Medium French Bulldogs (25-35 lbs): Up to 1 tablespoon of peanut butter per day.
- Large French Bulldogs (over 35 lbs): No more than 2 tablespoons of peanut butter per day.
When in doubt, it’s best to start with just a teaspoon. Monitor your dog for signs of GI upset when introducing peanut butter. Scale up slowly from there based on tolerance.
These serving sizes assume natural peanut butter fed infrequently as an occasional treat. As a high-fat food, peanut butter should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Tips for safely feeding your Frenchie peanut butter
If you want to share peanut butter with your French Bulldog, follow these tips to make it a healthy treat:
- Choose raw, unsalted peanut butter made for dog’s to avoid xylitol.
- Look for all-natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils.
- Stick to a dog-sized portion based on your Frenchie’s weight.
- Feed peanut butter separately from meals as an occasional treat.
- Spread peanut butter thinly inside a Kong toy or on a licking mat.
- Monitor your dog for signs of GI upset, food allergies or pancreatitis.
- Brush your dog’s teeth after eating peanut butter to remove residue.
- Avoid letting your Frenchie lick an entire jar of peanut butter.
With appropriate portions, peanut butter can be a fun and healthy reward for your French Bulldog. But too much can quickly lead to obesity, stomach issues or even dangerous xylitol poisoning. When in doubt, talk to your vet about the right amount of peanut butter to feed your individual Frenchie.
Nutritional value of peanut butter
Here is the typical nutritional value of 2 tablespoons (32 grams) of smooth, natural peanut butter:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 191 |
| Fat | 16 grams |
| Saturated fat | 3 grams |
| Carbs | 7 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Protein | 8 grams |
| Vitamin E | 4% DV |
| Niacin | 14% DV |
| Manganese | 18% DV |
As you can see, peanut butter is very calorie-dense and high in fat, especially for dogs. This is why only small amounts are recommended for Frenchies. It does contain beneficial nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamin E and niacin as well. But the high fat content makes it best reserved as an occasional treat.
Homemade peanut butter dog treats
Want to whip up some homemade peanut butter treats for your Frenchie? Here is an easy recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or oils)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, flour, egg and honey until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into a 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into dog bone shapes or small squares using a cookie cutter.
- Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool completely before serving.
- Store uneaten treats in the fridge for up to 1 week.
These peanut butter treats provide a tasty dose of protein for your Frenchie. Feel free to cut the recipe in half if your dog is small. And be sure to limit treats to no more than 10-15% of your dog’s daily calories, even for homemade treats.
Conclusion
When fed in moderation, peanut butter can be a safe, nutritious occasional treat for most French Bulldogs. For small dogs, a teaspoon a day or less is plenty. Medium to large Frenchies can have up to 1-2 tablespoons max. Look for all-natural peanut butter made for dogs and avoid types with xylitol at all costs. Monitor your Frenchie for signs of food allergies or intolerance. With appropriate portions for your dog’s size, peanut butter makes a great reward in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.