More About Peanut Butter

Peanut butter has roughly 25% protein. This protein is essential to helping maintain tendons and ligaments, as well as in forming blood, muscle, hair, skin, amino acids that support their immune system, repair and maintain cells, and assist with making hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. It’s recommended your dog get 18–22% dietary protein each day. 

Peanut butter packs vitamin E and cholesterol-regulating monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats help in nutrient absorption, provide energy, and support brain function. 

Peanut butter has plenty of important vitamins for your dog, but one of the more essential nutrients is niacin or vitamin B3. This vitamin is especially beneficial for your pup as niacin breaks down fat and sugar into energy. Niacin also aids in keeping the digestive tract healthy, which is a bonus for dogs with sensitive stomachs. 

Vitamins and minerals in peanut butter, such as vitamin E, vitamin H, vitamin K, niacin, iron, and calcium, which give dogs a shiny coat, regulate cholesterol, and strengthen bones. 

Peanut butter is an excellent source of insoluble and soluble fiber. Fiber is broken down into fatty acids to strengthen the colon or prevent bad bacteria from forming. It reduces instances of diarrhea, and possibly even reduce the risk of your pup getting colon cancer. Fiber speeds up bowel movements, reducing the time your dog's digestive tract is exposed to carcinogens (a substance that is capable of causing cancer). 

Peanut butter is high in fats. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, contain omega-6. These are helpful in maintaining healthy skin and improving dry and irritated skin and coats. These healthy fats also help aid in growth and immunity. 

Peanut butter also contains a fair amount of Vitamin E, which is important for maintaining the health of the eyes, skin, and muscles. Vitamin E also helps regulate metabolism. Additionally, studies show that vitamin E may help prevent arthritis. 

Peanut butter is rich in biotin, niacin, and folic acid. Biotin (vitamin B7) helps maintain healthy skin, coat, and nails. Vets often give dogs with dry skin vitamin B7 supplements. Niacin (vitamin B3) aids the metabolism of fatty acids, boosts brain function, and acts as a catalyst for hormone production. Folic acid (vitamin B9) promotes healthy fetal development and assists red blood cell production and DNA synthesis. 

Magnesium is an important mineral found in peanut butter, as it helps with oxidative stress reducing the damage from free radicals. Magnesium is a macromineral involved in energy production at the cellular level. Dogs suffering from a magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) may have difficulty walking, muscle pain, and seizures. Peanut butter also has manganese, which produces energy and can help your pup metabolize carbs and protein. 

Peanut butter is a good source of phosphorus, a mineral that works in conjunction with calcium to strengthen teeth and bones.