Almond butter is a nut spread that can be given to dogs, but it should only be done with caution. It’s important to know what almond butter is, how it benefits your dog, and the side effects of giving this food to your dog before you decide if you want to give them almond butter.
If you’ve ever been on the internet, chances are you have seen a picture of someone holding up a jar of almond butter and their dog licking it from the top.Personally, whenever I see such images, I constantly worry whether it is okay to give our furry babies almond butter or if we should avoid it altogether. This led me to do a little bit of research on almond butter and it’s safety for dogs.
Well, I’m now ready to help with all of your questions!In this article I will be discussing what is almond butter, how does it compare to peanut butter for dogs, benefits of almond butter for dogs and more!
You want to know whether feeding almond butter to your beloved pet dog is safe? Let me get straight to the point !
Can You Give Your Dog Almond Butter?
The answer is YES! If given the right amount without introducing too many new foods all at once (just like when feeding children), there should be no issues experienced by your furry friend. As long as you have spoken with your veterinarian and they approve of adding almond butter into their diet, it should be safe to do so!
The most important thing to remember here is that it should be given to dogs in moderation and only as a treat. Almond butter should not be given as part of regular diet of your dog.
What Is Almond Butter?
To put it simply, almond butter is a nut spread made from ground up almonds.Its a spread made by grinding dry roasted almonds. It’s sometimes called “almond paste” or just simply “butter.” The consistency of the nut spread varies, depending on how finely it has been ground and what type of nuts have been used for the recipe.
It can be found in most grocery stores near the peanut butter aisle or with all of the other spreads and dips that people use for breads like toast, etc.
Almond butter does have some similarities to regular old peanut butter so you might see bits of skins and nuts inside the jar if you’re not careful about what ingredients they are using at their factory when making this product. Some brands contain only almonds while others may also include honey, vanilla etc as additional flavourings.
Almonds are considered to be one of nature’s most perfect foods because they act as both food and medicine in many parts of the world – containing large amounts of protein (as well as heart-healthy fats) that keep you feeling full longer than any other nut. Almond Nut Butter produced from these almonds has all of the healthy qualities that they have to offer.
Lets go over a number of advantages that consuming almond butter may provide for your canine companion.
11 Benefits Of Almond Butter For Dogs
- Helps in Keeping Liver Healthy: The first benefit is its Omega-fatty acid content which helps in keeping the liver healthy and functioning properly. This can be especially helpful for older dogs with compromised livers or other conditions leading to poor health, such as chronic inflammation, since this type of fat is crucial for good cell function throughout the body.
- Antioxidants :Almond butter is full of antioxidants which help to fight free radicals and remove toxins from the body, making it a great natural way for people and their pets to detoxify themselves!
- Skin Allergies:Dogs with skin allergies may benefit significantly from using almond nut butters because they have been shown to improve symptoms such as itchiness, redness and dryness without any side effects like vomiting or diarrhea while other things have only worsened the condition.
However you should consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog almond butter as some dogs’ allergies may worsen with this nut.
- Reduces Inflammation and Helps in healing : One of my favorite benefits that I found while researching was that you can even use almond butter on burns or wounds because its high vitamin E content helps reduce inflammation – in turn helping the healing process along faster than normal.
This would be an especially helpful thing if you have a puppy who loves exploring outside but gets into trouble by getting injured every now and then. You should always speak with your veterinarian about using anything new on your pet before doing so though as there could be certain adverse reactions that you hadn’t previously considered.
- Alternative to Peanut Butter: A lot of people use almond butter instead of peanut butter on their toast in order for it to be healthier because peanuts are known as one the most common allergen food for humans.Therefore this spreads provides an alternative that can help prevent allergic reactions from occurring when given to dogs!
- Rich Source Of Protein:Almond butter is a rich source of protein, which can be helpful for dogs who have food allergies or need to avoid certain sources of meat due to other health conditions Almond Butter is high in protein, so it will boost your pup’s metabolism and help build muscle mass – which means they’ll burn more calories every day. I
- Aids in Good Heart Functioning :It contains omega fatty acids (good fats) which help keep an animal’s heart disease at bay so they don’t develop any cardiovascular problems later on in life. According to one study done by Purdue University, about 27% less plaque builds up inside their arteries than it does in those who don’t eat almond butter.
- High in Calcium : Almond nut butters are also known to have the highest amount of calcium content compared to other nut butters on the market today – all good things for any pet owner looking to maintain their pup’s health and longevity!
- Promotes Healthy skin and Coat:Almonds contains alpha linolenic acid that help to maintain a healthy skin and coat by promoting the production of sebum, which is an oily substance secreted from glands in hair follicles
- Helps Immune system : Almond butter also has vitamin E that helps your dog’s immune system function properly so they can fight off various illnesses
- Aids in Brain Function: It also has vitamin B12 which is an important nutrient for your dog’s brain function and it can help fight off depression.
- Good Fibre content :Almond butter is also good in fiber which can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar as well as promote digestive health.
What Are The Side Effects Of Almond Butter For Dogs ?
Some of the common side effects in dogs include:
Vomiting : The primary issue with almond butter is that if you give your dog too much,it can’t be digested and your dog’s stomach will reject what they’re being fed. They might start to vomit .It won’t do them any good to consume something their body cannot break down, so keep this in mind before you go ahead and give it to him/her just because they love almond butter.Moderation is the key here !
Diarrhea: You might also notice your pet having diarrhea or a decreased appetite as symptoms of an almond butter allergy. They may lose their fur coat due to constipation too – this is all pretty common for pets who have allergies so be aware of the signs before they become worse.
Dehydration: Almond nut butters are high in fat and sugar which can lead to dehydration if you don’t pay attention!
Swelling: Swelling in pets is typically an allergic reaction and will need to be treated immediately by taking them to see their veterinarian as soon as possible. If you notice that your pet has swollen lips or ears then they’re likely experiencing some kind of allergy and might want you try giving them something else instead if there are no more severe symptoms present.
Trigger Allergies:If your dog has an allergy or intolerance for almonds then almond butter may worsen their condition even more. Some dogs may experience an allergic reaction or increased inflammation depending on their specific allergies. It is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving almond butter to your dog for the first time
If your dog has allergies or severe reactions from other nut based foods then I would avoid giving them anything containing nuts altogether for safety reasons as well.
Things To Keep In Mind While Buying Almond Butter For Your Dog.
–Buy from a trusted brand: When it comes to selecting almond butter for your pet, you want to make sure that you are buying something with quality and of the best ingredients.
–Brand variety: You should also look out for different brands because they each contain varying levels of protein content . Almond butters can vary widely when it comes to their nutritional value so don’t assume all products are created equally – research them first !
–Check the salt and Sugar quantities: It’s important to verify that the content of the almond butter you’re buying is not just almonds and sugar – some brands are made with high levels of salt, trans fats or other unhealthy ingredients which should be avoided! Ensure that the nut butters you select is of a high quality and doesn’t contain any added ingredients such as sugar or unnecessary fillers.
–Canine Safe Product: Be sure to read over the label and look for anything about it being safe for dogs – if there isn’t anything, then I would advise against giving this specific brand of human grade product to your pet unless they are known to be okay with peanuts too!
–Non GMO: Make sure that they don’t have an ingredient list filled with genetically modified items which can harm your dog’s health. This will typically say “non GM” on the packaging so just make sure before you go ahead and purchase them because some brands may even claim that they’re all natural or organic when that’s not the case.
–Dog Friendly: I would recommend going for a product in which you can find reviews and comments from other dog owners as well. This will help you to be fully informed before making a purchase so that way there are no surprises.
–Ingredients Matter: Be aware of what ingredients are used within the almond butter – make sure it is made up mostly of almonds themselves instead of any preservatives or oils ( such as palm oils)added into them. There should be at least 70% almonds in order for it to have good quality .Just keep this information in mind while selecting one!
Check for xylitol :Some almond butters may also contain xylitol – which is a sugar substitute with an artificial sweetener. This can be very toxic to dogs and should not be given if they are experiencing any type of allergic reaction or have diabetes, as it could lead to life threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
The sugar substitute xylitol tricks the dog’s body into believing it has consumed a large quantity of sugar, resulting in a significant release of insulin. Because there is no actual sugar present, it may result in liver failure and death.
How Does Almond Butter Compare To Peanut Butter For Dogs?
When comparing almonds to peanuts, it turns out that there are a lot more health benefits in almonds than peanuts because they contain higher levels of healthy fats and protein; as well as being much lower in calories and fat per serving.
The fiber content is also better found in nut butters like almond butter whereas peanut butters don’t have any fibers whatsoever because they only use ground up roasted peanuts.
A jar of almond butter can cost anywhere from $11-$15 so it might be more expensive than your typical peanut butter, but the price point varies depending on where you purchase it and how big the jar is that you are buying.
Is Almond Butter Safe For Puppies?
If you have a puppy that is under 12 weeks old, they should not be given any type of nut butter because their digestive system cannot yet break down the nuts. They will not be able to fully digest them and it can lead to a lot of stomach upset, so for the first 12 weeks, you should avoid any type of nut butter or anything with nuts.
It is best to avoid nut butters altogether for their first year. After they have turned one then you can start adding in small amounts every few days until you find out what works best for him/her so there aren’t any noticeable side effects..
How Much Almond Butter Is Safe For My Dog To Eat Everyday?
Personally, I just give my Labrador a couple tea spoons once a week. I don’t suggest feeding your pets almond butter on a regular basis. It is not a replacement for your dog’s regular diet. It should only be offered as a special treat on rare occasions.
However, if your dog is just smitten with almond butter and you feel compelled to feed him a little amount every day, make sure it is included in its daily food intake in the correct ratio to prevent obesity. Almond butter Treats should only account for 10% of your dog’s daily nutritional limit.
Here are some guidelines on how to portion it out:
One Tablespoon of Almond Butter per Day – Feeding one tablespoon per day is the equivalent of adding about 130 calories and 21 grams sugar to their diet. This can be done up until they reach 50 pounds. If your pet has reached that weight then make sure he or she does not eat more than two tablespoons each week.
Ten ounces of Almond Butter – For smaller pets (less than 20 lbs.), feeding ten ounces over the course of a week will account for around 500 calories and 40 grams sugar depending on what type of almonds are used in production. Keep in mind also that this number will vary if the almonds are raw or roasted.
If you want to try giving almond butter to your dog for benefits such as protein or weight control, then I would recommend going with an organic brand because they have water-based processing methods and plant oils instead of artificial additives like hydrogenated fats meaning there will be nothing harmful about this nut spread.
Almond butter might seem less caloric than other types of foods but it has more calories per serving size so don’t go overboard! Be careful and monitor what you’re giving them to avoid malnutrition or obesity as these both can cause major health issues for dogs in the long run if left untreated.
How To Introduce Your Dog To Almond Butter Treats?
Try mixing in other ingredients with almond butter such as fruits or vegetables and see if that will help them be more receptive towards accepting this new flavor.
Introduce small amounts of almond butter gradually over time, not all at once because some dogs may have an allergic reaction and/or experience stomach upset due to how their digestive system would react.
Start off with just one teaspoon of nut spread per day for every ten pounds they weigh and then work up from there if the canine enjoys the flavors. If you don’t know how much that means in teaspoons, make sure to measure out one tablespoon at first because it will be easier than trying to figure out what size spoon/tablespoon measurement correlates with your pet’s weight.
Another way is by mixing small chunks or pieces of apple (or any other fruit) with almond butter so he can lick it off his paw when he needs a little something sweet during the day! You could also try some low-calorie fruit like bananas and strawberries to add healthy fats, carbs, and protein without the added sugar.
You could also try adding almond butter into their dog food by mixing it in with some dry kibble before feeding them or even using a small amount of water to mix it up so they can lick at the mixture for awhile after its been given to them. This is great because your pet will be able to get all those nutrients from almonds that he may not have access too through just his regular diet!
Related Recipe:Click Here To Check Out How To Make Yummy Almond Butter Biscuits For your Dog!
How To Give Your Dog Almond Butter Without It Getting Stuck In Their Throat ?
One way you can try to avoid this is by adding a little bit of cooking oil or peanut butter ( ensure your dog is not allergic to peanut butter) in with the almond butter. The fat will make it easier for them to swallow and they should be able to digest it much quicker without having any problems like choking on the almond butter spread.
Wrapping Up:
I hope this article has helped you better understand the benefits and drawbacks of almond butter for dogs. I have covered a lot of ground in this guide. If you’re still not sure what to do, talk with your veterinarian!No dog-owner wants their dog to get sick on account of giving them incorrect food.
In my opinion, it’s worth to give almond butter being to your dog, if given in small quantities as part of an overall balanced diet because it can provide benefits like antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids.The benefits outweigh any potential risk though so if you’ve enjoyed almond butter yourself then it’s worth considering adding it into your dog’s diet!
If your dog is not suffering from any health issues, it’s safe to add a small amount of almond butter to their food as an occasional treat.That said, always consult your vet before making changes to your pet’s diet regimen!
XoXo
Genie
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RELATED QUESTIONS ON ALMOND BUTTER AND DOGS
Can You Put Almond Butter In A Kong Toy?
Yes, you can put almond butter in a kong toy.The flavor and texture will help keep your dog occupied for awhile as they lick the stuffing out of it to get all the goodies inside!If you want it to last longer then just freeze the mixture before giving it to your dog so they’ll have something frozen for their enjoyment!
The use of almond butter for stuffing a Kong is a good option, and it is a better choice than peanut butter. If you mix in some of his kibble with the almond butter, it will thicken up a bit more, allowing you to use less butter and therefore keep the calories down.
Can Almond Butter Cause Pancreatitis In Dogs?
Some dogs can be sensitive to the high-fat content in almond butter and may experience stomach upset or pancreatitis. If you have a dog with this condition, it’s best not to feed him/her anything containing nuts of any kind because they are more prone to these issues.The consumption of large amounts of almond butter can cause pancreatitis in dogs, and it can also lead to vomiting.
Almond butter contains fats and protein which can make it hard for the dog to digest. If your dog is already suffering from pancreatitis, then almond butter could be one of many factors that cause a flare up in an existing condition or even lead to some new symptoms developing.
Does Almond Butter Cause Diarrhea In Dogs?
Pets who have a sensitivity to almond butter could be prone to diarrhea. If your dog has been having digestive issues and you are trying anything new, it is worth talking with your vet about whether or not adding in some almond butter may be the cause of their symptoms.
Dogs who are not used to eating a lot of fat or fats from nuts could have trouble digesting this type of food with ease, causing stomach upset and diarrhoea in some cases.
If you’re wondering whether your dog has an allergy to almonds or any other nut for that matter then checking their faeces can give you a good idea about what’s going on inside them since there will be evidence in their stool such as increased frequency, excess watery stools, tarry black/bloodied faeces, or serious stomach pain.
