Is it nuts to give dogs peanut butter?

Hootie, an American pitbull mix dog who spent eight-and-a-half months at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, is deaf due to previous trauma.

Nate's staff members didn’t know much about his past, but based on their observations — including his fear of people— he most likely was abused and or neglected. 

He became even more afraid during Nate's attempts to do medical procedures (such as ear exams and visits to allergy specialists) and grooming (trimming nails and bathing).

One thing helped to ease his stress — peanut butter. 

“A simple lick mat with peanut butter worked wonders to calm and distract him, turning a stressful experience into a positive one and helping him learn to trust our team,” said Chelsea Fieber, an animal care team member at Nate's.

Photo by Madison Bierl

Amy Caron, who works as the ranch manager, has worked at Nate’s for 13 years. She said the staff members mostly use peanut butter as a distraction or for enrichment. 

The staff uses it in a variety of ways, which include putting the peanut butter on lick mats or in Kong toys. 

Photo by Madison Bierl

“The dogs have to work to get the treat out, especially when frozen, keeping their brain stimulated and occupied sometimes for hours,” Caron said. “It is especially important in a shelter environment where animals are in kennels for the majority of the day. Mental stimulation can sometimes be even more tiring than physical.” 

Along with Kong toys, they also freeze peanut butter on Frisbees. Staff members attach them to the kennel doors and the dogs keep busy by licking and trying to get to the treat. 

“Dogs at the shelter often spend over 22 hours of the day inside their kennel, which is why providing mental stimulation during that time is so crucial to their overall mental health and development,” said Lacy Landers, the marketing manager at Nate's.

Caron said an unlikely combination of peanut butter and pumpkin makes for a good treat. Pumpkin can regulate digestion and prevent diarrhea and constipation. Another use for peanut butter could be enticing the dogs’ appetite with something sweet if they won’t eat. 

Photo by Madison Bierl

With certain peanut butter brands, a sugar substitute Xylitol is used, and that can be fatal to dogs. The staff at the shelter check every jar that is donated to make sure Xylitol is not on the ingredients' list. Landers said popular brands Jif and Skippy tend to be safe. They even have two dogs currently at the shelter named after the brands. 

Landers said peanut butter is not a common donation. They only ever get peanut butter when they post on social media requesting it. Then the community usually shows up with donations. 

Landers said people don’t realize how useful peanut butter can be, especially in a shelter environment. Eighty to 100 dogs can get daily enrichment, which helps cater to lower stress levels.

Photo by Madison Bierl

On top of peanut butter, towels, sheets, blankets, dog treats, food, office supplies and cleaning supplies are always needed and accepted. There is a drop box at the shelter for these items. They also accept monetary donations that go towards vaccines, food and lifesaving medical care. Any form of donation is beneficial to the shelter. 

“Not everyone has money to give, but even one jar of peanut butter can go a long way for the animals in our care,” Caron said.