Giving Peanut Butter To Dogs--Scratching, Itching and Ear Infections

Many people commonly give their dogs peanut butter because it is a food that they personally enjoy and want to share it with their beloved pet. There really is no upside to doing this and we can’t emphasize enough the downsides. The recent peanut butter and peanut butter product recall, just like last year’s pet food recall, calls attention to the fact that there is already an existing problem, especially for pets. Peanut butter commonly contains mold which can fuel yeast growth in people and pets. Where do problems typically show up on the dog? Ear and skin infections. I can’t tell you how many clients have reported their dogs having excessive scratching, itching, redness, allergic reactions, ear infections, hot spots, all from giving them just a small amount of peanut butter.  If your dog has allergies or chronic ear and skin infections, then the first place to start would be to give your dog K9 Yeast Defense.  K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic are veterinary supplements that are all-natural and can boost your dog’s immune system, while reducing smelly yeast in the ears and groin.  If your dog has ever been on antibiotics, this alone can cause a yeast overgrowth to occur. The symptoms can be shaking of the ears, scratching, itching and recurring ear infections.

 Learn more about how to stop dog itching. Moreover, there are many pet owners whose pets already have chronic allergies and skin problems who carefully watch their diets using hypoallergenic foods and yet their pets continue to scratch and itch because they are coating the dog’s pills with peanut butter to administer them. Their dogs continue to have chronic yeast infections in the ears and scratch and itch. It only takes a small amount (e.g. a teaspoon) to result in a week-long allergic episode.  Using K9 Yeast Defense as a preventative, especially during the hot summer will really help.

Peanut butter is also very high in fat, and many times, contains sugar, again–neither is good for a dog’s health. If you have been using peanut butter or peanut butter-flavored dog biscuits (wheat is also a potential allergen and should be avoided) in your pet’s diet, we urge you to discontinue and use lower fat, hypoallergenic treats such as Wildside Salmon treats (if no kidney issues are present), baby carrots or sliced apples. If your dog has chronic skin and coat problems, itching, scratching, hair loss, most likely it is due to the food you are feeding and poor digestion. A high carbohydrate diet, paired with specific allergies to various proteins, can result in a very allergic pet. Please see our discussion on the holistic care for pets with allergies on AskAriel.com for more information.