Dogs love peanut butter, and it’s a good thing too because it seems that we hide almost every pill they will ever have to take in their lives inside a big glob of it. But sometimes, you may wonder if peanut butter will constipate your dog.
Peanut butter does not constipate dogs. Although it is higher in fat and sugar than many ideal dog treats, peanut butter can soothe the digestive system and aid bowel movements. Too much peanut butter can cause diarrhea in some dogs.
Peanut butter is a great way to help dogs digest better and prevent constipation, as long as it’s eaten in moderation. Here’s more about peanut butter and constipation in dogs.
Does Peanut Butter Constipate Dogs?
Peanut butter doesn’t constipate dogs. If your dog eats too much peanut butter in a sitting, they’re more likely to have diarrhea than become constipated. Peanut butter is high in fat but also contains fiber, which can soothe and aid digestion in dogs.
If your dog has eaten peanut butter and is constipated, it likely got into something else too. Dogs don’t always have self-control and can’t tell what’s good for them and what’s not – that’s why you need to look out for your best friend.
Anytime your dog overeats, it won’t feel well the next few days. You should call your local veterinarian to see what to do. Your vet can tell you how to minimize mess and make your pup more comfortable for the next few days.
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Dogs can eat most kinds of peanut butter and do so happily. Many owners use peanut butter as a treat to fill the inside of hollow toys, as part of a sensory food board, or to help disguise a dog’s daily meds.
Of course, the best kind of peanut butter for dogs is all-natural peanut butter or peanut butter made with animal consumption in mind. These kinds have fewer added sugars and less fat. However, dogs can eat most store-bought peanut butter, with the notable exception of those that contain Xylitol.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener added to many sugar-free and low-calorie foods. While it’s ok for humans to consume, it is highly toxic to dogs.
Peanut butter rarely has Xylitol, but it’s always worth checking. If your dog consumes Xylitol, the product will release too much insulin, and the dog could die. So check any food you share with your dog and avoid unnaturally sugar-free peanut butter!
What Helps With Doggy Constipation?
Of course, if your dog is mysteriously constipated and it wasn’t the peanut butter, it must have been something else they ate. Dogs will happily eat whatever food is left out (or not left out if they’re adept counter surfers or garbage rummagers).
Call your vet immediately if your pup struggles to have a bowel movement, is whimpering, or is in pain. Even if it’s just a bad case of constipation, you don’t want to risk it being something much more serious. A medical professional that knows you and your pet will be able to assess the risk and help you come up with a solution.
Signs of Constipation in Dogs
There are significant differences between regular constipation and signs of something more serious, like GDV or bloat. If your dog is constipated, it will be gone in a few days. However, GDV could be fatal if not handled properly.
Here are some signs of regular constipation:
- Less than one bowel movement per day
- Unsuccessful attempts to poop
- Excessive circling before lying down or in the yard
- Scooting along the carpet or grass
- Frequent squatting with no results
Any to all of these signs are symptoms of normal constipation. However, if it is more than three days without a bowel movement, your dog’s stomach looks distended and firm, or your dog begins vomiting or showing signs of severe pain, call your vet immediately. These could be signs of bloat.
How To Relieve Constipation at Home
The dog’s tummy will return to normal in a few days if it’s regular constipation. However, you can help your pup by feeding them more fiber.
Instead of causing constipation, peanut butter soothes the stomach and aids digestion. Pureed pumpkin and wet dog food (instead of dry) can also help your dog.
Usually, constipation is caused by eating something unusual or foreign to the digestive system. A dog’s digestive system evolved from wolf ancestors, who mostly ate raw meat in the wild. Modern dogs need mostly protein with very few fats, sugars, or greens. Constipation can arise when a dog eats too much fat or sugar in one sitting.
How To Prevent Constipation in the Future
Unfortunately, dogs usually don’t learn from their mistakes and will eat another dozen blueberry muffins if you leave them out next week. Instead, you must protect your pets and ensure they get the proper protein and nutrients so they won’t be constipated again.
Here are some tips to prevent constipation in dogs:
- Always put human food away
- Don’t share overly processed foods with your dog
- Avoid giving your dog too many treats (treats should make up less than 10% of a dog’s diet)
- Ensure your pup gets plenty of exercise every day
- Give your dog a mix of wet and dry dog food
- Train your dog to stay off the counters
These steps aren’t entirely foolproof, but they will prevent most constipation cases from occurring. Some dogs are chronically constipated and require meds to have regular bowel movements. Usually, these dogs have other health issues and need a special diet.
Final Thoughts
If you can prevent your dog from becoming constipated, you’ll have a happier and healthier dog. Peanut butter might not constipate your dog, but it can help them take medicine, digest better, and have a healthy snack!
