You are having a snack, and your dog is looking at you with those big, begging eyes.
A piece drops on the floor, and before you pick it up, your furry friend has gobbled it down; and is begging for more.
Naturally, dogs love anything we eat but is it safe to give them any food?
So, can dogs eat peanut butter pretzels?
Dogs can’t eat peanut butter pretzels because they’re three times higher in sodium than regular pretzels.
The high sodium content could lead to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance.
An overdose of sodium causes vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in dogs.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid giving your dog peanut butter pretzels or salty snacks.
This article will discuss whether dogs can eat peanut butter pretzels, the risks of peanut butter for dogs, and possible alternatives to peanut butter pretzels.
Is it Okay to Feed my Dog Peanut Butter Pretzels?
It’s not safe to give your dog peanut butter pretzels, as they are high in sodium and harmful ingredients like xylitol.
However, some brands of peanut butter pretzels are safe for dogs.
When choosing a brand of peanut butter pretzels for your pup, make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients and is low in sodium.
Moreover, the coating on peanut butter pretzels is hard for dogs to digest.
If your dog eats a pretzel, ensure they are well-hydrated, and watch for any signs of gastrointestinal distress.
Can Dogs Have Peanut Butter Stuffed Pretzels?
Like us, dogs love the taste of peanut butter; in fact, some dog owners use peanut butter to stuff Kong toys and treat dispensers to keep their pups entertained and mentally stimulated.
Therefore, if your dog loves the taste of peanut butter, they can have pretzels stuffed with the tasty treat.
Peanut butter-coated pretzels and peanut butter stuffed pretzels are a no-no for your pup.
The high sodium content in pretzels is dangerous for dogs for it leads to health problems like dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
In severe cases, an overdose of sodium causes vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
Although peanut butter is safe for dogs, pretzels containing peanut butter may not be.
Peanut butter is a good source of protein for dogs, and it also contains heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E.
However, some brands of peanut butter pretzels contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Therefore, when giving your dog a pretzel, make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol or any other harmful ingredients to your pet.
Peanut butter stuffed pretzels are meant for humans, not dogs.
They are empty-calorie snacks high in sodium and unhealthy for your pup.
Thus, no nutritional value is gained by feeding your dog pretzels rather than carbs and salts, leading to health problems.
What Happens if My Dog Eats Peanut Butter Pretzels?
Once your dog eats peanut butter pretzels, monitor them closely for any signs of gastrointestinal distress.
If your dog starts vomiting or has diarrhea, immediately take them to the vet.
The following are some signs that your dog is reacting to pretzels:
Dehydration
Dehydration is the primary concern when it comes to dogs and pretzels.
Pretzels are high in sodium, which leads to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance.
If your dog is dehydrated, it will have a dry nose, mouth, and eyes.
They will also be lethargic and have a decreased appetite.
All breeds of dogs aren’t tolerant of high sodium diets, but small breeds and puppies are especially susceptible to salt poisoning.
If you think your dog is dehydrated, give them plenty of fresh water and contact your veterinarian.
Kidney Failure
Another concern when feeding your dog pretzels is kidney failure.
Kidney failure occurs when dogs consume too much salt.
When kidneys can’t remove the excess salt from the body, it builds up and causes damage.
Kidney failure is a chronic and progressive disease that is fatal.
Xylitol Toxicity
The other concern of feeding dogs pretzels is xylitol toxicity.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol often used as a sweetener in human food.
It’s safe for humans but toxic to dogs.
Xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin, which leads to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Symptoms of xylitol toxicity in dogs include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination.
Seizure
This is a severe medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.
It occurs when dogs eat large amounts of xylitol, which causes a rapid insulin release leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), seizures, and even death.
Premature Death
In severe cases, dogs who consume large amounts of salt can die.
When salt poisoning occurs, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
If left untreated, these symptoms lead to death.
The other symptoms of salt poisoning include:
- Muscle weakness
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Dryness
- Lethargy
- Neurological damage
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heartbeat
- Abdominal pain
Now that you know the risks of feeding your dog pretzels, what are the alternatives?
What Can I Feed My Dog Instead of Peanut Butter Pretzels?
Perhaps your dog loves the taste of peanut butter, but you don’t want to risk them eating pretzels.
There are a few alternative snacks that are safe and healthy for your dog.
- Vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, green beans)
- Fruit (e.g., apples, bananas, watermelon, strawberries)
- Plain yogurt
- Cooked chicken or turkey
- Popcorn (without salt or butter)
- Pumpkin puree
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchini sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Peanut butter dog biscuits.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Pretzels
The best way to prevent your dog from eating pretzels is to keep them out of reach.
Dogs are curious creatures and will try to eat anything they can get their paws on.
If you have a party or gathering where there will be pretzels, put them out of your dog’s reach.
Train your dog to “leave it” or “drop it.”
This basic obedience command will teach your dog not to take food from strangers or pick up food off the ground.
Another way to prevent your dog from eating pretzels is to ensure they aren’t left unattended around them.
Dogs are known for getting into things when their owners aren’t looking; hence keep an eye on them.
If you can’t be in the same room as your dog, put them in a crate or another safe place.
Don’t give your dog pretzels as a treat.
This will only reinforce the behavior and make it more likely to try eating pretzels when they aren’t supposed to.
If you want to give your dog a treat, choose something safe and healthy, like a piece of fruit or veggie.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter Pretzels FAQs
Can dogs eat peanut butter-flavored pretzels?
Dogs can eat peanut butter-flavored pretzels as long as they don’t contain xylitol.
Avoid giving your dog pretzels high in salt because they lead to salt poisoning.
Can dogs eat pretzels with chocolate?
It’s possible to feed dogs pretzels with chocolate as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol.
However, if you want to give your dog a chocolate treat, choose a product that is specifically made for dogs.
How many pretzels can my dog eat?
If possible, avoid giving your dog pretzels altogether.
Pretzels contain hard wheat flour, which is difficult for dogs to digest.
They are also high in salt and fat, which is dangerous for dogs.
Conclusion
While you may enjoy a delicious peanut butter pretzel, it’s best to refrain from sharing it with your furry friend.
Dogs can eat peanut butter, but pretzels containing peanut butter may not be safe for them to consume.
Ask your veterinarian before giving your dog any human food when in doubt.
Peanut butter pretzel is harmful to dogs because it contains hard wheat flour, salt, and fat.
Dogs can’t digest these ingredients properly, which leads to health problems.
If you want to give your dog a treat, choose something safe and healthy, like a piece of fruit or veggie.
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