As a pet parent with both cats and dogs I’ve often caught my feline friend eyeing those peanut butter dog treats with interest. Maybe you’ve wondered the same thing – can cats eat peanut butter dog treats? The short answer is it’s generally not recommended and there are important safety concerns you should know about.
Let’s dive deeper into why peanut butter dog treats might not be the best choice for your kitty, what risks they pose, and what safer alternatives you can offer instead.
The Double Danger: Dog Treats + Peanut Butter
When considering giving your cat peanut butter dog treats, we’re actually looking at two separate questions:
- Are dog treats generally safe for cats?
- Is peanut butter safe for cats?
Let’s tackle both of these important questions.
Can Cats Eat Dog Treats?
According to veterinarian Dr. TB Thompson, cats can safely eat some dog treats, but definitely not all of them. The key issue is that certain dog treats contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.
The three main dangerous ingredients to watch out for in dog treats are:
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Onion, onion powder, or onion extract: These contain compounds that damage red blood cells in cats, potentially causing anemia. The scary part? Symptoms might not show up until 7 days after your cat eats them!
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Garlic, garlic powder, or garlic extract: Even more dangerous than onion, garlic belongs to the same plant family (allium). As little as ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder can cause life-threatening anemia in cats.
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Propylene glycol: This preservative is commonly used in semi-moist dog foods and treats. In cats, it can cause anemia, depression, and a wobbly gait. Even small amounts (as little as 6%) can be harmful.
Is Peanut Butter Safe for Cats?
While most peanut butter isn’t immediately toxic to cats (unless it contains xylitol), it’s still not recommended as a treat for our feline friends. Here’s why:
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Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat proteins specifically to meet their nutritional needs. Peanut butter provides no nutritional value for cats.
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Peanut butter is high in fat and calories, which many cats don’t need in their diet.
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Some peanut butters contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely dangerous for cats. Xylitol poisoning can cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy, balance issues, seizures, and even be fatal.
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Peanut butter also often contains oils, fats, salt, and sugar, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues in cats.
Dog Treats That Are Definitely NOT Safe for Cats
If you’re thinking of sharing your dog’s treats with your cat, be especially careful with these popular brands that contain toxic ingredients:
| Dog Treat | Toxic Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Pup-Peroni Dog Treats | Propylene Glycol, Garlic Powder, Onion Extract |
| Newman’s Own Jerky Treats for Dogs | Garlic Powder |
| Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Beef Snacks | Propylene Glycol |
| Snausages In A Blanket Beef and Cheese Flavor | Propylene Glycol, Garlic Powder |
| Good’n’Fun Triple Flavored Rawhide Kabobs | Garlic Powder |
| Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Natural Grain-Free | Garlic Powder |
What Happens If My Cat Eats Peanut Butter Dog Treats?
If your sneaky kitty has already gotten into some peanut butter dog treats, don’t panic right away. Here’s what you should do:
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Check the ingredients – Look for those three dangerous ingredients (onion, garlic, propylene glycol) and xylitol.
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Monitor your cat – Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, or any unusual behavior.
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Contact your vet – If the treats contained any toxic ingredients or your cat shows concerning symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately. For xylitol poisoning, this is a medical emergency!
For a healthy cat, a very small amount of peanut butter without xylitol or other toxic ingredients might cause mild gastrointestinal upset at worst. However, cats with existing conditions like gastrointestinal disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis, or diabetes are at higher risk of complications.
Safe Alternatives: What Can I Give My Cat Instead?
Instead of risking peanut butter dog treats, why not offer your cat something they’ll love that’s actually good for them? Here are some better options:
Safe Dog Treats for Cats (if you must share)
If you’re determined to share dog treats with your cat, these options are generally safer:
- Plain jerky treats made only from dehydrated meat (like Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky) without garlic, onion, or propylene glycol
- Basic dog biscuits like classic Milk-Bone (though always check the label)
- Rawhides and bully sticks without harmful additives (though monitor for digestive issues)
Better Treat Options for Cats
These treats are much better suited to your cat’s carnivorous needs:
- Meat-based treats – Small pieces of chicken or turkey breast
- Fish treats – A tablespoon of tuna or salmon (canned in water or fresh with no spices)
- Eggs – A bit of boiled egg makes a nutritious snack
- Dehydrated turkey breast – Treats like Whole Life Pet Just One Turkey work well for both cats and dogs
- Commercial cat treats specially formulated for felines
The Bottom Line: Play It Safe With Your Cat
I’ve learned through my years of pet ownership that what’s fine for my dog isn’t always okay for my cat. Our feline friends have unique nutritional needs as obligate carnivores, and their bodies process foods differently than dogs do.
When it comes to peanut butter dog treats, the risks simply outweigh any potential benefits. Between the possibility of toxic ingredients and the fact that peanut butter offers no nutritional value to cats, it’s best to skip these treats altogether and choose something that’s actually good for your kitty.
Remember, treats of any kind should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. If you’re using peanut butter to hide medication, limit it to 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon daily at most, and always check with your vet first.
Have you found a treat that both your cat and dog can safely enjoy? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
FAQs About Cats and Peanut Butter Dog Treats
My cat just ate a peanut butter dog treat – what should I do?
Check the ingredients for onion, garlic, propylene glycol, or xylitol. If any of these are present, contact your vet immediately. If not, monitor your cat for any signs of digestive upset or unusual behavior, and call your vet if you notice anything concerning.
Can cats have plain peanuts instead of peanut butter?
While peanuts don’t usually contain the toxic additives found in peanut butter, they’re still not recommended for cats. They offer no nutritional benefit, are high in calories, and can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage, especially if swallowed whole or in the shell.
How can I safely give medicine to my cat without using peanut butter?
There are several cat-friendly options for hiding pills, including commercial pill pockets made specifically for cats, a tiny bit of canned cat food, a small piece of cheese, or a little plain yogurt. Always consult with your vet for the safest methods.
Are there any human foods that are safe for both cats and dogs?
Yes! Plain cooked meats like chicken or turkey (no bones, skin, or seasoning), small amounts of fish like salmon or tuna, and some vegetables like carrots or green beans can be safe for both cats and dogs in moderation.
How do I know if my cat has eaten something toxic?
Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty walking, seizures, or unusual behavior. If you notice any of these or suspect your cat has eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Remember, when in doubt about any treat or food for your cat, the safest approach is to check with your veterinarian first. Our furry friends depend on us to make the right choices for their health and well-being!
