Can Dogs Have Some Almond Butter?

Many types of nut-based kinds of butter such as peanut butter and cashew butter are safe for dogs. Similar to these, almond butter can also be given to dogs from time to time.

If your pet is fond of eating peanut butter, he will surely like almond butter too. This one also has a mild and sweet taste but it is usually silkier and creamier than peanut butter.

Almond butter contains an impressive amount of nutrients and antioxidants. While almond butter is a healthy kind of butter, some dogs have difficulty digesting almonds. That leads us to our question. Is almond butter bad for dogs?

The Truth about Almonds and Dogs

Almonds are not toxic to dogs. However, some dogs have a hard time breaking them down due to the oxalate naturally present in these drupes.

Oxalates are compounds found in most plants that act as their protection against predators. However, they can cause kidney stones in animals and humans.

Some experts are not convinced that canines gain nutrients from consuming almonds the same way humans do. Nonetheless, there are some who believe almonds have potential benefits for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Almond Butter?

The good news is that, in small amounts, almonds are safe for doggies. Therefore, almond butter is also safe for them. You can use it as an ingredient for making dog treats.

Almond butter can be given to dogs especially if it is natural and does not contain xylitol. Similar to peanut butter and other nut kinds of butter, some manufacturers are now using this sweetener in almond butter.

It helps to be cautious in checking the labels when buying almond butter. This way, you can check if it contains xylitol in it or not. This ingredient can be harmful to dogs even in small amounts and can quickly have effects on the body.

Benefits of Almond Butter to Dogs

Has your dog been stuck to peanut butter? If you never tried giving almond butter to your pet before, you might want to consider it now. Almond butter actually has more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than peanut butter. Here are the other benefits of this butter for your pet:

1. It is good for heart health. Almonds are naturally rich in magnesium, a mineral that keeps the heart healthy as it promotes the flow of blood and oxygen.
2. It is full of healthy flavonoids. Almonds are known for containing plenty of antioxidants that can help your dog’s body to ward off diseases.
3. It is rich in Vitamin E. This vitamin is essential for healthy skin and coat. There’s a lot of it in almond butter, with 4 milligrams for every tablespoon.
4. It contains healthy fats. A serving of almond butter has 18 grams of fat which are mostly unsaturated.

Risks in Giving Almond Butter to Dogs

Almond butter contains certain amounts of fat, with a tablespoon containing 10 grams of it. Avoid giving almond butter in excessive quantities because it might cause gastrointestinal upsets in dogs. Your dog could experience bouts of diarrhea after consuming a lot of almond butter.

Dog-Friendly Almond Butter Recipes

Almond Butter Dog Biscuits

You have the option to substitute the whole-wheat flour with any non-wheat flour if your pet is allergic to wheat-based products. If your pet is lactose-intolerant, you can also skip the milk. There are lactose-free milk products out there.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond butter and 1 egg.
2. In another bowl, mix 2 cups of whole wheat flour with a tablespoon of baking powder.
3. Add half of the mixture into the flour mixture and add ¾ cup of milk to the other half.
4. Continue mixing until you get a thick consistency.
5. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface.
6. Cut using any cookie cutter of your choice.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. Serve when they are completely cool.

Almond Oatmeal Hypoallergenic Dog Treats

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rice flour, ½ cup of oatmeal, and ½ cup of almond butter.
2. Crack in 2 large eggs.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of water, one at a time to keep the dough together.
4. Place it on a floured surface and roll it out to ¼ inch thick.
5. Cut using any cookie cutter of your choice.
6. Transfer on cookie sheets that were lightly greased.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12 minutes or until you see a slightly brown color on the bottom part.

Grain-Free Almond Delight Dog Treats

1. Mix 1 cup of almond and 1 cup of quinoa flour in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine ¼ cup of melted coconut oil, 1 shredded carrot, ¼ cup of almond butter, and ¼ cup of water.
3. Crack in one large egg.
4. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients. Keep mixing until you form your dough.
5. Roll the dough into a ball.
6. Covered in plastic wrap, put the dough in the fridge for around 15 minutes.
7. Roll out in half an inch thick using a rolling pin.
8. Cut using any cookie cutter of your choice.
9. Transfer on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or until they look golden brown.

Conclusion

Almond butter can be safely given to dogs in small amounts. If your pet enjoys the mild and sweet taste of almond butter, you can use it in making his treats. It’s great for biscuits, just like peanut butter. Like the guideline for shopping peanut butter, go for natural and xylitol-free varieties.