Is Peanut Butter Safe To Feed To Your Dog

I’m no stranger to having sick dogs. My dogs have elevated liver enzymes for over a year. And in researching possible culprits, I began wondering if aflatoxins were to blame.

What are aflatoxins

Aspergillus flavis is a mold, which produces aflatoxins. It's in certain foods, and if excessive, it can cause liver damage and cancer.

Bottomline, aflatoxins are toxic!

What foods contain aflatoxins

Aflatoxins can form due to fungal contamination before or after harvest. It can be found in nuts, corn, rice, figs, and spices.

While this list isn’t conclusive, there is one food to focus on. If you feed your dog peanut butter, it may be contaminated with aflatoxins.

How bad is peanut butter

The US peanut industry tests every lot of peanuts used for making peanut butter. Peanuts can pass inspection but a very small percentage of aflatoxins can remain. The USDA considers up to 15 parts per billion or less as acceptable for aflatoxins.

While it sounds like a very low amount, 0.0000015%, it could be affecting your dog. And smaller dogs can be more susceptible to show signs of illness.

Early Signs of aflatoxin toxicity in dogs

Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Vomiting

Severe Signs of aflatoxin toxicity in dogs

Jaundice (yellowing of eyes, gums, and non-pigmented skin)
Blood-tinged vomit
Bloody or blackened stools

Prolonged low-dose exposure of aflatoxin can cause

Immunosuppression
Reduced growth rate
Liver enlargement

Very high levels of aflatoxin can cause liver damage/failure.

If aflatoxin toxicity, lab results can show

Elevated liver enzymes (increased AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase)
Longer bleeding times (prolonged prothrombin times)
Elevated bilirubin
Low cholesterol
Low albumin

Aflatoxin toxicity can take several days to weeks to develop. Prompt evaluation of your dog by a veterinarian is essential. And any suspected aflatoxin-containing food should be thrown out.

How to reverse suspected aflatoxin contamination

John Hopkins University studied the effects of aflatoxins in humans. Aflatoxin toxicity can be reversed by giving chlorophyllin (a derivative of chlorophyll). Foods high in chlorophyll are green, such as: spinach, collard greens, parsley, and broccoli.

It's safe to give your dog spinach and broccoli in limited amounts. And if giving to your dog, it could help to reverse the effects of a suspected aflatoxin toxicity. Aflatoxins clear the body within 1-3 weeks.

How to keep your dog safe

If your dog enjoys a peanut butter-filled Kong or tasty peanut butter biscuits, it is hard to give that up. So how do you choose a safe peanut butter?

Roasting and processing doesn't kill all aflatoxins.

Fresher is better. Look for raw, unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter. Consume within 1-2 months of manufacturing, if possible.

And for dogs with known liver issues or cancer, it may be better to avoid peanut butter.

But if your dog refuses to give up peanut butter, there is hope. MaraNatha brand guarantees their nut butters are aflatoxin-free.

Aflatoxin toxicity is rare. But peanut butter could worsen liver issues in dogs with known liver problems. Avoiding peanut butter could be the key to improving your dog’s health.

If your dog has been exposed to aflatoxins, please consult your veterinarian.

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