Paws Up for Peanut Butter! Fun Foraging Enrichment for Your Pup
Once you’ve gotten all the PB out of a jar of peanut butter, toss a little kibble into it and let your doggo lick out the final bits.
Calling all peanut butter-loving pups and their humans. What better way to celebrate National Peanut Butter Day on January 24th than by showering your furry friend with some delicious, mentally stimulating enrichment? You can do it with the power and irresistible aroma of peanut butter!
Kongs and Beyond
Peanut butter opens up a world of fun foraging activities for your pup from the classic Kong to DIY possibilities. Here are some ways to get creative:
Stuffed Kongs: Pack your Kong with mashed banana, kibble, and a dollop of peanut butter. Freeze it for an extra challenge.
Lick Mats: Spread peanut butter (thinned with water if needed) on a lick mat and watch your pup go into overdrive.
Kibble in a Jar: Sprinkle kibble into a mostly empty peanut butter jar, and let your pup work for their dinner. (Supervise them, though, so they don’t chomp down on the jar itself!)
DIY Pupsicles: Blend yogurt and a touch of peanut butter, pour into ice cube trays, and freeze for a refreshing treat. Customize by adding blueberry, pumpkin puree or kibbles.
Cookie Time: Slather some PB onto a flat biscuit and top with another biscuit. Voila! Instant cookie sandwich. Freeze if desired.
Scent Games: Dab a bit of peanut butter on toys or cardboard tubes and let your pup follow their nose to find them.
Safety First: X-Out Xylitol
Before you whip up your PB masterpiece, remember one crucial note: never use peanut butter with xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Always check the label and opt for brands with only natural ingredients.
More Kong Recipes
Peanut butter sealing up this Kong.
Here are six dog-friendly peanut butter Kong combinations to tantalize your pup’s taste buds:
Fruity PB Delight: Mash banana or berries and mix with equal parts peanut butter. Freeze for extra fun.
Veggie Power: Grate carrots or sweet potato and mix with peanut butter and kibble.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Mix mashed pumpkin with cooked brown rice and a dollop of peanut butter.
Tropical Twist: Blend mango or pineapple with plain yogurt and a touch of peanut butter. Freeze for more refreshment.
Cheesy Goodness: Mix cottage cheese with chopped apple or pear and a scoop of peanut butter.
Meat Feast: Mix cooked chicken or turkey with mashed sweet potato and a spoonful of peanut butter.
Bonus: Customize any of these recipes by adding favorite treats, kibble, or unsweetened Greek yogurt.
Beyond January 24th
National Peanut Butter Day is just a springboard for endless paw-sibilities! Remember, it’s not just about the treat, it’s about having fun and seeing your pup blossom with the joy of tasty enrichment!
Happy Peanut Butter Day (and every day) to all the dog parents and their furry companions!
