Peanut Butter

[Mike_SK]

I usually give my puppy a kong full of kibble/treats mixed with peanut butter and frozen if I'm going to be out of the house for a while. I was wondering how much peanut butter is too much, and if there are any other alternatives to cement food, etc into her Kong that can be frozen? I saw yogurt suggested and think I'll try that, but any other suggestions?
As for yogurt, any specific kinds, should I avoid flavors or sugar free?

Thanks!

[wolfsoul]

There's really no such thing as too much peanut butter -- atleast not when it comes to the amount you can fit in a Kong lol. Yogurt is good, go for plain yogurt, not flavoured. Cream cheese is another good Kongstuffer, or dog biscuit batter.

[Mordy]

Keep in mind that one tablespoon of peanut butter contains about 90 kcal, 72% of them from fat. Look at this amount in relation to your dog's daily caloric intake. Logically, a larger dog who eats e.g. 900 kcal per day can have a little more than a small dog who eats maybe 300 kcal per day. The idea is to not feed a significant amount of kcal of the daily allowance in PB, since there are other nutrients that are more important to your dog, and if you feed too many calories per day, your dog becomes overweight.

Also make sure you use peanut butter that doesn't contain salt, sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated oils etc.

Plain yogurt is best, don't use anything with artificial sweeteners and avoid sugar too if possible. If you think plain is too boring and want to add a bit of flavor, add fresh, pureed fruits.

You can also use apple sauce, pureed fruits and veggies (no grapes, raisins and onions though) to hold the kibble together, or even pureed/ground meat if you want to, but be careful, since bacteria overgrowth occurs rapidly in ground meats.

[Mike_SK]

Thanks! I'm currently using a reduced fat, natural peanut butter that seems to have a good nutrition profile (compared to the Kraft that I use for myself). Applesauce is a great idea, thanks!

I'll see if she likes applesauce, although she seems to do anythign for food, so I'm sure she'll like it. Thanks again.

[k8tymem8ty]

i use a meet pate or puree that is good and works just as well as pb

[Mike_SK]

What kind of meat pate? Not sure if I really know where to find something like that or do you blend it up yourself?

[swanville]

I wonder if a meat baby food would work? I have given it to my dogs before when treating upset stomachs and they like it....it is also free of salt, sugar, etc.

[k8tymem8ty]

Originally Posted by Mike_SK

What kind of meat pate? Not sure if I really know where to find something like that or do you blend it up yourself?

you can do it yourself i sometimes do but you can buy it in most shops here meat spread is just as good. if you do it yourself then add a few breadcrumbs to make it stay together

[Doggish.Obsession]

So far, I've only tried stuffing the kong with bananas and fruit.

I put in cheese and melted it, and he had a pretty good time trying to get it out and.... two seconds ago I stuffed it with banana.

He doesnt seem interested in treats, but then again he is really young...

*shrugs*

[Leslie + Chessies]

Cheese Whiz works too!