Peanuts are a quick and tasty snack for many of us, whether we’re on the go or looking for something healthy to munch on during a movie. If you’ve got a taste for peanuts, then it might be tempting to give your dog a few nuts to enjoy the treat as much as you do! After all, dogs love peanut butter, so by that logic, shouldn’t peanuts be safe for dogs?
Well, it depends. Peanuts are generally safe for dogs and may even be healthy for them, but strictly in moderation – as in a few peanuts once in a while. It’s also best to feed him unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts, as other peanut types are unhealthy and hazardous to dogs.
There’s more to discuss on this topic, so read the rest of this guide as we dive deep into the benefits and risks associated with feeding your dog peanuts. We’ll also discuss how to safely feed your dog peanuts at length, so stay tuned!
Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Peanuts
Loaded with protein and nutrients, peanuts make a great treat for many pups. They also contain niacin, vitamins b6 and E, and healthy fats, which can aid good metabolism and strengthen the immune system in dogs.
However, it can’t be stressed enough that it’s best to limit your dog’s intake. There are risks to feeding your dog peanuts, especially when you give them to him on a daily or regular basis.
Hazards of Feeding Your Dog Peanuts
While peanuts are safe in moderation for dogs, they pose some risks to your dog’s health when eaten improperly or in large quantities. Here are a few of the ways peanuts can be dangerous to your dog:
Sodium
The type of peanuts most commonly found in grocery stores and in our cupboards are usually salted peanuts, which are delicious and a little addictive for most of us. However, these can be extremely dangerous to your pooch.
Sodium ion poisoning can occur in your dog if he has eaten too many salted peanuts. Symptoms of this include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Disorientation
- Excessive panting
If your pup has helped himself to a bag of salted peanuts and started to display any of these symptoms, call your vet right away or contact the Pet Poison Helpline.
Excess Fat
Peanuts contain high amounts of healthy fats, which is beneficial for humans. However, canine digestive systems have a much harder time breaking down fats than ours do. As such, ingesting high amounts of fat can lead to an upset stomach in dogs.
Worse yet, feeding dogs peanuts on a regular basis can lead to pancreatitis, a condition where a canine’s pancreas becomes inflamed. Symptoms of this disorder include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Low appetite
- Low energy levels
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
Artificial Ingredients
Many of us also love flavored peanuts like honey-roasted peanuts. Unfortunately, this delicious snack is extremely unsafe for our canine friends.
This is because some flavored peanuts contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic – and at times, fatal – to dogs. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Sudden collapse
- Jerking
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Lack of coordination
If your dog has eaten flavored peanuts that contain xylitol, call your vet as soon as possible or contact the Pet Poison Helpline.
Aflatoxicosis
Raw peanuts are typically safe for dogs, but feeding them to your pup comes with certain risks. A type of mold called Aspergillus flavus can grow on foods or food ingredients like peanuts and corn, especially in hot, moist environments. This mold can lead to the production of aflatoxins.
Ingestion of aflatoxins results in aflatoxicosis or aflatoxin poisoning. Symptoms of this include:
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
To avoid this, steer clear of raw peanuts that look old or moldy. Make sure to wash raw peanuts thoroughly and shell them before eating them or feeding them to your dog.
Allergic Reaction
Just like humans, some dogs may be allergic to peanuts. This is why it’s important to take your dog to the vet to undergo skin tests which will determine whether he suffers from peanut allergies.
If your pup has already eaten peanuts and you’re still unsure of whether he’s allergic to them, watch out for these signs of an allergic reaction:
- Red and itchy skin
- Excessive licking
- Excessive scratching
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Hair loss
- Hotspots
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty breathing
Bring your pup to the vet as soon as possible once he starts showing any of these symptoms.
Choking
As with any bite-sized treat, dogs may not chew peanuts properly and go straight to swallowing them. This can lead to choking, especially if he swallows peanuts in rapid succession. Peanuts with shells intact are also a serious choking hazard.
It’s important to shell peanuts before feeding them to your dog. Make sure as well to feed it to him slowly and place the pack of peanuts in a secure spot away from his reach.
Dogs Who Shouldn’t Eat Peanuts
With all the risks of feeding your dogs peanuts laid out above, it’s worthwhile to mention that peanuts are typically safe for dogs, as long as they’re fed to them the right way.
However, there are some dogs who should stay away from peanuts altogether:
Dogs with conditions that affect the liver or pancreas
The high-fat content of peanuts can exacerbate the symptoms of dogs who have certain medical conditions, especially those with liver or pancreas issues. This includes dogs with liver disease or pancreatitis.
Small toy and terrier breeds, such as cocker spaniels, miniature schnauzers, and toy poodles have been reported to be at higher risk for pancreatitis. If your dog belongs to these breeds, it’s best not to feed them peanuts even if they haven’t been diagnosed with pancreatitis.
Overweight dogs
Dogs who are overweight or obese may be better off without peanuts in their diet, even if they’re given sparingly. High-fat and high-calorie treats like peanuts or even peanut butter can worsen their weight problems.
Some overweight dogs may also be on special vet-recommended diets, so if your dog is on a certain diet plan, it’s best to steer clear of peanuts. Instead, you can opt for healthier alternatives like green beans – giving your pup that delicious crunch minus the calories.
Dogs who have not been tested for peanut allergies
While peanut allergies are more common in humans than in dogs, the old adage that goes “it’s better to be safe than sorry” still applies in this case. Make sure to have your dog tested by a vet for peanut allergies before giving him peanuts of any kind.
How To Safely Feed Your Dog Peanuts
Can’t resist those puppy eyes begging for a few of your peanuts? The good news is you can safely give your dog peanuts by following these helpful tips:
Check with your veterinarian first
Make sure your vet gives the go-ahead for you to feed your dog peanuts. Doing this will help you avoid any health issues or unwanted reactions that your pup might experience.
Stick to unsalted peanuts
Salted or flavored peanuts of any kind may contain ingredients that are detrimental to your pup’s health. Make sure to give him only unsalted peanuts, whether roasted, boiled, or raw. See to it as well that the peanuts are shelled since peanut shells are hazardous to dogs.
Don’t feed your dog peanuts every day
Peanuts should only be given occasionally, as a reward for good behavior, during training, or before or after giving your pup medication. Giving it to him every day can lead to health issues later on in his life that could cause pain or discomfort.
Make sure your dog chews the peanuts
Peanuts are a huge choking hazard, so you’ll need to watch over your pup when you feed him peanuts to ensure that he chews them properly and isn’t just swallowing them. You can also give one peanut at a time to keep him from inhaling all the nuts in one go.
Avoid feeding him other types of nuts
There are certain types of nuts that are highly toxic to dogs even in very small amounts, and others that may lead to health problems when consumed in large quantities. These include:
- Macadamia nuts – Causes vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and depression
- Almonds – Causes vomiting and diarrhea and may lead to pancreatitis when fed too often
- Pecans – Contain juglone that may lead to digestive problems
- Pistachios – High in fat; may also develop Aspergillus flavus which can lead to aflatoxin poisoning
Be sure to avoid these types of nuts as much as possible, even if you’re only using them as ingredients for homemade treats.
In Closing
Giving your pooch a few peanuts once in a while is perfectly safe! Remember, though, to consult with your veterinarian first before giving your pup any snacks that are not doctor-approved. Lastly, take your dog to the nearest animal hospital or contact your local animal poison control center if he has ingested large quantities of peanuts unsupervised.