Harper Jefcoat
Harper Jefcoat

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? Get to Know the Safe Nuts for Your Dog!

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can dogs eat peanuts

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  • Can Dogs Eat Peanuts Safely?
  • What Types of Peanuts are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
  • When are Peanuts Bad for Dogs?
  • Risks of Feeding Peanuts to your Dog
  • How to Safely Feed Peanuts to Dogs?

In this day and age, it is important to know what you are feeding your pet. In addition to keeping them healthy, you also want to make sure that they don't eat anything that will hurt them.

While dogs are not typically known to eat peanuts, some owners have had success in getting their canine companions to consume the nutritious nut. However, there are some nuts that can be harmful if consumed by your dog, so it is important to understand which ones are safe and which ones you should avoid.

Dogs can eat peanuts, but should they? Read on to learn more about it!

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts Safely?

“Can dogs eat peanuts, yes or no?”

Yes!

Peanuts can be a healthy snack for your pup because they have lots of protein, vitamin B-6, healthy fats that are good for them, vitamin E, and niacin. But not all peanuts are safe for dogs. There are some risks.

Some peanuts and peanut butter are good for your dog. This means that they have a protein-rich snack that dogs can't get enough of. So, your dog can eat these nuts without ingesting harmful components.

However, the quantity and forms of peanuts are important. If you are feeding peanuts to your dog, make sure that you feed it in safe amounts and form. Read on to know more about what they are.

Health Benefits of Peanuts for Canines

Here are some key benefits of peanuts for canines;

  • An ideal source of protein.
  • Has vitamins B-6 and niacin, essential for better metabolism.
  • Has vitamin E, needed for strong immunity and for better working of other organs.
  • Is filled with good and beneficial fats.

Though there are a number of better treat options for your dog, if you still want to give peanuts to him, give them sparingly.

What Types of Peanuts are Safe for Dogs to Eat?

The best peanuts for dogs are not the salty, delicious kind that most people like to eat. Raw (or dry roasted) unsalted peanuts are the only peanuts that are good for dogs. But your dog should be fine if he eats a salty peanut or two from the floor.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells?

Peanut shells are not the tastiest of foods. Furthermore, they can be hard to digest for your dog.

"Do not feed [dogs] the peanut shells," Joslin says, "as they could be a choking hazard, and the high fiber content is not good for their GI tract."

Can Dogs Eat Salted Peanuts?

Salted peanuts are too high in salt for dogs. They can't eat them, and salty food is bad for dogs. Other flavored peanuts may have chemicals that aren't good for a dog to eat. Too much salt can make a dog sick with sodium ion toxicosis.

If you want to give your dog a peanut treat, like stuffing them in their Kong toy or making them a homemade cookie treat, use low-sodium peanut butter or lower-salted peanuts.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Peanuts?

A big NO!

Aflatoxin is a fungus that lives in hot and wet environments like peanut farms. It can make your dog sick, and it causes liver failure. Raw peanuts should not be fed to dogs because of this risk. If you do feed them, the symptoms may show up one or two days after the feeding or much later, even weeks after eating contaminated dog food.

These symptoms include;

  • Lack of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Yellowing of the skin, eyes, and gums
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is good for your furry friend when it comes to filling up their Kong toy, hiding medicine, and giving them food. But you might wonder if the creamy or crunchy peanut butter is better.

The good news: either one will work!

Dr. Joslin says that as long as the peanut butter is natural, then both will work if you want to give it to your pet. According to her, "Crunchy or creamy natural peanut butter is OK for most dogs. If your dog is overweight, sensitive to high-fat food, or has a history of pancreatitis, avoid peanuts and peanut butter."

When are Peanuts Bad for Dogs?

Peanuts are good for your dog sometimes. They are high in fat, which can be good if you give them in appropriate amounts. But too much fat can lead to an upset stomach, and over time it can cause pancreatitis. So only give your dog peanuts sometimes and in moderation.

“What happens if a dog eats peanuts?”

Peanuts can be hazardous in various ways. The shells can block your dog's intestines. They can also be a choking hazard if they're swallowed whole. The nuts themselves might not be easy to chew and eat, which could cause a stomach ache if they're swallowed.

Peanuts are bad for dogs. The shells can block your dog's intestines. They can also be a choking hazard if they're swallowed whole. The nuts themselves might not be easy to chew and eat, which could cause a stomach ache if they're swallowed.

If your dog has symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, get in touch with the vet and stop giving them peanuts.

Risks of Feeding Peanuts to your Dog

The major factors that could pose risks of sickness for your dog if it eats peanuts are as follows:

    • Unsafe Added Ingredients

If you are eating peanuts for a snack, they are either salted or flavored. These additions are not good for your pet dog. If he eats too much salt from the salted peanuts, he will have a dangerous condition called Sodium-Ion poisoning.

“Can dogs eat honey-roasted peanuts?”

Artificial sweeteners in peanuts can also be harmful to pets since their bodies cannot process these chemicals. Honey- or caramel-flavored peanuts might be delicious, but they are not safe for your four-legged friend!

    • Xylitol Additive

There are a lot of different kinds of nut butter, and you need to be careful because some have sugar that is bad for your dog. This sugar might be called "xylitol," even if there is another name on the package.

Xylitol is bad for dogs, but it's OK for people. If your dog eats xylitol, he will have hypoglycemia, or his blood sugar will drop. This can be dangerous and may cause liver failure.

If your dog ingests xylitol, you should contact the vet right away to get help immediately. Signs of xylitol toxicity include disorientation or confusion, staggering or loss of coordination, panting heavily, collapsing, and seizures.

    • Choking Hazard

Peanuts can be hard for your dog to chew and swallow. This presents a choking hazard. It is even more likely if you leave the shells on the peanuts. Plus, peanut shells are difficult for your dog's digestive system to handle.

If you feed peanuts to your dog, always remove the shells. Throw them away, so your dog doesn't eat them when you are not paying attention. Don't let your dog eat many of the peanuts at once because it will make him choke.

    • Allergic Reactions

Peanut allergies can happen in both people and dogs. It happens when they eat peanuts. The allergic reaction in people is like a very bad rash, and it can be worse for dogs. Signs of an allergic reaction to peanuts include:

      • Breathing Trouble
      • Coughing
      • Swelling
      • Sneezing
      • Hives

If you feed your dog peanuts and they have a reaction, don't give them any more peanuts. Call your doctor right away or avail of pet insurance. Mild reactions can be treated with Benadryl, but if it is more serious, the doctor will have to take care of it.

Other Nuts that are Dangerous for your Dog

It turns out that peanuts are safe for your dog as long as they do not contain additives or sweeteners and as long as they do not have a shell on them.

“Are any nuts poisonous to dogs?”

Some nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and cashews, can cause allergic reactions in your dog. Walnuts might also have a dangerous mold that can make your dog sick. Macadamia nuts are the most dangerous nuts of all.

There is a toxic agent in these nuts. It is not yet known what this toxin is, but it can make your dog sick. Make sure you don't let your dog eat macadamia nuts because they could be unhealthy and lead to sickness and stiffness.

How to Safely Feed Peanuts to Dogs?

First, a pet owner should talk to a vet prior to feeding peanuts or any other human food to their fluffy friends. They will tell you if your dog can eat them and how much you should give them.

“Can dogs eat boiled peanuts?”

If you have permission from your veterinarian, you can give your dog boiled peanuts in small quantities. They are safe as long as they do not have salt or flavoring in them. Make sure your dog chews the peanuts because they might cause a blockage in their intestines if they swallow them whole.

The rule of thumb - do not let them eat too many peanuts. Only give your dog a small amount of them, and only occasionally. If you give your dog peanut butter that has a lot of fats, the dog might get sick and become very sick.

Which Dogs Should Avoid Peanuts?

Dogs having severe health conditions should avoid peanuts at all costs. These dogs include;

  • Overweight Dogs - Since peanut butter is high in fats and calories, it is not a suitable option for dogs struggling with excessive weight.
  • Dogs having Kidney Issues - Usually, peanut butter is high on sodium, and it could damage your dog’s already problematic kidneys.
  • Dogs following Particular Diets - Some dogs have to follow a specific kind of diet due to any reasons. Such dogs must stay away from peanut butter.

How Often Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

To be safe and healthy, you should only feed peanuts in moderation to your dogs. Do not feed them every day. "I recommend giving peanuts that are unsalted and dry-roasted," says Dr. Burch.

Peanuts have a high-fat content, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea when there is too much of it in the body at once.

“Why can dogs eat peanut butter but not peanuts?”

Dr. Burch recommends giving your pet peanut butter instead of peanuts. This is to prevent stomach problems or even death. You should give your pet peanut butter that is salt-free, shelled, and drily roasted. And you should only give them a couple at the most to avoid any risks that come with peanuts.

This blog has provided you with the deets of “can dog eat peanuts.” So, now you know which kind of peanuts are safe for your pup and in what amounts.

However, if you still have some answered queries about feeding peanuts to your pup, talk to your vet. They know more about your dog's health and nutrition.

If you are the owner of an ESA, it is time to take action.

Get your ESA letter for landlord today and ensure that your beloved pet can continue to provide you with the emotional support that you need.

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Harper Jefcoat

WRITTEN BY

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and esteemed author at RealESALetter.com. With a profound passion for animals, Harper combines extensive knowledge and personal experience to provide insightful and informative content. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he strives to empower pet owners with the tools and understanding they need to nurture and care for their furry friends effectively. Harper’s writings reflect his commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners, making him a trusted voice in the pet community.

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