Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

Updated on July 18, 2024
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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Yes, dogs can eat peanuts—with some stipulations. They need to be shelled, dry-roasted or raw, have no added salt and given only in moderation, preferably in the form of peanut butter. As always, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian before introducing a new food into your pets’ diet. It’s also important to provide them with a small quantity at first, just in case they’re allergic. If you see signs of an allergic reaction when your dogs eat peanuts or peanut butter, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian immediately. And remember, treats and snacks of all kinds should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories.

Your dog may crave the rich flavor of peanuts and peanut butter—and they’re fine every once in a while—but some peanuts and peanut products could be harmful to your dog. Here are some factors you need to consider when it comes to dogs and peanuts.

Health Benefits of Peanuts for Dogs

Are peanuts good for dogs? Here are some peanut perks:

  • Great source of protein
  • Contain vitamins B-6 and niacin, which can promote a strong metabolism
  • Contain vitamin E, which can promote a strong immune system and aid a variety of other organs
  • Contain good fats

There are better snacks out there for your dog, but—if given sparingly—plain shelled peanuts are usually fine as a once-in-awhile treat.

How to Feed Peanuts to Your Dog

Now that you know the answer to the question “Can my dog eat peanuts?” is yes, there are a few precautions you should take when allowing your pup to have this treat. When your dogs eat peanuts, make sure they’re plain, with no added salt or flavorings. If you’ve wondered, “Can dogs eat peanut shells?” the answer is no. Discard shells before feeding peanuts to your dog, and only give a few peanuts every once in a while. Peanuts should not be a daily treat.

If you’ve ever let your dogs eat peanut butter, you’ve probably gotten a positive reaction. A little peanut butter can be an effective incentive when giving medication to pill-averse dogs. Peanut butter can also come in handy as a training reward or a surprising treat when stuffed inside a KONG toy. It can even make bath time more fun—smear a stripe of peanut butter on the tub wall and see what happens. Peanuts and peanut butter are also common ingredients in doggie baked goods recipes.

However, as much as dogs adore the gooey snack, peanut butter tends to be high in sodium and sugar. Many pet parents like to blend their own using just peanuts and their preferred dog-friendly oil—coconut oil can be a good choice. Before giving your dog store-bought peanut butter, read the label to confirm it doesn’t contain xylitol—this is toxic to canines.

Featured Dog Food and Treats with Peanut Butter

FAQ’s about feeding your dog peanuts

While there is a small risk of choking when dogs eat peanuts, your pet will likely be fine if they consume just a few of these nuts. Peanuts are more problematic for canines when they’re salted or ingested in large amounts, which can cause choking or gastrointestinal issues and put your pet at higher risk for obesity. However, you should be aware that the answer to “Can dogs eat honey roasted peanuts?” is a firm no. Also be aware that some human snacks contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. You must remove the shells from peanuts before giving them to your pet, as they pose a more significant choking hazard than unshelled nuts. The indigestible shells can also lead to GI obstruction.

While peanuts contain good fats needed for muscle support, energy and supple skin and coat, too much fat can negatively affect your dog’s digestion. It can lead to obesity and even cause pancreatitis, which can make your dog very sick and can even be fatal.

Excessive salt can also be harmful to dogs. If they consume too much, it puts them at risk of salt poisoning, which can be severe. If they accidentally consume one or two salted peanuts, it most likely won’t be toxic, but you should never give your pup any heavily salted foods as a snack. Added flavorings usually contain no nutritional value and can be harmful to your dog. Since most dogs love the taste of plain peanut butter, there’s really no need to add any extra flavors.

Can dogs have peanuts? Yes, but without the shells. While peanut shells aren’t toxic to dogs, they certainly won’t do their digestive tract any favors. Peanut shells don’t have any nutritional value—and they’re extremely hard to digest. Peanut shells are also tough to chew and can become a choking hazard if swallowed. When eating peanuts yourself, make sure you keep the shells away from your dog and discard them promptly.

Whole and chopped nuts aren’t generally recommended as dog snacks, even though consuming a few won’t harm your pet in most cases. Macadamia nuts, however, are a big no-no for your canine. If your dog ingests them, they may experience alarming symptoms, such as:

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness in back legs
  • Inability to walk
  • Fever
  • Shaking and tremors

If you think your dog has consumed macadamia nuts, seek veterinary attention immediately or call pet poison control. Even one macadamia nut can be toxic to your dog. Also seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog consumes moldy nuts. Tremorgenic mycotoxins can cause seizures or neurological symptoms in dogs.

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