Peanuts aren’t toxic to dogs, but they can still pose other health risks. Read on to learn how to safely add these tasty nuts to your best friend’s diet.
You’ve probably seen people use peanut butter to get their dogs to take a pill, but what about the nut itself? Is it safe for our furry friends to munch on these legumes?
Yes, your dog can eat peanuts. In fact, most veterinarians agree that unsalted peanuts provided in moderation can be a great source of protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, vitamin B-6, and other minerals that contribute to skin, immune system, and organ health.That said, all peanuts are not equal. Salted nuts, flavored nuts, peanut butter with artificial sweeteners, and peanut shells are all potentially harmful to your pooch.
Like all new foods, if you’ve never introduced peanuts or peanut butter to your dog, it’s always important to talk to your vet first and administer it in small amounts. Your dog may go nuts for peanuts (had to), but it’s important to understand the possible health risks associated with them so that your dog can safely enjoy this yummy treat.
Peanuts made our list of safe foods for dogs. However, there are still a few major health risks associated with peanuts that all dog owners need to know about.
While peanut allergies in dogs are very rare, they can still happen. Certain dog allergies can be potentially life-threatening, so seek veterinary care right away if your pooch is having an adverse reaction to the nut.
Also, like humans, your pup can have intolerances to different foods, leading to upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s important to test any new food or snack with a small portion so that you can track any symptoms of allergic reactions or intolerance.
Unshelled peanuts are the safest form of the legume to share with your dog because the large, fibrous shells can pose choking hazards. Even unshelled peanuts can be choked on by smaller dogs, so be sure to keep an eye on them when they’re eating. If you notice any gagging or choking, performing CPR or the Heimlich maneuver can save their life.
Peanuts are naturally high in fat, so be careful to limit your dog’s intake. A handful of raw, unsalted, unshelled peanuts are the healthiest way to go.
Remember, too many nuts can cause an upset stomach, which can lead to more serious complications like pancreatitis and obesity.
👉 The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, which can be used as a guide for maintaining a healthy nutrition regimen for your dog.
The most common way that most dogs consume peanuts is in peanut butter form. This creamy or crunchy delight is a great way to get your dog to take medication, and it’s a fun filler for a KONG toy or lick mat.
However, some kinds of peanuts and peanut butter may contain potentially harmful additives. Here are some factors to be aware of:
Peanuts should be introduced slowly and carefully before being given to your dog on a regular basis. It’s always safest to ask your vet when introducing a new food to pets. Here are some considerations when it comes to giving your dog peanuts for the first time:
There are several different forms of peanuts that are safe for dogs, including:
As mentioned, it’s important to introduce new foods to your dog slowly. Start by introducing one or two peanuts to keep an eye out for allergy symptoms, and if your dog can safely chew and swallow them. Then, like most snacks, maintain moderation with your dog’s peanut intake.
Appropriate portions for peanuts will vary based on the size of the dog. But as a general rule, peanuts should be only given as a treat and should not exceed more than 10% of the diet.
Dr. Dwight Alleyne
Peanut butter is a great alternative for dogs as it limits the choking hazard. However, owners should still be wary of artificial sweeteners found in some reduced fat nut butter. The safest peanut butter to give your dog is unsweetened, unsalted peanut butter.
Homemade peanut butter can also be a fun substitute as long as it is mainly salt-free, plain peanuts.
Dogs can eat some other nuts, but there are a few that should remain off-limits for your pooch. As with peanuts, always be mindful of artificial sweeteners and salt levels. Here are some other common nuts for dogs to snack on:
🚨In all of the nuts listed above, always avoid shells. These can cause serious problems if ingested.
Not all human food is a good idea for dogs. And as a general rule, never give your dog new food in large quantities. Stick to small portions where you can track potential side effects.
If you are concerned about a nut that your dog has consumed or planning to consume, it’s always best to consult with your vet.
To avoid stomach issues, your dog should not eat more than a handful of peanuts in a day.
Dogs cannot eat pistachios, macadamias, walnuts, and some chestnuts.
No, one peanut will not hurt a dog. But, it’s always important to keep an eye on what your dog is eating and avoid leaving food on the ground.
Food with high-fat content, like peanuts, can sometimes lead to tummy troubles in dogs. It’s best to keep peanut intake to a minimum.
