Walk into any home or pub in the UK, and you’ll likely find a stash of peanuts! We love this versatile snack for its delicious flavour and satisfying salty crunch. But can dogs eat peanuts, too?
Yes! Dogs can eat plain peanuts, and all the different types are safe for them to eat, explains Dr Sean Delaney, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) and board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist®.
Below, we’ll explore the health benefits of including peanuts in your dog’s diet and any risks you should be aware of.
What Types of Peanuts Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs can eat any type of peanut as long as they are served plain, without shells and haven’t been salted, sweetened, or seasoned in any way.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells?
No, dogs can’t eat peanut shells. Remove the shell before feeding your pup if you enjoy shelled peanuts.
While peanut shells aren’t toxic to dogs, their rough texture can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause digestive tract blockages.
If your dog has eaten peanut shells, watch their poop to make sure it’s looking healthy and normal. Your dog should be fine, but it’s a good idea to make sure they are pooping in their usual routine.
Look for digestive problems like diarrhoea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Call your vet if any of these appear extreme or persist beyond 24 hours.
How to Feed Peanuts to Dogs
Dr Delaney notes that dogs should only consume about 10% of their daily calories from treats. So, if you would like to feed your dog peanuts, treat them like you would any other treat and give them sparingly.
Roughly 10g of peanuts equals 57 kcal, so if your dog has a calorie allowance of 630 kcal/day, you can give them roughly 11g of peanuts per day (with no other treats).
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Are Peanuts Healthy for Dogs?
Not only do peanuts taste delicious, but they’re also packed with healthy fats, protein, and nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin E.
Peanuts are also a great source of bioactive compounds like resveratrol and Co-enzyme Q10, which have been shown to prevent diseases and improve health.
So, does this mean peanuts are healthy for dogs, too? Well, in a nutshell, no. Dr Delaney explains that no health benefits are associated with feeding your dog peanuts, and the amount they receive will not have any health-boosting effects.
However, this doesn’t mean peanuts can’t be a part of your dog’s diet. They are a safe, salty treat to give your dog every once in a while.
What Are the Risks of Dogs Eating Peanuts?
Monitoring your dog when introducing anything new to their diet is important. Though feeding your dog peanuts is safe, there are some health risks you should be aware of, which include:
- Allergies. Although a peanut allergy is uncommon in dogs, watching for allergic reactions is always a good idea. Signs of an allergy can include hot spots, itchy skin, and sneezing.
- Choking. Dogs shouldn’t be fed peanut shells as these are large enough to cause a choking hazard if swallowed whole.
- Digestive issues. Adding peanuts to your dog’s diet may cause an upset stomach, such as diarrhoea and vomiting. Additionally, if your dog has eaten peanut shells, these can cause digestive blockages.
- Pre-existing health conditions. Peanuts are particularly high in fat, so dogs with health problems that require a low-fat diet should avoid them. Additionally, overweight dogs would do better with a healthier, lower-calorie alternative.
- Seasonings. Dogs shouldn’t be given salted peanuts, sweetened peanuts (like honey-roasted peanuts), or seasoned peanuts (like cajun peanuts). This is because added salt and sugar can disrupt the dog’s gut microbiome, causing digestive issues. Additionally, some ingredients included in the peanut’s seasoning may be toxic to dogs. Dry-roasted peanuts are often slightly seasoned, so try to find ones with no seasoning.
- Peanut products. Some products have peanuts as the main ingredient but have additional ingredients that are not well tolerated by dogs. These include Japanese peanuts or peanut-baked goods. These types of peanut-based products should not be given to dogs.
If you want to introduce peanuts into your dog’s diet but are worried about the health implications, speak with your vet. They will be able to advise whether this is a good treat for your dog or if a healthier alternative is better.
5 Dog-Safe Peanut Recipes to Try
Though peanuts, like other dog treats, won’t give your dog much of a health boost, Dr Delaney says they are great for building a stronger bond with your dog.
Making delicious peanut treats is a great way to spend some quality time with your pup. Additionally, giving them new experiences with different tastes is great for beating boredom and increasing mental stimulation.
Grab yourself some plain peanuts or some dog peanut butter, and try these fun peanut treats:
- Mix some mashed bananas, plain peanuts, and some plain yoghurt in a bowl. Spoon the mixture into ice-cube trays and freeze for a delicious summer treat.
- For a new spread to put on your dog’s lick mat, mix pumpkin puree with peanuts and spread it on the mat.
- Smear some peanut butter into your dog’s KONG toy for a classic and much-loved dog treat.
- Put on your apron and chef’s hat, and try making these delicious peanut butter dog treat recipes.
- Add some peanuts to your dog’s favourite treat dispensing puzzle for some added mental stimulation.
What Healthy Alternatives Can You Feed Your Dog?
If you have a pup who doesn’t like peanuts, or you’re looking for a lower-fat treat, there are plenty of healthy alternatives for your dog to try.
From juicy fruits to crunchy vegetables, exploring healthy treats can be a fun and enriching experience for you and your dog!
Here are a few fruits and vegetables that are safe for your dog to try:
- apples
- bananas
- blueberries
- carrots
- cranberries
- strawberries
- mango
- pumpkin
- raspberries
When introducing any new food to your dog, start with small amounts and see how they react. If you notice any digestive issues, stop feeding them that particular treat and try something else after their stomach returns to normal.
