Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

They love it, but are peanuts bad for dogs? Can dogs eat nuts? Dogs can eat peanut butter and some nuts now and then, but it's not as straightforward as that. 

Peanuts are full of protein, vitamin B-6, vitamin E, niacin, and healthy fats. However, there are some risks in peanuts and peanut butter that every dog owner should be aware of.

can dogs eat peanuts

Symptoms: 

Of a peanut allergy: 

  • Coughing
  • Hives
  • Sneezing
  • Swelling (mostly around the mouth and face)
  • Trouble breathing

Other symptoms:

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Choking
  • Diarrhoea
  • Digestive upset
  • Gas
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Vomiting

If you want to feed your dog peanuts, make sure they comply with the following requirements:

  • Dry-roasted/Raw
  • Unsalted
  • Unflavoured
  • Without xylitol (a sweetener that's toxic to dogs)

If your dog manages to find some of your salted peanuts, one or two won't harm them. Dogs can eat salted peanuts in small amounts; the problem is the high sodium content. Too much salt in a dog's food can cause serious health problems later on in life. 

Another problem is the high-fat content. But like everything, moderation is key. In large amounts, high-fat foods can cause digestive upset and potentially pancreatitis. 

Dog treats, nuts, vegetables and fruit should only make up 10% of your dog's diet. Too much of these foods are dangerous for dogs and can have severe consequences on their health. 

So, yes, dogs can eat dry roasted peanuts and peanut butter. Unlike some nuts (macadamia nuts), peanuts are relatively safe for dogs to eat, so enjoy! 

can dogs eat peanut butter

Top Tips:

  • Dogs can eat peanuts and benefit from the nutrients they provide, but there are some restrictions to the type of peanut your dog is allowed. 
  • Some people like to make their own peanut butter, so they know how much salt and oil is in the recipe. It also removes the risk of xylitol poisoning. 
  • Remember to remove the peanut shell - it's a potential choking hazard, particularly for small dogs. Since dogs don't chew their food, be careful with such small and oddly shaped human food like nuts.

Treatment Plan

From mild to severe, dogs can experience any of these symptoms in varying degrees. If your dog displays any of them, stop giving them peanuts immediately. 

You can treat mild symptoms of an allergy with an oral antihistamine but always check with your vet first.

If they are displaying an upset stomach, or similar symptoms, either fast your dog for a few days or feed them very bland food. Also, give them lots of water. Combined, this will help your dog's stomach detox and settle itself.