Last Updated on September 20, 2023
As a dog owner, dog sitter, or simply a dog lover, it is essential to know what foods you can and can’t give your dog. We are here to help. Here is a breakdown of whether peanuts are safe for dogs.
Are Peanuts Safe for Dogs?
The good news is that dogs can eat peanuts. They can be a valuable source of nutrients and vitamins in moderation, though you should only feed your dog peanuts without the shell, added salt, or flavoring. Giving your pooch honey-roasted peanuts, for instance, can lead to potential gastrointestinal issues.
Generally speaking, you want to make eating peanuts as easy as possible for your pooch. Even though peanuts are small, the peanut shells can be a potential choking hazard if you don’t remove them first. Also, if your dog is up there in age, the rigid texture of the nut might be challenging for them to chew.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut-Related Products?
Dogs can eat a variety of peanut-related products. That includes peanut butter, peanut-flavored dog food, and peanut-based treats. That said, you should avoid giving your canine trail mix or chocolate peanut butter cups. Chocolate is toxic to dogs.
You should strive to feed your dog natural or minimally processed foods. These are what will jive best with your canine’s digestive system. One major red flag to look out for when it comes to serving peanut butter is the artificial sweetener xylitol.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that dogs cannot completely digest, which makes the material toxic to canines. Currently, three significant peanut butter brands use xylitol in their products, including Nuts’Nuts’ More, P-28 Foods, and Krush Nutrition. Even if your dog consumes a small amount of the sugar alcohol, it can put your dog into hypoglycemia or at the least, cause a drop in their blood sugar level.
Make sure to scan the label of peanut and peanut-related products for xylitol before purchasing. You can also find it in candy, vitamins, gum, and toothpaste. If your dog does consume xylitol, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Health Benefits
Peanuts are a robust source for protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. The protein ranges from 22 to 30 percent of the total caloric value, which makes them one of the best sources for plant-based protein. Other vitamins and minerals include biotin, copper, Vitamin E, magnesium, and niacin.
Eating peanuts, in moderation, can be a simple way to supplement a healthier lifestyle for your dog. For instance, the combination of protein and fiber make peanut snacks a satisfying and filling treat. This satiation will make it easier for your canine to maintain a healthy weight.
Peanuts are also naturally lower in sugar. The composition of peanuts will keep blood sugar levels stable while slowly releasing energy. The low glycemic index is essential when it comes to combating health issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and cavities.
Because peanuts are so dense in nutritional value, you don’t need to saturate your dog’s diet with peanuts. There are also potential health consequences, but we will touch on that in a second. A handful of peanuts occasionally or as a garnish to their dog food should be ample.
Health Drawbacks
While roasted, plain, and boiled peanuts are fine to serve to your canine, there are potential drawbacks. The most significant concern is the high levels of fat. A single (human) serving of peanuts is 100 grams, with 49.2 percent of that figure coming from different types of fats.
Fats do have their benefits, such as adding smell and taste to meals. They also keep fur lush and shiny. However, dogs may have a more challenging time digesting fats than humans. Diets that are high in fat can, therefore, lead to complications, such as acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting.
One serious consequence of a high-fat diet is pancreatitis. This disease is an infection or inflammation of the pancreas and can also affect secondary organs, such as the liver, bile ducts, and intestines. The symptoms can be excruciating and, at their worst fatal.
Like humans, dogs can also have potential allergies to peanuts that can range from mild to severe. If your dog has an allergic reaction, they will experience symptoms, including, but not limited to, difficulty breathing, hives, sneezing, and swelling of the throat. Fortunately, peanut allergies are rare in dogs as they show up less than two percent of the time.
Summing It Up
Remember, while dogs can eat peanuts, there can be too much of a good thing. Consider the size and health of your dog before giving out a portion. If you have any questions or concerns about whether to feed your dog a particular food, make sure to contact your local veterinarian. They will be able to provide you with valuable insight and potential remedies, if necessary.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Peaches?, Can Dogs Have Ham?
