The short answer is yes, dogs can eat peanuts, but there are some big exceptions and things to know before feeding your dog with peanuts. Peanuts have high auspicious, healthy nutrients for your dog, but they should only be eaten in moderation, and only those salty, inexperienced peanuts with their shells removed are safe to eat.
If our dogs suddenly eat too many peanuts this situation can lead to a gastrointestinal upset in the short term and pancreatitis in the long run, and some dogs may not chew peanuts well, which can cause intestinal obstruction. If you want to feed your dog peanuts or peanut products such as peanut butter, you need to make sure they are properly prepared and safe for your dog to eat. Peanuts served properly, can be healthy sometimes treats for dogs. Here’s what you need to know about feeding peanuts to dogs.
How are peanuts good for dogs?
Peanuts are full of valuable vitamins and nutrients. They are rich in vitamins B6 and E, niacin, protein, and healthy fats. These are things that most dogs crave, so your dog is likely to find peanuts to be a delicious treat. As long as peanuts are dry or raw, salt-free and flavored and removed from their shells, they are usually safe to eat and make a healthy snack. Just make sure you consult your vet before giving a dog peanut or any other type of human food.
When are peanuts bad for dogs?
There are several ways that peanuts can be dangerous for dogs. Peanut shells are difficult to digest and can cause blockage of the bowel or be a choking hazard, and peanuts can be difficult to chew. Swallowing them may also result in gastrointestinal obstruction. Peanuts are high in fat, which can be good in proper amounts, but too much fat can lead to pregnancy anxiety and can cause pancreatitis over a long period of time. Peanuts should sometimes be given to dogs sometimes even in moderation.
Salty peanuts are too big in sodium for dogs and flavored with peanuts that may contain artificial chemicals and other products that should not be consumed by canines. Too much sodium can lead to sodium ion toxicity. If your dog extinguishes one or two salty peanuts that have fallen to the floor, it shouldn’t be that big of a problem, but too much can cause serious medical problems.
Some dogs may develop a peanut allergy that can range from mild to severe. In some cases, dogs may suffer from anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If you see signs of an allergic reaction in your dog after feeding them peanuts, such as coughing, sneezing, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately and stop giving your dog peanuts.
How should you eat peanuts for your dog?
First, check with your vet before giving a dog peanut or any other human food. They can advise you whether your individual dog will eat peanuts safely and how much you should give them in a serving. If you get accepted from your vet, remember that peanuts, cooked, fried or raw are usually safe as long as they have the shell removed and contain no salts or flavors. Make sure your dog is chewing peanuts completely so they do not cause a bowel blockage.
One way to avoid gastrointestinal blockage is to grind peanuts or serve them in the form of peanut butter. Be careful when choosing peanut butter for your dog, as many brands contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Xylitol is also found in many candies, sweets, and desserts. You may want to make your own peanut butter, but always check food labels for any ingredients you are unfamiliar with.
You can use peanuts as a reward to perform tricks or put them in a puzzle for extra mental stimulation. Peanut butter can be spread on a toy like Kong to keep dogs busy for a while, and it can even freeze for a refreshing treat. Again, make sure the ingredients do not include xylitol. Peanuts and peanut butter can be used in several dog recipes if you enjoy tasting homemade snacks for your puppy.
