Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

Yes, dogs can eat peanuts, but this doesn’t mean that they should eat them all the time. While peanuts are not toxic to dogs, the type we usually like to snack on is often full of salt, and too much salt is bad for dogs. Also, peanuts are very high in calories and fat and shouldn’t be a frequent part of your dog’s diet.

So, what’s the deal with peanuts? Why is this question so popular among dog owners? The main reason is that dogs usually really like peanuts and because they like to steal our snacks, especially when they’re salty and crunchy.

The dog news is that nothing bad will happen to your dog if they eat peanuts, but it’s really important that you limit the amount you give them and make sure that you’re giving them the right type of peanuts!

Can dogs eat dry roasted peanuts?

Dry roasted peanuts are the safest choice for dogs. They need to be unsalted and plain, without any seasonings or coatings. Raw peanuts are also okay for dogs, but they must be without the shells!

Remember, dogs can’t eat peanut shells. Even though they’ll probably crush them, peanut shells are not digestible and can pose a real danger. They might cause an internal blockage, scratch the throat, or get stuck in their teeth. It’s also hard for dogs to pass them, so your dog could have trouble pooping.

If you think your dog ate whole peanuts with the shells, make sure to give them some cooked pumpkin or sweet potato, which can help pass the shells. If your dog seems unwell, please call your vet!

Now, back to peanut options — even though unsalted dry roasted peanuts are safe for dogs, this doesn’t mean you should include peanuts in your dog’s diet. Dogs don’t need nuts like peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. The good news is that these are safe, but some nuts can be dangerous, like pecans! The main reason we’re talking about these nuts is to recognize the toxic ones but also to help everyone understand that dogs don’t need high-calorie snacks with lots of fat, even if peanuts are considered a healthy nut!

Can dogs eat boiled peanuts?

While boiled peanuts are not toxic to dogs, they are problematic for two main reasons — spices and shells! They are super tasty and very popular in the southern United States. Traditional recipes usually involve boiling raw peanuts with shells in water along with lots of Cajun seasoning, pepper flakes, jalapeños, and, of course, salt! These recipes often include dry crab boil and garlic powder as well. Salt and all of these spicy seasonings are not good for dogs, as they can irritate their stomachs. Additionally, too much salt can lead to dehydration and cause long-term health issues.

Some other types of peanuts and whether you can share them with your dog

Honey-roasted peanuts

Dogs shouldn’t eat honey-roasted peanuts, as they are coated with sugar, honey, and salt and then fried in oil. While they are not toxic to dogs, they are so high in fat and sugar that they are really a bad choice. Too much fat, combined with sugar and salt, can lead to pancreatitis if eaten frequently. Not to mention, if your dog eats these unhealthy snacks often, they could become overweight, which can cause other health issues.

Japanese peanuts

Japanese peanuts are coated in dough and then fried or deep-fried with lots of salt, sugar, and various seasonings. I adore the ones with paprika, but they also come in flavors like wasabi, soy sauce, garlic, and more! Not only are they high in fat, but they can also be super irritating to a dog’s stomach. So, please don’t share them with your dog. While not toxic, they are not a healthy snack, and dogs shouldn’t eat Japanese peanuts.

Can dogs eat toffee peanuts?

Toffee peanuts are peanuts coated in a hard, sugary shell made from caramelized sugar and butter. While caramel is not toxic to dogs, it’s full of sugar and, therefore, unhealthy. With all types of peanuts, you also need to be cautious about choking risks, especially for small dogs that might not chew properly. It’s best not to share peanuts with dogs at all. If you really want to, skip toffee and caramel peanuts and give your dog plain ones instead.

Spanish peanuts

Spanish peanuts are roasted peanuts with red skin, and they often come with spices, sugar, and, of course, lots of salt. You can find many different flavors, from pumpkin spice to sweet and salty, but these seasonings make them unsafe for dogs. They can irritate your dog’s sensitive stomach, so it’s best to avoid sharing Spanish peanuts with your dog.

And what about other peanut products?

The only peanut product dogs can eat in moderation is peanut butter, but it has to be natural, with no added protein powders or anything containing xylitol (which is toxic and can be lethal to dogs).

While plain raw or dry roasted peanuts are safe for dogs, they are not a regular part of a dog’s diet like peanut butter often is. Peanut butter is commonly used for lick mats or to help you give your dog pills and tablets.

Other peanut products, like candy or Reese’s, are not safe because they contain sugar, fat, and chocolate! If you want to read more about candy, check out the dangers of Halloween for dogs where I covered most of these!

It’s also worth mentioning that peanut allergies in dogs are quite rare (unlike in humans), so that’s good to know.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat whole peanuts?

If by “whole” you mean peanuts with the shell, then no, dogs shouldn’t eat whole peanuts. Only plain, unsalted peanuts without the shell are safe for dogs. They can be dry roasted, too, as that doesn’t add any additional fats or seasonings. Always remove the shells before sharing peanuts with your dog, as shells can cause choking and internal blockages.

Can dogs eat peanuts and raisins?

No, dogs should never eat peanuts and raisins together or separately. While plain peanuts are safe in moderation, raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues, including kidney failure, even in small amounts.

Can dogs eat peanut sauce?

Peanut sauce is not a good choice for dogs, and it’s not because of the peanuts. Peanut sauce typically contains sugar, salt, spices, garlic, soy sauce, and other ingredients that are either high in sodium or toxic to dogs, like garlic and onions. If your dog eats a small amount of peanut sauce, such as licking your noodle bowl, don’t panic. The amount of peanut sauce consumed is what matters most, and a tiny amount is unlikely to cause harm. Please try not to worry, but avoid feeding your dog table scraps in the future.