Peanut butter is beloved by pet parents, but what about peanuts? We will cover everything you need to know about feeding your dogs peanuts in this in-depth guide.
Dogs love to munch on snacks. They’ll probably eye the hazelnuts in your hands, and they’ll run after you if you have a bowl of popcorn.
Similarly, they may reach out for your peanuts. In this case, you need to ask yourself a question: can dogs eat peanuts? Here’s your answer!
Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
Yes, dogs can eat peanuts, but not all types. For starters, salted peanuts are a no-no because they contain a lot of salt—obviously!—, and they’re high in sodium. If ingested in large quantities, they can lead to water retention, or worse, salt poisoning.
Flavored peanuts are also not safe because the spices can upset the dog’s stomach. Not to mention, they’ll contain a lot of salt too.
If you want to give your dog peanuts, make sure they’re unsalted or raw. They’re both safe for dogs, and they even have some health benefits your dog can use.
For example, raw peanuts contain phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and a bunch of other nutrients. They’re also high in protein, which your dog could certainly benefit from.
How About Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter should be safe if it’s made at home. This way, you’re able to control the amount of oil in it. Plus, you’re sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is highly toxic for dogs.
On the other hand, if you’re getting store-bought peanut butter, you must make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol. It can have disastrous effects on your dog’s body, and the complications may be fatal.
Some popular peanut butter brands on the market include xylitol in their products, such as Nuts ‘n More. So, you need to check first before offering it to your dog.
Xylitol causes dogs to go into hypoglycemia, which is a sudden drop in the level of blood sugar. Going into hypoglycemia eventually leads to liver failure.
When dogs consume xylitol, they’ll encounter symptoms like staggering, seizures, panting, and overall disorientation.
How Much Peanuts Should My Dog Eat?
When you’re not sure whether any snack is safe for your dog, it’s better to give it in moderation. With peanuts, a handful should be enough if they’re raw. If they’re salted, don’t give the dog more than a couple.
On top of that, it’s important to keep peanut consumption limited to treats. Try not to include it in the dog’s meals, and don’t give it to the dog regularly.
Bear in mind that too many peanuts can lead to pancreatitis, which needs immediate medical attention. It’s better to lay low on the peanuts and peanut butter.
In Conclusion
Peanuts are safe for dogs if they’re unsalted or raw. This way, they preserve their nutritional value, and they don’t contain any additives that could harm dogs. If your dog wants a handful of peanuts, you can offer him some.
On the other hand, if the peanuts are salted, it’s better to hide them from your dog. Consuming salty nuts causes stomach irritation and digestive system issues. Trading them for healthy treats is better.