Can dogs or cats eat unsalted peanuts?

Dogs can safely have the occasional peanut, provided it is shelled and offered plain or dry-roasted. Unseasoned peanuts are not toxic to dogs.

However, in puppies or small breeds, choking is a risk, so peanut butter might be a safer alternative. Peanut butter is useful as an occasional snack for your pet, but don’t feed sugar-free types. This is because the artificial sweetener xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs.

As with all things, both peanuts and peanut butter must be fed as an occasional treat only. Nuts are calorie-dense and could lead to weight gain over time. Feeding large amounts of food containing high levels of fats, like peanuts, could also contribute to an upset tummy and pancreatitis in some dogs.

Let’s look at a few specific peanut snacks…

Can dogs eat salted peanuts?

No, you shouldn’t give your dog salted peanuts. Salt in high quantities is not healthy for your pet and could even lead to hypernatremia if they eat too much.

Can dogs eat flavoured peanuts?

You should only ever feed your dog plain peanuts. Some seasonings could be toxic to pets if they contain ingredients like garlic. Others could cause some unpleasant side effects, such as chilli. For example, capsaicin in chilli can cause stomach upset in your pet. Other flavourings may contain high levels of sugar, which are not particularly healthy for your pet.

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

As previously mentioned, peanut butter is fine as an occasional treat for your pet, as long as you avoid sugar-free varieties. Some pet parents will smear peanut butter in toys or a puzzle feeder to help keep pets busy and make the treat last longer.

Can dogs eat peanut-based sauces, like pad thai or satay?

You shouldn’t give your dog peanut-based sauces. Not only do these contain peanuts, but they also contain a variety of other ingredients like chilli, garlic, or cream, many of which are not good for dogs. Stick to plain, unsalted peanuts instead.

Are peanuts good for dogs?

For people, plain, unseasoned nuts can make a nutritious, occasional snack. Peanuts contain:

• Protein – Peanuts are a great source of plant-based protein, helping with muscle repair and growth

• Polyunsaturated fats – These types of fats have been associated with lower cholesterol and improved heart health in people.

• Fibre – Helps ensure healthy digestion and feelings of fullness.

• Vitamins – B vitamins help with various metabolic processes in the body, and Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects against cell damage

• Minerals – Zinc, potassium, and magnesium can be found in peanuts, which are essential minerals

While it’s great to see that nuts can be a healthy part of a balanced diet for people, most vets would recommend sticking to your dog’s own complete pet food. This will contain all the nutrients that they need.

The occasional peanut treat is unlikely to make a big impact on your pet’s overall health, and feeding larger amounts of nuts is not recommended.

How many peanuts can a dog eat?

Stick to just a couple of peanuts at a time. This shouldn’t be an everyday snack due to their high fat and calorie content, so only give them occasionally.

When are peanuts bad for dogs?

Peanuts can cause problems for pets if fed incorrectly. You must avoid offering your dog:

• Too many peanuts – Leads to weight gain and an unbalanced diet. Also, a risk of digestive upset and pancreatitis.

• Coated peanuts – Chocolate is toxic to dogs, so chocolate-coated peanuts must be avoided. Honey roasted or caramelised versions are extremely high in sugar and not recommended either.

• Peanuts in their shells – Peanut shells are tough to digest and could be a choking hazard. We don’t eat them, and neither should our pets.

• Peanuts with raisins – Peanuts are often found alongside raisins and other dried fruits, in health foods or trail mixes. Raisins are toxic to dogs, causing kidney failure, so you must never let your pet eat these.

• Peanut-based processed snacks – Protein bars, chocolate treats, cakes, and other processed snacks containing peanuts must not be given to your dog.

• Sugar-free peanut butters – We can’t stress this enough: xylitol is toxic to dogs, so don’t give your dog sugar-free peanut butter.

If your pet accidentally eats any of the things on this list, call your vet immediately for advice.

What are the signs of a peanut allergy?

If your dog has any of the following signs after eating peanuts, then they could be allergic:

• Itchy or inflamed skin

• Increased paw licking

• Hives or swelling

• Recurrent ear and skin infections

• Digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhoea, and excessive gas

• Breathing difficulties or collapse in severe cases

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, stop feeding them peanuts and call a vet for advice. While peanut allergies in pets are uncommon, it’s always sensible to introduce new food items gradually and assess your pet’s response before feeding more.