Can dogs eat peanuts?

peanuts in a bowl
Can dogs eat peanuts? getty images

Some foods simply don't fare well with dogs. As a pet owner, you can always rely on dry biscuits/kibble, and other popular staples like chicken and lean beef, but there are just a few foods that vets recommend pet owners approach with caution – including peanuts.

While peanuts aren't considered toxic to dogs, there are other warnings around them. Below two vets sharing everything to know about feeding your dogs peanuts...

Can dogs eat peanuts?

According to The Kennel Club, dry-roasted (or raw), unsalted peanuts are the only ones safe for dogs to eat – but only in small amounts.

However, Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food, says you should try to avoid serving your dog them. This is because nuts are generally not the best food for pets and rank high on the list of the most common dog food allergies.

"While it's not known to cause severe health problems, peanuts are one food I don't encourage," Dr. Danielle tells Country Living. "Some nuts like walnuts and macadamias tend to have more allergies and concerns with dogs, and can also cause an upset stomach."

Plus they're small in size, which makes them difficult for canines to chew. They're likely to be swallowed whole and can cause obstructions. Peanut butter is a safe alternative thanks to its smooth texture.


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We've asked the experts

Can dogs eat other nuts?

“Generally speaking, nuts aren’t toxic, with the exception of macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, but they are high in fat and can cause a stomach upset and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) if eaten," explains PDSA Veterinary Nurse Gemma Renwick.

"Furthermore, some nuts are prone to getting mouldy depending on how they’re processed and stored, and toxins produced in the mould can be dangerous to dogs. They could also pose a choking hazard for smaller breeds.”

What to consider when feeding a dog

Below are some safety guidelines every dog owner should consider when preparing meals and snacks:

  • Always keep an eye on your dog while they eat. Never leave chewy, thick, or large pieces of food out for them to consume while you're not at home.

  • Serve your dog's food in small, bite-size pieces to ensure they don't swallow food whole.

  • Always bring your dog to the vet if your pet shows signs of poisoning.


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