Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
Free Pet Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Who doesn’t love peanuts?!
Or maybe the better question is who doesn’t love peanut butter? I would think there’s a universal love of peanut butter for most of us.
After all, peanut butter and jelly is an American staple!
And peanuts are great too! Whether just plain and unsalted or even in brownies, trail mix or just right from the bag.
Peanuts are a great source of natural, unsaturated fat and pack some good protein in there as well.
Most dogs love peanut butter and even just plain old peanuts.
But, is it OK to share peanuts with your pup?
Need Pet Insurance?
FACT: Pet insurance pays up to 90% of vet bills when your pet is sick or injured!
Are Peanuts Safe For Dogs?
Yes, peanuts are safe for dogs to eat, but only if they are raw or unsalted.
There are nuts, like macadamia nuts and almonds which are not safe for dogs. In fact, peanuts are usually the best nut choice.
A few salted peanuts won’t hurt your pup, but unsalted is best.
Dogs tend to love the peanut butter flavor so a teaspoon of unsalted peanut butter is safe to share.
As with any new food item, make sure to talk to your veterinarian before feeding your pups any peanuts, peanut butter or any new human food.
If you want to learn more about some other food choices that are safe or not so safe for your pup, our ultimate safe food guide can be a valuable resource to check out!
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
The Benefits of Peanuts For Dogs
Peanuts and peanut butter are a good source of protein and have the good type of unsaturated fat.
Peanuts are also a good source of vitamins B6, E, and even niacin!
Raw and unsalted nuts are the best to share with your pup but only a few or a small teaspoon of peanut butter.
Make sure to remove the shells and that the peanuts are not flavored or with any seasoning.
If your dog eats too many peanuts, however, it can cause your pup some digestive issues, so less is more.
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
$6,712
A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
Can Peanuts Be Harmful To Dogs?
If a dog eats too many peanuts, it can be hard for them to digest.
Because peanuts do have fat, even the good kind, too many can cause your pup to have gastrointestinal issues.
And, little dogs might have a hard time digesting any peanuts because of the fat and it the small nut can get stuck in your dog’s throat which can cause your dog to choke.
Of course, any shells need to be removed too if you want to share some peanuts with your dog.
Nuts, in general, are known allergens for dogs and humans.
If you see any of the below symptoms, your pup might be allergic to peanuts and you should take your dog to the vet immediately:
- Sneezing
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Hives
- Vomiting
As with most human food, start with a small amount and make sure your pup isn’t allergic or has a bad reaction to peanuts.
How You Can Share Peanuts With Your Pup
If your vet is OK with sharing peanuts with your pup, a few suggestions on how to serve them!
Of course, remove the shell and don’t add any seasoning, flavoring or salt to them. Just plain is best!
First, you should cook the eggs, either boil them or even scramble plain and without any spice, butter or oil.
Because dogs large and small can potentially choke on peanuts, it’s best to chop them up or even better make peanut butter.
Try the following with peanut butter:
Just give it your dog plain peanut butter as a training treat.
Put a small dose on an apple slice and watch your dog munch it up
You can add it to a toy KONG to keep your dog busy chewing all day.
If your dog doesn’t like peanut butter, there are some other safe food choices for your pup:
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Other Foods Your Dog Might Enjoy
If your dog doesn’t take to eggs, here are some other safe vegetables and fruit that your dog might enjoy:
Some Foods That Aren’t Safe For Dogs:
Feeding Peanuts or Peanut Butter to Your Pup
If you want to share peanut butter or even peanuts to your dog, it is safe in small amounts.
Make sure either is plain, without any shells, oil or flavoring.
Like any new food, start with a small amount to make sure your pup doesn’t have any type of reaction the peanuts or peanut butter.
If your dog has any sort of reaction (other than joy, of course!) to peanuts, make sure to take your dog to the vet immediately.
While we hope that this never happens to our dogs, accidents do happen and it’s exactly this scenario when pet insurance is a real bonus to have!
The visit alone with any further treatment that your dog might need might set you back with a hefty medical vet bill.
We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!
Fetch Rates With Healthy Paws!
And when the best pet insurance providers, like Embrace, Pets Best, Petplan, and Healthy Paws, cover up to 90% of bills, this can be a true saver!
Of course, pet insurance can help with any medical issues that your dog might encounter if they aren’t pre-existing.
Some dogs just love peanut butter and you don’t have to be afraid to share it, just use caution and discretion.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
What to do with a Picky Eating Dog
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Why You Should NEVER Give Xylitol to Your Dog
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat peanuts?
Yes, dogs can eat peanuts, but it’s important to ensure they are raw or unsalted. Peanuts are generally a safe nut choice for dogs, and unsalted peanut butter can also be given in small amounts.
Are peanuts safe for dogs to eat?
Yes, peanuts are safe for dogs, especially when they are raw or unsalted. However, avoid giving dogs nuts like macadamia nuts and almonds, as they can be harmful. As with any new food, consult your veterinarian before introducing peanuts or peanut butter to your dog’s diet.
What are the benefits of peanuts for dogs?
Peanuts and peanut butter can be a good source of protein and contain beneficial unsaturated fats. Peanuts also provide vitamins B6, E, and niacin. However, moderation is key, as too many peanuts can lead to digestive issues for dogs.
Can peanuts be harmful to dogs?
If dogs consume too many peanuts, it can be challenging for them to digest due to the fat content. Additionally, small dogs may have difficulty swallowing whole peanuts, posing a choking hazard. Always remove shells, as they can be problematic, and be cautious about potential allergic reactions.
How can you share peanuts with your dog?
If your vet approves, you can share peanuts with your dog by ensuring they are plain, without any shells, seasoning, or salt. Consider chopping them up or, even better, making peanut butter. Peanut butter can be given plain, on an apple slice, or stuffed in a KONG toy for a tasty and engaging treat.
What should you do if your dog has an allergic reaction to peanuts?
If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing, take your dog to the vet immediately. Introduce new foods gradually, starting with small amounts to monitor your dog’s reaction.
Is it safe to feed dogs other human foods?
While peanuts and peanut butter can be safe in moderation, not all human foods are suitable for dogs. It’s crucial to research and consult your vet before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet. Some foods, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions, can be toxic to dogs.
How can pet insurance help in case of emergencies?
Pet insurance can be a valuable resource in case of unexpected medical issues, including emergencies related to food consumption. It can help cover vet bills, treatments, and medications, providing financial support during challenging times. Consider researching and choosing a reputable pet insurance provider to safeguard your dog’s health.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.