Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? Best Dog Treats

With the winter season around, many dog owners wonder: ‘Can dogs eat peanuts?’

For the most part, peanuts are a delicious little winter snack. Not only do we love eating them in their raw form, but also love adding these to a world-famous delicacy known as you guessed it “peanut butter”.

But can dogs eat peanuts?

Let’s find out.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: Are Peanuts Safe?

Yes.

Peanuts are safe for dogs to consume.

And contrary to what many pet owners will tell you, peanuts are not toxic for your dog.

So why the general disbelief?

Well, not all types of peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. This means that dogs can only have the plain and unsalted type. Every other form, however, is a no-no when it comes to your pooch.

Therefore, it makes sense when many dog owners are reluctant to give peanuts to their pets. But given that you educate yourself on the best feeding practices, there is no need to worry about giving peanuts as occasional treats to your canine buddy.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: Nutritional Perspective

Since peanuts are in fact legumes, these constitute as healthy treats.

And why shouldn’t they?

After all, peanuts are a good source of proteins, vitamin B-6, vitamin E, niacin, and healthy fats.

Such nutrients are good for your dog because feeding these to your dog allows them to develop not only better, shinier coats but also leads to an overall improvement in neural and brain functions.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: What Types to Avoid

Being the Can Dogs Eat Guide, we believe that it’s best for you to know completely about a certain food before feeding it to your dog.

In terms of peanuts, this would mean being able to distinguish between safe and unsafe forms of peanuts.

Re-iterating once more: plain and unsalted peanuts are safe.

What isn’t safe?

All other forms.

That includes the salt-roasted peanuts most of us enjoy as an afternoon or late-night snack. And conversely, also the sweetened and buttered peanuts some people love to have as an alternative to popcorn during movies.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: What About Boiled Peanuts?

Yes.

Dogs can have peanuts if they’ve been boiled. But that’s about it.

If, however, the peanuts contain any additional flavorings like Cajun, Cayenne pepper, etc. then keep away from them.

In addition to this, the peanuts must be boiled in simple water only. This means avoiding the addition of any unnecessary salt etc.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: Raw Peanuts Are Dangerous!

Typically, peanuts tend to grow in hot, moist environments. Such an environment is perfect for bacteria and fungi to grow and develop.

One such fungus is known as Aflatoxin.

As much as this fungus can harm human beings, it can literally lead to liver failure for your dog. The condition developed by Aflatoxin ingestion is thus known as Aflatoxicosis.

In general, veterinarians have suggested that the disease begins to develop about two days after an infected peanut has been ingested. The signs of toxicosis, however, can take up to several weeks before becoming apparent.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: Signs of Raw Peanut Poisoning

If your dog has eaten raw peanuts, then you should be alarmed. This does not, however, mean you should enter panic mode though.

Rather, a better way to deal with such a situation should it arise is to look for signs and symptoms which may indicate that your dog has ingested something poisonous.

In terms of aflatoxicosis, this includes looking for the following things:

• Lack of appetite;
• Lethargy;
• Vomiting;
• Yellowing of the skin, eyes, and gums;
• Diarrhea;
• Weakness.

Once you recognize these symptoms, the next step is to immediately approach a certified veterinarian close to you.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: Best Feeding Methods

The best way to prevent the onset of any raw peanut poisoning is to dry roast the peanuts for a bit.

Doing so would retain the nutrition of peanuts*(asparagus), while also elevating the temperature of the peanuts enough to kill any fungi growing on the peanuts.

Aside from this, if you want to feed peanuts to your dogs, then take a handful of dry-roasted or plain boiled peanuts and feed them to your dog as a simple treat whenever you want.

But bear in mind that a treat must only be given as a treat. This means that giving them any more than the daily limit could lead to complications.

To avoid these, never feed your dog peanuts as more than 10 percent of their body weight. In simpler words, this translates to not giving them more than a handful or two each week.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: Why Flavorings are Toxic

Now that we’re through with the best feeding strategies, you might be curious as to why flavored or salted peanuts should not be given to your pet.

Salt

First, let’s address this.

Salt is essentially a source of sodium when looked at from a nutritional perspective. And a healthy dog only needs 0.3% sodium as part of its daily food intake. Any more than that and they could develop serious health problems such as pancreatitis etc. These in turn can be quick to land your dog at the hospital and lead to long-term health problems.

Sugar

Simple, refined sugar can be a cause of extra calories being added to your dog’s diet. And excess sugar is bad for humans as well as dogs. The reasons for this are obvious and include the development of obesity, depression, etc.

Artificial flavorings such as xylitol* (marshmallows) can be even more dangerous since these are toxic to dogs. If your dog does consume a xylitol-coated peanut then their blood glucose level might drop suddenly, something which can quickly become fatal if left untreated.

Seasonings

Many seasonings are straight-up toxic to dogs. This is because many of these are herbs that contain certain compounds that our dog’s digestive system is simply not able to well- digest. And should therefore be avoided.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: Fun Facts About Peanuts

Despite the limited ways in which our fluffy buddies can have them, peanuts are interesting objects in and of themselves.

Don’t believe me? Just look at the following things I recently came across which were just plain delightful.

• Another common name for peanuts is “ground nuts” or “ground peas” because peanuts grow underground. So, the next time someone asks you for a ground nut (although the chances are slim) know that what they’re really looking for is that crunchy peanut in your hand.
• Although other nuts and legumes have a very broad range of varieties, when it comes to peanuts, the legume can be divided into just four distinct categories. These include Runners, Spanish, Valencias, and Virginias. And the difference between each category arises simply due to different climates present in different temperate zones across the world.
• Although the phrase ‘peanut seller’ has been historically used in a derogatory sense, judging by the number of peanut sales made worldwide someone out there is getting rich by being a peanut seller. No, we don’t mean the average street-side business, but rather, the people present in other parts of the supply chain.

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts: Recipe Guide

Recipe: Peanut Butter

Ingredients:

• Unsalted peanuts- 4 cups;
• Honey- 1 tbsp.

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven for 10 minutes at 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Roast the peanuts for about ten minutes.
3. Next, transfer the roasted peanuts to a food processor.
4. Blend at low speeds, followed by high speed for about five minutes until a thick, buttery consistency is achieved.
5. Add in the honey and blend further.
6. Finally, transfer it to a jar for storage.

Video Recipe:

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