Can dogs eat peanuts?

Updated 13/04/2024

For us humans, peanuts are the perfect, nutrient-dense snack as we really don't need many of them to get a decent dose of the goodness they offer. And as a pet parent, it's only natural to wonder if your furry friend would enjoy the snacks you love, too. So can dogs eat peanuts or are they far too high in fat? Well while, yes, peanuts are high in fat, a couple won't do your pooch any harm - with a few caveats, of course. Take a look below as we review the question - can dogs have peanuts - and for the best ways to share the micronutrient-filled morsels with your canine companions.  

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Are peanuts poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat peanuts of any kind, or are peanuts toxic to dogs sometimes? And are peanuts safe for dogs, even? Well luckily for your snack-crazy canine friend, peanuts don't contain any compounds that are known to be toxic to dogs. Raw peanuts however, can contain a fungus that causes acute liver failure in dogs, so always make sure the peanuts you feed your furry friend are cooked (more on the best ways to feed dogs peanuts later on). And like with any food, there's a slim chance that your pooch will be allergic to peanuts, so always tread carefully when trying your pup with new ingredients, watching out for any symptoms of an allergic reaction.  

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Are peanuts bad for dogs?

So can dogs eat peanuts even though they might be bad for them? Or are peanuts good for dogs in some way? Well it's a bit of both - in the case of peanuts and dogs, having too much of a good thing really rings true. Peanuts are packed with nutrients as we've mentioned (and we'll explore what these are below), but they're also rather high in fat which is of course bad news for both dogs and their humans if consumed in high amounts. If your pooch has too much fat in their diet, there's a chance they could develop pancreatitis or even obesity, if overeating becomes a regular occurrence. Peanuts are often heavily salted, dogs do not need any extra salt in their diet, and too much of it can be toxic. And lastly, it goes without saying that peanuts with their shells on pose a serious choking hazard for dogs, and could even cause intestinal blockage. So, follow the simple solution of making sure you always remove the shell, and cut the peanuts into smaller pieces if you've got a particularly titchy pup at home. 

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Health benefits of eating peanuts for dogs

So, can dogs have peanuts and dodge all the risk while reaping the nutritional benefits the mighty morsels offer? Certainly - follow our advice below on treating your pup to peanuts, and get clued-up on the nutrients in peanuts and what they can do for your pup's health. 

• Fiber. Keeps your pup's digestive system in working order.
• Thiamine (vitamin B1). Supports with the health of your pup's brain health, motor skills and nervous system.
• Niacin (vitamin B3). Helps your pup's body convert food into energy.
• Biotin (vitamin B7). Helps to maintain healthy connective tissue.
• Vitamin E. It's an antioxidant that helps to metabolize fat, supports eye and skin health, and helps other nutrients absorb into the body.
• Folate. Supports with the production of red blood cells.

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Feeding your dog peanuts

Feeding your pooch peanuts is pretty simple. In terms of portion sizes, stick to the 10:90 rule when it comes to treats vs. dog food, only allowing 10% of your pup's calorie intake to come from treats - that'll ensure you're not overfeeding your pooch and putting them at risk of any nasty diseases. Take care with peanuts as they are extremely high in calories. Next, be careful with the type of peanut you choose - like with treating your pup to any 'people food', you should always serve peanuts unseasoned (so that takes salted peanuts and honey roasted off the cards), and always avoid choking hazards (which in this case, it means never serving peanuts with the shell on). Never use peanut butters with xylitol in them as this is highly toxic to dogs. Just in case you've got any more burning questions on the topic of dogs and peanuts, take a look below.

Can dogs eat peanut shells?

Peanut shells should always be removed when treating your pup to these nutrient-dense morsels - they pose a serious choking hazard. 

Can dogs eat boiled peanuts?

Technically boiled peanuts are safe for dogs if they're served completely plain, but quite often boiled peanuts are coated in lots of salt and seasonings, so never feed these to your pooch if that's the case.   

Can dogs eat honey roasted peanuts?

Coatings like honey are bad news for dogs - the sugar adds far too many calories and they're more likely to contain seasonings toxic to dogs, like xylitol.

Can dogs eat dry roasted peanuts?

One of the best ways to serve peanuts to your pooch is dry roasted, as they're often served plain. Make sure you avoid the salted varieties.

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Other peanut products

So can dogs eat peanuts if they're mixed with other ingredients for treats that we humans love? What about sweetened peanut butter, cookies and ice cream? It's a no on this one unfortunately, as many of the foods we humans enjoy are far too high in fat with little nutrition for dogs (cookies, we're looking at you). Peanut butter can often contain xylitol, which is a naturally occurring sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Any products with this in must be avoided at all costs. So, to feed your pup peanuts safely, follow our guide and make sure they're always served cooked, plain and de-shelled.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've reviewed the safety of mixing dogs and peanuts, let's explore some more foods dogs can eat.

• Pineapple
• Cucumber
• Oatmeal

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.