Peanuts are one of the most common allergens in the world (and, having a kiddo with a peanut allergy, I know this to be true!). So it is completely normal for you to wonder whether dogs can eat peanuts safely or not. So in this article we answer the question “can dogs eat peanuts?”
If people can get allergic to it, then why risk feeding it to your dogs, right? We’ll let’s look the surprising answer here.
Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
The short answer is that it depends on the peanut.
Because, as it turns out, some peanuts are not safe for your dogs. There are different types of peanuts that can be found in various foods. Some are good, some are bad. We know it sounds a little complicated, so allow us to explain.
Not all types of peanut food products are safe for your dogs. Sure, dogs may love the occasional peanut butter given to them but that doesn’t mean it is safe to feed them to your dogs. First, let’s talk about the positives.
The Good
Peanuts are healthy. They are filled with nutrients that are not only good for you but good for your dog too. Peanuts contain protein, different vitamins such as Vitamin B-6, Vitamin E, healthy fats, and niacin. This makes peanuts a great snack for your pets.
The Not So Good
However, the negative side is that there are certain dangers when it comes to feeding your pet peanut products. For instance, salted peanuts (like the ones we humans often eat) are not good for your dogs. It is always better to opt for dry-roasted or raw peanuts for dogs. Sure, it’s not as delicious as the salted one, but they sure are healthy!
Salted peanuts contain a lot of sodium which is harmful to your dog’s health. This is especially the case if your dog eats salted peanuts in large quantities. So, skip the salted peanuts and peanut butter you get from the grocery store.
The Healthy Peanut Option for Dogs
Instead opt for a healthier option for you and your dog: create your own peanut butter. Homemade peanut butter is always better health-wise, and you can control the amount of oil and sodium that goes into what you and your dog eats, too!
For more articles about what foods you dogs should and shouldn’t eat, check out our FAQ section here.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Please check out other articles in the series including: Can Dogs Eat Pears?
