Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

1. High Fat Content: Peanuts are very high in fat. A diet rich in fat can cause an upset stomach and, in more serious cases, can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. 2. Salt and Seasonings: Peanuts prepared for humans are almost always salted or seasoned. High levels of sodium are unhealthy for dogs, and seasonings can include toxic ingredients like garlic or onion powder. 3. Choking Hazard: Whole peanuts and especially their shells can be a choking hazard, particularly for smaller dogs. The shells are also very difficult to digest and can cause an intestinal blockage.

• If you want to share peanuts with your dog, you must follow these rules:
• Plain and Unsalted ONLY: Only feed your dog plain, unsalted, and shelled peanuts. This means no salted, honey-roasted, or otherwise flavored peanuts.
• Serve in Moderation: Due to the high fat content, peanuts should be a rare treat. A couple of shelled, unsalted peanuts is a sufficient serving.
• No Shells: Never allow your dog to eat the shells.

Peanut butter is a very popular treat for dogs, but the same rules apply. It must be unsalted, with no added sugar, and you must check the label to ensure it does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.

While plain, unsalted peanuts are safe in very small quantities, their high fat content makes them a treat to be given with caution and only on rare occasions. Always ensure they are shelled and free of any salt or seasonings.