The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Peanuts: Good or Bad?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat peanuts in moderation, and these legumes can offer some nutritional benefits. However, before adding peanuts to your pup’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While plain, unsalted peanuts without added oils or artificial flavorings are generally safe, some preparations—like salted or flavored peanuts—contain excess sodium and additives, which can harm dogs. Plus, what about peanut shells? Is peanut butter a better option? Can too many peanuts cause digestive issues or allergies? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate peanuts into your dog’s diet.

Are Peanuts Good For Dogs?

Peanuts can be a healthy and nutritious dog treat when given in moderation.

Always feed plain, unsalted, and unflavored peanuts in small amounts. Avoid salted or flavored peanuts, as they may contain additives that are harmful to dogs. Also, steer clear of peanut shells, which can be difficult to digest and pose a choking hazard.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of peanuts contains the following nutrients:

Peanut Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Peanut to Dogs

While peanuts can be a safe and nutritious treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion:

Beware of Aflatoxins & Glyphosate Contamination

Keep this in mind before feeding peanuts to dogs.

Aflatoxins: Peanuts can be contaminated with aflatoxins, toxins produced by certain molds, which are harmful to dogs. While regulatory agencies such as the FDA and USDA monitor aflatoxin levels in commercially available peanut products to ensure safety, the risk remains higher in peanuts sourced from unregulated markets or improperly stored supplies. Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to aflatoxins has been linked to liver cancer in laboratory animals, raising concerns about their potential long-term impact on canine health. Notably, less processed or “natural” peanut butters may contain higher aflatoxin levels than commercially refined brands.^[1],[2]

Glyphosate: Peanut crops are frequently treated with glyphosate-based herbicides to control weeds, a practice that has led to detectable residues in many commercial peanut butter products. Research suggests that glyphosate exposure in animals can result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and lethargy, with effects lasting from several hours to a full day. Additionally, studies have associated glyphosate with an increased risk of certain cancers, prompting regulatory scrutiny and bans in some countries. Testing has revealed that even well-known peanut butter brands contain trace amounts of glyphosate, further raising concerns about its impact on canine health.^[3],[4]

Are Dogs Allergic to Peanuts?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to peanuts.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Peanuts

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information:.When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home, or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining peanuts or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Peanuts to Dogs

When feeding peanuts to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Peanut to Dogs

As with any new food, start slowly and feed gradually to allow your dog’s digestive system to adjust. Always choose plain, unsalted, and xylitol-free peanuts or peanut butter to keep your pup safe!

Best Dog Food With Peanuts

​Incorporating peanuts into your dog’s diet can be achieved through Petaluma’s Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Flavor dog food. This veterinarian-designed, plant-based dog formula features organic ingredients such as peanuts, chickpeas, oats, barley, and sweet potatoes, providing a balanced and nutritious meal for adult dogs. The inclusion of wholesome ingredients ensures your dog receives essential nutrients, promoting overall health and well-being.

Best Peanut Dog Treat

Buy already-made dog treats that include peanuts to provide your pet with the nutritional benefits of peanut-based ingredients. The Honest Kitchen Peanut Butter & Honey Goat’s Milk N’ Cookies offer a wholesome, nutrient-rich treat option for your canine companion. Made with real peanut butter, goat’s milk, and a touch of honey, these oven-baked treats provide a crunchy texture and delicious flavor while supporting digestion with probiotics from goat’s milk. These natural, human-grade dog cookies are a fun and nutritious way to reward your dog while incorporating the benefits of peanuts into their diet.

Get 40% OFF your order with code 40CANINEBIBLE — Just use this link to get started.

How Much Peanut Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like peanuts. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning peanut based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1-2 plain peanuts	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2-3 plain peanuts	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	3-5 plain peanuts	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	5-6 plain peanuts	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	6-8 plain peanuts	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Peanuts?

Yes, puppies can eat peanuts, but only in moderation and tiny amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just one or two plain, unsalted peanuts to see how they react. Feeding too many peanuts at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process the high fat content. Additionally, plain, unsalted peanuts without any added oils, salt, or artificial flavors are the best option—avoid salted, flavored, or honey-roasted peanuts, as these contain additives that can harm puppies. Peanut butter can be an option, but always check the ingredients to ensure it does not contain xylitol, a toxic sweetener for dogs. When introducing peanuts or any new food, avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day so you can monitor for food sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a single peanut, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before considering offering more. Always remove the shell, as it can be difficult to digest and may pose a choking hazard.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to peanuts that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

While dogs can eat peanuts in moderation, they should not be considered a staple or necessary part of a canine diet. Plain, unsalted peanuts can be an occasional treat for most healthy dogs, but they come with several risks and considerations that pet owners must keep in mind. The high fat content in peanuts can lead to digestive issues and potentially contribute to more serious conditions like pancreatitis. Additionally, the risk of choking, especially from peanut shells, cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, some dogs may have allergic reactions to peanuts, and the potential presence of aflatoxins adds another concern. While peanuts are not toxic to dogs, the potential risks often outweigh their minimal nutritional benefits. There are many safer, more nutritious treats specifically designed for dogs that can be given without the associated worries. If you give your dog peanuts, do so sparingly, ensure they are plain and unsalted, remove all shells, and always monitor your pet for any adverse reactions.

Whether you’re introducing peanut or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. National Peanut Board
2. National Pesticide Information
3. Science Direct: Glyphosate
4. Health Research Institute