Peanuts (groundnuts or goobers) are one of the nutritious staples. However, they are popular as allergens among people in the world. Like humans, dogs also love peanuts or specifically peanut butter as a treat but the most important question that follows is that whether dogs can munch on peanuts, and is it safe for them?
Generally, you can feed peanuts to your pup but there are a few aspects that you should keep in mind before making it a part of your pet’s diet. There are several pros and cons of feeding peanuts to dogs. Let’s discuss both before deciding the final verdict.
The Benefits of Feeding Peanuts to Dogs
First, let’s discuss the benefits. Peanuts are enriched with proteins, fibers, fats, natural antioxidants, niacin, magnesium, vitamin B-6, and vitamin. All these nutrients prevent cardiac diseases, muscle delusion and improve your canine’s overall health.
What Type Of Peanuts Are Safe For Your Dog?
There are different types of peanuts available in the market. It seems difficult to choose the best one, right? As mentioned earlier, Some peanuts are safe for dogs but some are extremely unhealthy and can risk the life of your pet.
Only raw, dry-roasted, palm oil-free, unsalted, and unflavored peanuts are safe to eat. You can incorporate it into your pup’s diet without any hesitation.
What Kind Of Peanuts Are Unsafe For Your Dog’s Health?
Despite the nutritional benefits of groundnuts, there are also certain disadvantages that dog owners must know before adding them to their pet’s diet.
High Sodium Content
As we mentioned earlier, avoid salted peanuts. Why? Because it contains an excessive amount of sodium. It’s totally okay if your mutt accidentally eats one or two salted peanuts from the floor but feeding peanuts in immoderate quantities can be harmful to his health.
Salted peanuts are unhealthy as they contain sodium in higher portions than your dogs need, says Dr. Sievert. It would be best to skip the salted goobers you get from the grocery store.
High-Fat Content
Peanuts are high in calories and contain healthy fats. However, food enriched with fats can cause many health problems to your pup. For instance, fatty items can lead to Pancreatitis in dogs. In this disease, your pet may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, and lack of appetite. Contact your vet in case of any signs of sickness.
Shelled Peanuts
Whenever you feed your puppy with peanuts, make sure you serve him without constructions of shells. The intake of pellets can often result in choking hazards or gastrointestinal blockage and discomfort.
Flavoured Earthnuts
Peanuts in packaging consist of many other chemicals that are not healthy or beneficial for dogs. So, it’s advisable to review the ingredients and avoid purchasing flavored or seasoned groundnuts.
Allergies
Lastly, if you notice any allergies, such as coughing, sneezing, hives, redness, or trouble breathing in your dog, you should immediately visit your vet and follow his recommendations.
How Should You Feed Peanuts To Your Dog?
Remember, immoderate excess to everything is terrible. You can consult with your veterinarian to plan a balanced diet for your canine.
You can also try salted goobers in low portions. For example, you can feed ten peanuts to your large and hardy pup. This amount will be five for a medium-size dog. However, for young puppies, you should keep the number up to two seeds. Make sure you only cater it two to three times a week or during the training for positive reinforcements.
Is Peanut Butter Good For Your Dog?
Dogs love peanut butter but can dogs eat peanut butter too? Of course, homemade peanut butter is safe rather than preserved. Canned peanut butter contains xylitol that can be toxic for the pup’s well-being.
The intake of these sugar substitutes can provoke a rapid drop in blood sugar level, liver failure, diarrhea, or the death of your furry baby.
Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe
Is making peanut butter difficult for you? Maybe not. We have a recipe that you can try for your dog. All you need is peanuts (without shells) and a food processor.
When Can Your Dog Start Eating Peanuts and Peanut Butter?
You may have this crucial question in your mind, right? Well, It is always better to start with your veteran’s advice. However, the perfect time to start feeding peanuts to your puppy is after seven to eight weeks of his age. When he can also chew solid foods, always begin with little chunks, and if it suits your pup, you can add more.
