Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? Yes — Plain and Unsalted Only

Peanuts are one of the more dog-friendly nuts available. Here's what you need to know about feeding peanuts to your dog.

Are Peanuts Safe for Dogs?

Yes. Plain unsalted dry-roasted or raw peanuts are safe for dogs in small amounts. They provide protein, healthy fats, vitamin B3, vitamin E, and biotin — the same nut used to make peanut butter, one of the most popular dog treats available.

Peanuts to Avoid

• Salted peanuts: too much sodium
• Flavored peanuts: may contain garlic or onion
• Honey-roasted peanuts: high in sugar
• Peanuts in the shell: choking hazard
• Mixed nuts: may contain toxic macadamia nuts

How Many Peanuts Can a Dog Eat?

Small dogs can have 2 to 3 peanuts occasionally, medium dogs a small handful, and large dogs up to 10. Peanuts are high in fat so keep portions small. Dogs prone to pancreatitis should have them rarely or not at all.

Peanut Allergies in Dogs

Peanut allergies exist in dogs though less common than in humans. Signs include itching, hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Stop immediately and contact your vet if you notice any of these.

For a convenient peanut-based treat formulated for dogs, Reggie Calming Spread for Dogs is made from 100% natural peanut butter with calming melatonin and L-theanine — xylitol-free and made in the USA.

Final Thoughts

Plain unsalted peanuts are a safe occasional treat for most dogs. Shell them first, keep portions small, and avoid salted or flavored varieties. If your dog loves peanuts, they'll probably love peanut butter even more — just make sure it's xylitol-free.