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Who doesn’t love peanuts? Well, anyone who’s allergic to them doesn’t! But many people other people do love peanuts! They make a great snack just about any time! And if your dog sees you’re enjoying something, he is sure to come and want his share! But what happens if a dog eats peanuts?
Has your dog eaten peanuts? Are you worried that peanuts will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary if your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together information about peanuts and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Peanuts?
Peanuts (also called ground nuts, goobers, and pindars) are legumes grown for their seeds. Yes, you read that correctly! Peanuts are seeds! The plants are grown in the tropics or subtropics around the world. The seeds are then harvested.
After the harvest, peanuts are made into other products, including whole peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, peanut flour, and more. They’re also used in many popular cuisines around the world!
While peanuts are safe for humans (in moderation), what about dogs? Can dogs eat peanuts?
Peanuts & Dogs
Fortunately, peanuts are safe for dogs to eat! However, there are some considerations you should be aware of.
Peanuts should only be given to dogs as a once in a while treat. They should be unsalted, unflavored, and have their shells removed. Prepared in this way, peanuts are safe for dogs.
In addition, peanuts are high in fat. In large enough amounts, they could cause pancreatitis in dogs. What’s more, some dogs may be allergic to peanuts. In this case, the dog may experience a moderate or severe allergic reaction after eating peanuts.
What about peanut butter? Peanut butter is also safe for dogs in moderation. However, the peanut butter must be low (or no) salt, and it should not contain the artificial sweetener xylitol. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause death.
Shelled peanuts are also dangerous, as they can cause digestive issues, such as a blockage. This is a serious condition that can cause death if not treated.
Finally, never feed your dog raw peanuts (those that are unroasted). The problem is that raw peanuts may be contaminated with a toxin called Aflatoxin, produced by the Aspergillus fungus. This toxin can cause liver failure in dogs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats Peanuts & Gets Sick
So, if your dog eats peanuts or a peanut product and becomes sick, we highly recommend calling the vet right away. Because there are so many health issues that peanuts may cause, calling the vet as soon as possible is the best choice. Don’t wait to see if your dog’s symptoms improve.
The vet will make a diagnosis and treat your dog accordingly.
It’s safe to feed your dog peanuts prepared as recommended above. However, this should only be in moderation. That means peanuts should be given to your fur baby only as a rare treat. And if your dog has a penchant for peanuts, it’s best to keep these yummy treats out of his reach!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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