Peanuts are one of the world’s leading favorite snacks, as they’re chock-full of valuable vitamins and minerals.
Almost every household has a peanut jar tucked safely somewhere on their countertops.
While we love to snack on peanuts, you might wonder if you can offer your dog a few peanuts in the shell to snack on.
Can dogs eat peanuts in the shell?
No.
While peanuts in the shell may not be toxic to dogs, their rough texture can be hard on your dog’s digestive tract.
Peanut shells may also contain the residues of fertilizer and pesticides, causing vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, or death.
This article will discuss everything about peanuts in the shell and dogs.
It will also explain the potential health risks of feeding your dog peanuts in the shell.
Potential health risks of peanuts in the shell for dogs
While peanuts in the shell aren’t entirely toxic for dogs, they can still pose severe risks for your pup.
- Choking hazard
Feeding your dog peanuts in the shell can cause choking.
This is because peanut shells shatter easily into sharp pieces and may be lodged in your pup’s throat, which may be especially dangerous for puppies.
If your dog accidentally swallows peanuts in the shell, look out for signs of choking.
Consult your vet immediately if your dog shows any choking signs, including distress, pawing at the mouth, salivation, coughing, gagging, or retching.
- Digestive distress
Peanut shells are rich in fiber and can be challenging for your dog’s digestive system to handle.
The jagged splinters can also cause severe internal injuries, including obstruction to the esophagus, trachea, or intestines.
The digestive difficulties symptoms to look out for in your dog include vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Other signs to look out for are signs of blood in your fido’s stool.
The immediate sign of a damaged digestive tract is darker than normal stool or stool with unusual consistency.
If you see any of these signs, rush your dog to the vet as he may require immediate vet care.
- Dog peanut allergies
Some dogs may be allergic to peanuts and may experience symptoms that can range from mild to severe, depending on exposure.
Like all human foods, feeding your dog peanuts exposes their digestive system to unfamiliar processing, which may result in allergic reactions.
If your dog ingests peanuts in the shell, he may experience anaphylaxis if he’s allergic to peanuts.
Other signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Hives
- Swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
Consult your vet immediately for further instructions if your dog experiences some or all of these symptoms.
- Aflatoxicosis
Peanut shells may also contain Aflatoxin B1, a poisonous substance made by a mold called Aspergillus flavus.
This mold can cause severe health issues, including aflatoxicosis, liver damage, and death, especially if consumed in large amounts.
Are peanuts in the shell harmful to dogs?
Peanuts in the shell may be harmful to fidos in several ways.
These may include:
- Digestive tract infection – The peanut shells have a rough texture that can severely damage your dog’s digestive tract. This may cause abrasion or even result in an infection
- Stomach upset – Peanuts in the shell are rich in fiber which may disrupt your dog’s digestive function as it can be too much for their systems to handle. This may cause buildup in the gastrointestinal tract causing stomach upset
- Choking – If your dog swallows peanuts in the shell as whole, they can lodge in their trachea, which may result in choking
- Abnormal heart rates – The peanut shells might cause severe issues in your dog, including abnormal heart rates, collapse, and tremors if they were contaminated with pesticides
- Pancreatitis – Peanuts, including peanuts in the shell, are high in fat, and if your dog consumes large amounts, it may result in pancreatitis
Can puppies eat peanuts in the shell?
No.
You shouldn’t feed your puppy peanuts in the shell as they may cause several health issues.
For example, if your puppy ingests peanuts in the shell, they may pose a choking hazard.
The peanut shells may shatter into tiny pieces and damage your dog’s gum, and cause severe internal injuries resulting in infection.
Peanuts also have a high-fat content that may be detrimental to your puppy’s health.
Too much fat may cause rapid weight gain in puppies, leading to obesity.
It may also expose them to the risk of pancreatitis, a condition that may shorten your puppy’s lifespan.
If your puppy is allergic to peanuts, avoid giving him peanuts in the shell as they may trigger the allergies.
Can dogs eat raw peanuts in the shell?
No.
Avoid feeding your dog raw peanuts in the shell as they can be a choking hazard and may also irritate when swallowed.
However, you can remove the shell before feeding your dog raw peanuts as they are high in healthy, beneficial nutrients for your dog.
Health benefits of raw peanuts for dogs
Like humans, raw peanuts without the shells can provide your dog with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B6, vitamin E, phosphorus, niacin, and healthy fats.
- Protein – Raw peanuts are a protein-rich snack that provides your dog with stronger muscles, more significant bone and body mass, improves nerve function, aids the creation of cells, and can also help in healing wounds
- Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 is essential for glucose generation, red blood cell and nervous system function, hormone regulation, immune response, niacin synthesis, and gene activation
- Vitamin E – The vitamin E in peanuts helps to keep your dog’s immune system, muscles, heart, liver, nerve cells, and skin healthy
- Phosphorus – Phosphorus is vital for your pup’s healthy teeth, bones, and metabolism. It’s also essential in supporting healthy kidney function
- Niacin – Niacin is an essential vitamin that helps your dog break down fatty acids. It also helps your dog convert fats and carbohydrates into sources of energy
- Healthy fats – Peanuts have high-calorie content, with most of those calories coming from heart-healthy fats, including oleic and amino acids and omega – 6. These fats, in small doses, can be a good energy source for your pup
In conclusion
Avoid feeding your dog peanuts in the shell as anything might happen, including choking.
If you want to feed your furry friend peanuts, ensure you remove the shell to avoid any health risks.
Before feeding your dog new foods, including peanuts in the shell, always consult your vet to rule out any dangers.
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