Can dogs eat peanuts?

Peanuts are technically legumes rather than tree nuts. They are not toxic to dogs. Each peanut has around 6 calories, and 100 g has about 570. A small dog can have two or three, a medium dog five or six, and a large dog up to ten as an occasional treat.

Crush them for small dogs to avoid choking.

Boiled peanuts, popular in the southern US, are softer and easier to chew, but they are usually cooked in heavily salted water.

About half the weight of a peanut is fat. A big handful can cause diarrhea and vomiting, and in some dogs can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis or a sensitive stomach should avoid peanuts.

Peanut shells are woody and fibrous. Dogs who crunch through a bag of monkey nuts can swallow many shell pieces, which may irritate the gut or clump together. Shell your peanuts before sharing, and sweep up after bird feeders, where discarded shells often collect.

Salted peanuts add sodium. Honey-roasted and caramelized peanuts add sugar. Chili and wasabi coatings irritate the gut. Chocolate peanuts combine fat with a separate toxin. Peanut brittle is mostly sugar. Mixed nut bags may also include macadamias, which are toxic.

Peanut allergy is well known in people but uncommon in dogs. Still, offer one peanut first and watch for itching, facial swelling or hives. Serious reactions are rare but need immediate veterinary help.