CAN DOGS EAT PEANUTS?

The highly versatile and a very common ingredient in several popular comestible items like butter, chocolates, cookies et cetera, the Peanuts are truly a very delicious but underrated go-to snack for millions of people around the world. It can be used or consumed in a lot of different ways; some use it as a part of their meal, some add them to their baking goods while others just like to consume these nuts raw and fresh.

Peanuts provide a lot of nutritional value to us, the humankind. But, if you are a doggy parent, then you might be wondering, what about my four-legged companion? Will these nuts have the same effect on my pooch as it has on humans? Or are there any risks associated with feeding peanuts to a dog? Just read further to find out!

As I mentioned above, peanuts are a good source of various nutrients. Peanuts not only taste good but it actually provides numerous vitamins and minerals to its consumers. The table below depicts all the important constituents that are present inside the peanuts. Some of them are really good for the consumers while other elements just make these nuts a little less wholesome for them.

Nutritional Elements in Peanuts

So, as it is abundantly clear from the table, peanuts contain so many diverse nutritional elements inside of them. It is loaded with good and healthy constituents such as vitamins B1, B3, copper, manganese et cetera. But it also contains a large number of calories and fats which are not very suitable for the consumers. And, these unwanted elements are especially unfavorable for our pooches and every dog parent should be aware of the consequences of feeding a large number of peanuts to a canine. But, when fed in a limited manner, the same peanuts can prove to be highly fruitful for our dogs. Let’s discuss all the benefits and risks that come along when we feed peanuts to our pet pooches.

Benefits of feeding Peanuts to your dogs

1. Peanuts are a good source of Biotin which is a Vitamin B complex that is known to promote healthy coat and skin in canines.
2. Peanuts contain a very good amount of proteins inside them. And, we all know proteins are the basis for an individual’s strength and energy. Thus, feeding these nuts to a canine result in more energetic and stronger pooch whose is visibly more active and lively.
3. Peanuts also contain a pretty good amount of Vitamin B3 that is also called as Niacin. Vitamin B3 helps the canines by lowering the high cholesterol levels. So, peanuts (in a limited amount) are highly valuable for the pooches who are suffering from high cholesterol problems.
4. Peanuts also promote healthy heart functioning inside the canines and it is also known to reduce the chances of various cardiovascular diseases in dogs.

Risks of feeding Peanuts to your dogs

1. As we saw in the table earlier, peanuts contain too much fat and calories, and if fed in large amounts to a pooch, then it can lead to unwanted weight gain and eventually, obesity in the canine.
2. And talking about high-fat content, it can cause the pancreas of the canines to become inflamed which can lead to a serious disease known as Pancreatitis.
3. Peanuts are not that easily digested by the canines and feeding a large number of these nuts can lead to mild or severe (in some cases) stomach pains and various other digestive complications.
4. Feeding salted peanuts to a pooch should always be avoided by any dog owner as salt contains a high amount of sodium which can be extremely harmful to the canines.

FINAL VERDICT:

Peanuts may prove to be a good source of several different nutrients but the high-fat content and calories present inside these nuts should not be overlooked. And, if fed generously, peanuts can cause a lot of health issues in a canine’s body. Therefore, the best way to feed peanuts to a pooch is to give only a few (4-5) nuts at a time and make sure that salted peanuts are always kept as far away from a dog as possible. Remember, Peanuts should be only considered as treats for the canines and not as a part of their daily diet.