Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells? A Very “Nutty” Subject

What is one of the healthiest snacks you can eat? If you guessed nuts, you are right! Nuts are a great source of healthy fatty acids, which support eye, skin, and bone health. They are rich in fiber as well as protein, therefore will be beneficial for anybody who tries to lose weight. The healthiest way to consume nuts is in raw form, although the roasted unsalted option is also acceptable.

In case peanuts were your favorite snack in the nut world, you are not alone! Furry friends can’t get enough of them, especially in a peanut butter form. While it may be an excellent treat for a fluffy pal, some pet parents might have a question lingering: “Can dogs eat peanut shells?” 

can dogs eat peanut shells
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells?

You never know: sometimes a pooch might get so excited about a peanut treat, it might want to eat the whole thing, shell included. However, is there a danger for a pet of getting sick or choking on it? We are about to cover it. For now, let’s talk more about peanuts in general and how they can benefit or hurt a man’s best friend. 

Is It OK for Dogs To Eat Peanuts? 

The answer to this question is simple: yes, peanuts are perfectly safe for canines! However, an owner has to be careful and not let his/her pal indulge in too many nuts to avoid an upset stomach condition. But what pooches love even more is peanut butter! You may be wondering: “Are dogs allergic to peanut butter?” Well, just like humans, canines do sometimes get a reaction to the healthiest at first glance foods. And it is twice a disappointment if a dog likes this snack type a lot.

So yes, four-legged can develop an allergic reaction to peanut butter. If a pet owner is not sure whether or not it will be the case with his dog, it is best to introduce this tasty treat slowly, one teaspoon at a time. 

Can Peanut Butter Cause Diarrhea In Dogs?

That’s another good question that may be lingering in a pet parent’s mind before he/she treats a little furry friend with some tasty creamy snack. Logically, if dogs get allergic to peanut butter, one of the possible reactions they might get is diarrhea. Xylitol which is often added as one of the butter’s ingredients is the prime reason for a mutt’s loose stool. It is a type of sweetener used in place of regular sugar and is usually toxic for dogs upon ingestion.

Preservatives and other artificial ingredients can also contribute to an upset stomach in pups. The same goes for peanut butter with chocolate or a crunchy type. All of these are strictly prohibited for dogs. 

What Type Of Peanut Butter Is Safe For A Pooch?

Since we’ve mentioned what kind of peanut butter will be bad for a hound, we have to touch upon the safe, healthy butter types that would be beneficial for a dog’s well-being. Hence, an owner knows exactly which kind to get at the store next time. Only unsalted, preservative, and sweetener-free butter can be administered to an anxiously waiting pooch. One good example might be the Poochie peanut butter which is completely free of all the ingredients your fur baby doesn’t need in its system. 

However, just keep in mind that too much good stuff can have an adverse effect and cause a problem instead. A pup who gets to eat peanuts/ peanut butter every single day may easily develop diarrhea, obesity issues, pancreatitis, and heart failure in the future. The reason is that this creamy snack contains a lot of saturated fat. Which, in turn, can elevate a dog’s cholesterol level, causing cardiovascular problems. 

Now, what if a pooch comes across some peanut shells scattered on the floor by accident? Let’s find out what can happen if it does.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells?

So, are peanut shells bad for dogs? While they may not be toxic for a mutt, it is not a good idea to give them as a snack option. Why? Because eating too many shells can cause blockage in the intestines. As a result, it can lead to severe stomach pains, vomiting, constipation, and in the worst cases colon cancer! 

A hound would have to be brought to the veterinary hospital’s ER immediately if an owner notices any of these symptoms. In case your fluffy mischief steals one shell and eats it, it will probably be ok, but it is not a good idea for this habit to continue though. A pet owner better throw away the peanut shells immediately and make sure access to the garbage is very difficult (for all the witty pooches out there). 

Not only peanut shells can cause a blockage, but a pet might also simply choke on one of the pieces. Especially toy breeds like Pugs, Chihuahuas, and Yorkies could be in danger of suffocation if they try to swallow a piece too big for their tiny throats. It is super imperative to keep nut hulls away from tiny canine members. Better be safe than sorry, that’s for sure! 

And in case you were wondering about humans: they can’t eat peanut shells as well, for the same reasons described above. Therefore, if you have a very curious, inquisitive toddler who likes to taste everything he/she sees nearby, you have to be careful not to leave shells lying around. 

peanut shells for dog
Peanut Shells for Dog: Okay or Not?

Curl-Up

Peanuts and any peanut-based products are amongst canine faves in the whole world! They can easily be used to reward a well-behaved pet or as a distraction, while performing baths and nail clippings.

An unsalted, free of the unnecessary additives butter will be beneficial to any canine member in small quantities. Yet, pooches who overindulge, have an adverse reaction to it. Eating peanut hulls may cause some health complications down the road. Always read the label on the butter packaging to make sure it is puppy-proof. If so, you will get a lot of approving, happy “woof-woofs” coming from a satisfied furball after treating itself to this delicious snack.  

Related Reading: Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups When Sleeping? Reasons and Prevention Tips

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.