Can dogs eat peanuts?
Yes, a few plain peanuts now and then: unsalted, unflavoured, dry-roasted or raw, with the shells removed. Salted, honey-roasted or flavoured peanuts are not suitable, and peanuts are fatty, so keep it to a few.
Updated:
Why
Peanuts are high in fat, which can cause digestive upset and even pancreatitis if a dog eats too much. Salted peanuts add sodium a dog doesn't need, flavoured ones add other risky ingredients, and the fibrous shell can be a choking hazard, especially for small breeds.
What to do
If your dog ate a lot of peanuts, salted peanuts or shells, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea or belly pain, and call your vet if these appear or your dog seems to be choking.
How to give it
Only a few, plain: dry-roasted or raw, unsalted, unseasoned, uncoated, shells removed — not every day.
Questions and answers
Are honey-roasted peanuts OK?
No. Honey-roasted and other flavoured peanuts are unsafe for dogs; only plain, unsalted peanuts are suitable.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? — American Kennel Club, Anna Burke (updated 2026-03-02)
- Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous? — American Kennel Club (Updated Oct 21, 2026)
- What foods are toxic to dogs and the human foods you can feed them — Dogs Trust (no date; ©2026)
- Can Dogs Eat Nuts? — American Kennel Club, Anna Burke (updated 2025-02-21)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.