Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is one of the most beloved and popular snacks in all of Brazil, standing out from other dried fruits for its affordable price and its enormous versatility in cuisine, serving to prepare from sophisticated dishes of oriental culture to super Brazilian delicacies.
And in recent years, peanuts have been losing the stigma of being a “fattening” food to gain their place in a healthy diet, thanks to the number of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and natural antioxidants. For this reason, many tutors wonder if a dog can eat peanuts or if this food is bad for your pet’s health. In this new article from myfriendlypets, we will talk about the benefits and precautions of giving peanuts to dogs. Don’t miss out!
A dog can eat peanuts: is it good or bad?
Unlike many foods, peanuts are not among the prohibited dog foods. On the contrary, this food is rich in fatty acids and natural antioxidants, such as Omega 3 and Omega 9, which help prevent cell damage and cardiovascular problems, as they prevent the action of free radicals and the accumulation of LDL cholesterol plaques. (called “bad cholesterol”) in the arteries.
Peanuts are also rich in vitamin E, B vitamins, folic acid, and minerals, such as manganese, which are essential nutrients for strengthening the immune system and for the correct development of dogs’ muscles. Therefore, consumption can be especially beneficial for puppies, which are in a full growth phase, and for elderly puppies, who need to prevent the loss of muscle mass and other common symptoms of old age.
Despite these benefits, you need to consider that peanuts offer high-calorie content and contain a lot of fat. As a result, excessive or unbalanced consumption can lead to rapid weight gain, favoring the appearance of symptoms associated with obesity in dogs.
In addition, dogs cannot consume peanuts in the same way as humans. We are used to consuming peanuts in different ways: raw, fried, or toasted, with or without shell, alone or in savory or sweet recipes, like the kid’s foot. However, dogs cannot eat fried foods, salt, sugar, or other spices and preservatives that can cause serious digestive problems, such as gas, diarrhea, and vomiting, or allergic reactions in the body.
Therefore, peanuts are not harmful to dogs, however, ingredients that are added to flavor or improve texture can cause damage to the pet’s body (such as salt or sugar). It is also essential to ensure that puppies consume this food in the proper form and in the right quantities considering their size, weight, and health status.
A dog can eat peanuts: how to offer
Yes, dogs can eat peanuts, but you need to know how to introduce them to your best diet to ensure safe and beneficial consumption for your health. First of all, it is essential to remove the peanut shell before offering it to your dog, since the shells are difficult to digest and can cause gastrointestinal disorders.
The ideal is to offer raw and shelled peanuts to your dog, since this way it conserves all the nutrients. In addition, your dog can eat peanuts cooked in the oven (roasted) and shell, as long as no salt, sugar, or other harmful spices are added to the dog’s body. However, you should never offer your dog fried, salted, or caramelized processed peanuts, or sweet or savory recipes that incorporate ingredients that harm your health.
Can a dog eat peanut butter?
It depends! If you prepare a homemade peanut butter without salt, sugar, or preservatives, then yes, your dog can eat peanut butter moderately, as it contains a lot of fat and is high in calories.
However, industrialized peanut butter tends to contain a lot of sugar, preservatives, and artificial additives, which can cause serious damage to your dog. Of course, you shouldn’t be offering this type of product to your best friend.
Can a dog eat Japanese peanuts?
No! Japanese peanuts that are commonly consumed in Brazil are fried and contain a lot of added salt. Therefore, you should never offer your puppy, as it may cause symptoms of dehydration, in addition to the digestive problems already mentioned.
Also, check if a dog can eat a tomato in this article by myfriendlypets.
A dog can eat peanuts: care and recommendations
As we mentioned earlier, there are some precautions when giving peanuts to a dog, as always remove the shell and never add spices that can harm health. In addition, you should also remember that your best friend will only be able to consume peanuts moderately, such as a snack or a prize for his good behavior. For this reason, we recommend using it only as a positive reinforcement in your puppy’s education, to reward him for good behavior and encourage him to continue learning.
In addition, the ideal is to consult a veterinarian before introducing any new food or making a change in your pet’s diet. In this way, you will be able to offer complete and balanced nutrition to your dog and give your dog peanuts in adequate quantities to take advantage of the beneficial properties of this food.
