As a dog owner, you always want to feed your dog everything you eat. They will emulate almost everything you do, yet no doggy parent wants their babies to get sick from ingesting toxic substances.
The truth is that not all foods are good for your four-legged friend. Some can have benefits in controlled measures, while others can bring harm. While you may love peanuts and peanut shells, it might not be the same for your dog, which might keep you wondering, can your dog eat peanut shells?
The answer is no. Dogs cannot eat peanut shells. Peanut shells are rough and are not easily digested by dogs. This makes it not suitable for your dog as it can cause health complications, such as diarrhea, digestion issues, or sometimes even death, in your dog.
You might be worried about why peanut shells are bad for your dog and what happens if your dog eats peanut shells. In this article, I have explained everything you need to know about dogs and peanut shells. But before then, let’s look at what peanuts and peanut shells are and if your dog can eat them.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells?
No! Dogs should not be eating peanut shells as they do not have a digestive tract that can adequately digest peanut shells. Peanut shells are fibrous, chaffy, difficult to chew correctly, and entirely not edible.
Moreover, eating peanut shells can result in serious health issues for your dog. The high fiber content in peanut shells makes it difficult for your dog to digest easily. The fragments and tiny bits of peanut shells can get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract which will lead to indigestion, diarrhea, and possible death. So peanut shells are not an option of food for your dogs.
However, your dog can eat shelled peanuts which are round brown nuts and are a very high source of protein, fats, and vitamins. Shelled peanuts contain up to 1.7 oz of fat and 0.8 oz of protein which is good for your dog but not the peanut shell.
What Are Peanuts And Peanut Shells?
Peanuts can also be known as groundnuts; they are legume crops mainly grown for edible seeds. They contain primarily fats and proteins that are beneficial to your dog.
Their shell covering is called the peanut shell. It is fibrous and has a rough texture. While the peanut seed can be consumed, the shell is not safe for consumption for both humans and dogs.
Are Peanut Shells Good For Dogs?
No! Peanut shells are not good for dogs, even though dogs may love the taste of peanuts as much as you do. Dogs’ digestive tracts are not capable of coping with the shells. These shells can also get stuck in their throat, teeth, and intestines. Resulting in stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, tooth pain, etc.
However, the nuts themselves can be eaten by dogs in small quantities. Unlike the already-shelled peanuts and different peanut varieties, peanut shells should not be fed to dogs. They have a coarse and rough texture which can be very harmful to your dog’s teeth, throat, and digestive system.
What Are The Benefits Of Peanuts To Dogs?
Peanuts have numerous nutritional values for your dog and are suitable for a healthy doggy life.
- They help prevent heart diseases by reducing cholesterol levels.
- They contain special vitamins that can stop small blood clots from forming, thereby reducing the risk of heart failure.
- They are a very healthy source of fat.
- They also contain vitamins B6 and E, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for glucose generation and help to build your dog’s immune system. The presence of potassium also gives your dog healthy bones.
Are Peanut Shells Bad And Poisonous To Your Dog?
Peanut shells are bad for your dog but are not poisonous. Although consuming a few unshelled peanuts is not known to be toxic to your furry friend, because of the high fiber in the shells, it can be rather difficult for your dog to digest.
The rough shards can get stuck in their throat, causing an obstruction. Peanuts shells often contain salt and crude fiber. If the shell is ingested in excess, it can result in seizures, thirst, and lower urination frequency. It would be best if you don’t let your dog eat the shells.
Can Dogs Eat Peanuts In Their Shells?
No, do not allow your dog to eat an unshelled peanut. Avoid feeding it to your dog at all costs!
Eating unshelled peanuts puts your dog at risk of choking. The shells can quickly get stuck in their throat and intestine. This is very dangerous, especially for smaller dogs like the Chihuahua. If it’s unsafe for dogs, you may wonder why dogs eat peanut shells.
Why Do Dogs Eat Peanut Shells?
Peanuts have a very delicious aroma and taste; you love them, and so does your dog. Accidents happen; your dog may act fast to snag a peanut with its shell still on before you can react. You might not be quick enough to stop your dog in time before it swallows the peanut whole. Thus, what do you do if your dog eats peanut shells?
What Happens If My Dog Eats Peanut Shells?
If your dog has already eaten a few peanut shells, don’t panic. Pay extra attention to your dog’s digestive system for the next few days. Look for abnormal signs, such as bloody stools, problematic stooling, unusual patterns in breathing, and barking.
These can be signs indicating damage to the digestive tract. Seek immediate professional help from a vet.
Side Effects Of Eating Peanut Shells For Dogs
There are multiple side effects and many potential hazards that your dogs would face when they eat peanut shells. Some of them are listed below.
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the abdominal area or bloating
- Pains felt in the abdomen, throat, or teeth
- Excessive drooling
These side effects are signs to promptly seek a vet and avoid dire consequences and harm to your dog’s health.
Can Dogs Be Allergic To Peanut Shells?
Just as you may have peanut allergies, so does your dog. Peanuts and its shell contain a small amount of niacin, a type of vitamin that acts as an antioxidant. Dogs usually have an adverse reaction to high doses of niacin which causes skin sores and itching.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Peanut Shells?
Once you realize your dog has eaten some amount of peanut shells, you should watch your pooch closely and take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Your vet can provide more health care and see that your dog gets better and survives the health challenges.
If you notice that your dog is suffering from indigestion due to peanut shell consumption, you should call the vet immediately. The vet will conduct a physical examination on your dog and also perform some lab tests.
Your dog may need an X-ray to determine if the shells are stuck in its intestines. Surgery, or an endoscopic procedure, can possibly be required to extract those shells.
Fret not! The outcome is always best for dogs that receive immediate and prompt medical attention.
Can Dogs Have Peanuts Without The Shell?
Yes! Dogs can eat peanuts without the shells but should be fed in moderation.
Peanuts are not harmful to your dog when eaten without the shell. They provide great nutritional value to your dog and are a snack your dog can eat once in a while. When feeding your dog peanut, ensure that it is shelled.
In addition, never give your dog flavored or salted peanuts. Always give your dog peanuts in moderation, and peanuts should never be incorporated into regular meals.
Things To Note When Giving Your Dog Peanuts
- Do not allow your dog to eat peanut shells.
- Be sure they don’t choke on the peanuts.
- If you are feeding peanuts to your dog, you have to be cautious of the amount and the shell to avoid health issues; never allow your pooch to eat peanut shells. It’s not safe for their consumption.
- If your dog mistakenly consumes peanut shells, pay attention to their digestive system for a few days after peanut shell intake and call a professional vet if any abnormal sign is spotted.
- There are possibilities that nothing happens to a dog that eats peanut shells, yet it’s better to be safe than sorry.
