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Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

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SOMETIMES — Plain, shelled, unsalted peanuts are not toxic to dogs, but only a few at a time.

Peanuts are high in fat, so keep portions very small. Remove shells, and skip salted, honey-roasted, chocolate-coated or flavoured peanuts.

On this page
A few plain shelled peanuts in a small dish on a wooden table.

Quick answer

Category
Nuts & Seeds
Recommended preparation
plain, shelled, raw or dry-roasted, unsalted
Main concern
high fat; shells; salt and coatings
Suitable as everyday food
no, occasional only

The full answer

Peanuts are not toxic to dogs. In small amounts, plain shelled peanuts that are raw or dry-roasted and unsalted can be offered.

Peanuts are high in fat. Too many can cause digestive upset and may contribute to pancreatitis, so moderation matters more than with low-fat snacks.

This page covers whole plain peanuts only. Peanut butter has its own page, because spreads can contain added ingredients.

Risks and Things to Know

  • High fat: digestive upset and possible pancreatitis if a dog eats too many.
  • Shells: not part of the feeding recommendation; they can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.
  • Salted peanuts add sodium.
  • Coated or flavoured peanuts (for example honey-roasted, chocolate-coated, or with seasonings) are not equivalent; coatings can include ingredients such as chocolate, xylitol or nutmeg.
  • PetMD notes raw peanuts carry a mould (aflatoxin) concern, which it says is reduced by choosing plain, dry-roasted peanuts sold for people.

How Much Can Dogs Eat?

Limit it to just a few peanuts, as an occasional extra rather than a regular snack.

How Should I Prepare It?

  • Shelled, plain, unsalted, raw or dry-roasted.
  • Boiled peanuts are not recommended by PetMD.

What If My Dog Ate Too Much?

If a dog has eaten a large quantity, or salted/flavoured peanuts, or shells, contact your veterinarian for advice.

This guide is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has eaten something potentially toxic or is showing concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Plain peanuts are not toxic, but they are high in fat, so only a few should be given.

These are not recommended. Salt adds sodium, and flavoured or coated peanuts can include unsuitable ingredients.

Shells are not part of the recommendation. They can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.

No. Peanut butter is a separate food with its own page, because some products contain added ingredients.

Only a few at a time, occasionally. The verified sources do not give a weight-based amount.

How this guide was written

Last updated 1 October 2026. We write from widely published, mainstream pet-health sources and avoid presenting feeding amounts as veterinary prescriptions.

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Almonds are not toxic to dogs in the way macadamia nuts or grapes are. The reasons to skip them are practical: whole nuts can choke or block, the fat can upset digestion, and most almond products are salted, coated or flavoured.

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Macadamia nuts are one of the few foods with a well-described, dog-specific toxic syndrome. Affected dogs typically show weakness, wobbliness, vomiting and sometimes a raised temperature. Most recover with veterinary care, but no amount is an appropriate treat.

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Browse every food in our A–Z guide