Peanut butter happens to be one of dog’s favorite snacks, and for good reason. So, what about the peanut? Is feeding your dog peanuts the same as feeding them peanut butter, and can they actually eat peanuts? Well, yes. Dogs can actually eat whole peanuts, but there is a catch.
Often times, the peanuts we buy for our own consumption are roasted and salted, and they come ready to eat. These, however, may not be the ideal kind for your dog, especially because they contain a significant amount of sodium.
This sodium is contained in the salt and it has been proven to be bad for dogs. For this reason, it is recommended that, if at all you have to give peanuts to dogs, you should serve them raw and unsalted. This way, your dog will gain loads of benefits without having to deal with the effects of sodium.
So, how is it that your canine is bound to benefit from eating peanuts.
Benefits of Peanuts for Dogs
1. They carry loads of protein
It is known that dogs thrive off of a high protein diet, and even though most times it tends to come from meats and other animals based foods such as eggs, it is good to once in a while shake things up. Peanuts contain a good deal of protein that dogs could actually benefit from. They are the building blocks of the body, and a good amount promotes proper growth and development of the dog, as well as assisting in the repair and replacement of old and worn out tissues.
2. They have lots of good fat
Peanuts are actually known to contain a good deal of healthy oils which are called monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are ideal for promoting optimal cardiovascular functions, allowing your heart and entire bloodstream to work as well as they should. These oils also keep at bay heart disease and other conditions that may have a direct impact on your dog’s heart.
3. Dietary fiber
If you need your dog to have great gastrointestinal functions, you might want to consider adding a few peanuts to their regular diet. These small nuts have a decent amount of soluble fiber which works to enhance digestive capabilities.
When it comes to soluble fiber, it is broken down to become food for the good bacteria in the dog’s gut, making for better digestion. This means that your dog will be able to absorb nutrients better as well as pass stool with a lot more ease.
In addition, fiber has been proven to be really good for cardiovascular functions, adding to the benefits of peanuts.
4. Loaded with nutrients
Aside from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats as well as protein and fiber, peanuts carry a myriad of other nutrients that prove quite helpful to your dog. Some of them include;
- Vitamin E – This vitamin bears strong anti-oxidant properties which work to keep certain diseases away. It has also been credited for supporting healthy skin and fur in dogs.
- Niacin – Also commonly referred to as Vitamin B3, this nutrient has been recognized for its ability to support optimal heart health and other cardiovascular functions.
- Copper – This trace mineral is also essential in supporting heart and cardiovascular health.
- Phosphorus – This element plays a major role in the balance and development of muscular health as well as aiding in fluid absorption in the bodies of both humans and dogs.
- Vitamin B1 – Also commonly known as Thiamin, this vitamin aids in the conversion of carbohydrate to energy, and is also great for supporting good cardiovascular and nervous system, as well as optimal muscle development.
Having seen the benefits of nuts, let’s see how you should go about feeding them to your dog.
Feeding Your Dog Peanuts – What You Need to Know
As earlier mentioned, peanuts are quite small, and they are incredibly nutritious. For this reason, it is imperative that you feed your dog just a few nuts every several days to make sure that hey do not overindulge. Here are a few things to note;
Keep an eye on your dog as they feed
Remember that peanuts are quite small and can be a choking hazard for your dog. For this reason, it is recommended that you keep a close eye on your dog as they eat them to make sure that they do not choke. If the peanuts still have the shells on the, the risk of choking becomes even higher since they are quite difficult for your dog to swallow. It is advisable that you deshell them before serving them
Avoid salted peanuts
Dogs are actually highly sensitive to sodium which is one of the main elements found in salt. Excess salt could actually cause your dog to vomit, diarrhea, experience tremors and seizures, get a fever and, in severe cases, your dog may die. In absence of any of these symptoms, however, your dog may get dehydrated and become overly thirsty.
Your dog could gain lots of weight
Even though they carry tons of nutritional benefits, peanuts are actually high calorie food that could cause your dog to gain lots of weight, especially if there is very little exercise. This is why you ought to limit the quantities of peanuts you serve your dog.
Dealing With Peanut Allergies
It is worth noting that peanuts rank high in the list of foods that most dogs are allergic to. If your dog is allergic to peanuts, you need to steer clear of them and find an alternative source of nutrition for them. this is how to know that your dog is allergic to peanuts.
- Difficulty breathing
- Red spots on skin
- Balding spots on skin
- Agitation or irritability
- Licking skin excessively
- Hotspots
In case you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has had peanuts, you need to rush to the vet for quick diagnosis and treatment. Remember that if you delay too long your dog may actually die.
Conclusion
Peanuts have long been a source of nutrition for human beings and their pets, and small as they are, they carry a good deal of good within them. While it is not too common to see people give their dogs whole peanuts, it is not entirely impossible to see such scenarios.
If your dog likes to eat whole peanuts as opposed to peanut butter, it is recommended that you be very careful, and that you give them without shells and without salt. This is likely the safest way to get your dog to eat them. in addition, limit the quantity so as to avoid having to deal with multiple side effects.