Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells?

Here is a question for you: what’s the most invaluable investment you can make for your dog? Your dog’s health and nutrition should be a priority as it determines the quality of life and how long your dog will live.

Peanuts are among the most common treats offered to dogs, albeit moderately. However, while they provide multiple health benefits, they can trigger gastrointestinal irritation. For this reason, you’ll likely want to know whether peanut shells are worth offering to your pet.

Peanut shells, alternatively called peanut hulls, are the remains of the initial processing of peanuts. This article explores reasons for and against feeding your pet these peanut shells.

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells?

Your dog can eat peanut shells in small quantities. While they are not toxic to dogs, enhanced moderation will help minimize unexpected health complications.

Most peanut shells have residues of fertilizer and pesticides, which can affect your dog when consumed in excess. These elements can trigger allergic reactions, heart issues, and kidney complications. Unfortunately, washing or cleaning these hulls is not enough to remove all the residues.

Peanut shells are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help improve digestive function in dogs. They also contain small amounts of crude protein, cellulose, water, and fat. Thanks to these small amounts of micronutrients, peanut shells provide negligible health or nutritional value to your pet.

Are Peanut Shells Safe For My Dog?

While peanut hulls are not toxic, they are not the safest option for your dog. These shells pose various dangers, including the following.

Choking Hazard

Peanut husks pose an immediate choking hazard to your dog. These shells are often broken into small pieces that could get lodged into the throat, particularly among small dogs. You’ll need instant medical attention in such instances. Alternatively, you could consider preventive measures, including removing the shells from the dog’s mouth before it swallows them.

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Peanut shells can cause significant gastrointestinal tract discomfort and injuries. The sharp edges of the peanut shells will likely scratch and injure the tract, resulting in bacterial infections. Their rough texture will also rub against the tract, causing pain, abrasion, and discomfort.

Allergies

Peanut shells could trigger allergic reactions in dogs, thanks to the high content of pesticides and farm chemicals. In such cases, you’ll need immediate medical attention to prevent severe health issues, including fatality.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction and Complications

Peanut shells are foreign materials in the digestive system and could accumulate in the stomach or GI tract. This accumulation implies that your dog will not be able to eat or drink comfortably.

These shells could also cause irregular bowel movement, diarrhea, and vomiting, requiring immediate medical attention. You might also notice blood in your dog’s stool and vomit.

Should Dogs Eat Whole Peanuts With Shells?

While dogs can eat whole peanuts with shells, you should not allow them to make it a habit. This move could expose them to significant health issues, including gastrointestinal obstruction, GI tract injuries, and bacterial infection. Enhanced supervision during this period will also suffice, as it helps avert a crisis.

Removing the shells will, however, be the best decision. This choice is suitable for boiled, raw, and roasted peanuts. Removing these shells protects your dog against GI irritation, bowel movement irregularities, and gastrointestinal obstruction.

What About Peanuts And Peanut Butter?

Peanut is a healthy and safe treat for your dog when given in moderation. Boiled and raw peanuts are the best, as they contain no salt that could cause sodium poisoning in your pet. They guarantee multiple health benefits, including extra energy, effortless muscle recovery, and heart health.

However, peanuts have a high-fat content that can cause obesity in dogs. Your dog could also experience digestive problems, pancreatitis, sodium ion poisoning, and allergic reactions if it consumes excess peanuts.

At the same time, you can give your dog peanut butter in small quantities. However, this peanut butter must not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that could significantly affect your dog. Excessive consumption of this product can trigger allergic reactions.

Final Thoughts

Your dog will likely be tempted to eat peanut shells. While these husks are not toxic, they are not the safest choice for your dog. In addition, they provide no nutritional value to your dog but instead expose it to health complications, including GI obstruction. Consult a medical professional once your dog takes these peanut shells.

Further Reading:

• Can Dogs Eat Crunchy Peanut Butter? Experts Weigh In
• Can Dogs Eat Apples With Peanut Butter? [Benefits and Risks]
• Can Dogs Eat Honey Roasted Peanuts?