Why
Peanuts carry good fats and protein, but too much fat can upset the pancreas.
How to serve peanuts
- A few dry-roasted, unsalted, shelled peanuts.
Watch out for
- Avoid salted, honey-roasted or flavored peanuts.
- Shells are a choking risk.
How much peanuts can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much peanuts it buys if peanuts is the only treat that day. Peanuts has about 587 kcal per 100 g; 1 oz (28.4 g) is about 166 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max peanuts a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 4 g (a quarter of oz) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 10 g (a third of oz) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 17 g (two thirds of oz) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 23 g (three quarters of oz) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Peanuts, all types, dry-roasted, without salt.
Other nuts and nut butters: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Almonds | Avoid | No. Almonds can block the esophagus and are high in fat. |
| Pistachios | Avoid | Best avoided. Pistachios are not toxic, but they are fatty, salty and a choking risk. |
| Cashews | Small amounts | Yes, a few plain unsalted cashews. They are fatty, so keep it rare. |
| Peanut butter | Small amounts | Yes, plain and xylitol-free, in small amounts. |
| Macadamia nuts | Toxic | No. Macadamia nuts are one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are peanuts safe for dogs?
Yes, a few plain unsalted peanuts.
How much peanuts can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 10 g of peanuts if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Human Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 17, 2026)
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.