Skip to content
House Pet

Pantry & Oils

Can dogs and cats eat peanuts?

Compare the dog and cat answers together, then open the full guide for the pet you are asking about.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

The verdict changes by species: safe for dogs and caution for cats.

The two answers are not interchangeable. Compare the bottom line, signs to watch, and serving guidance below, then use the full guide for your pet.

  • Safety label differs
  • Bottom line differs
  • Signs to watch differs
  • Serving guidance differs
Safe

Peanuts safety for dogs

Plain, shelled, unsalted peanuts are safe for dogs in small amounts, but the shells are a choking and digestive hazard and salted or flavored peanuts should be avoided.

Safe serving: A few plain, shelled, unsalted peanuts as an occasional treat, never the shells or salted/flavored varieties.

Open the complete dogs guide
Caution

Peanuts safety for cats

Plain peanuts are not toxic to cats, but their high fat content has caused pancreatitis in cats after eating just a few, and shells are a choking hazard, so they are best avoided.

Watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy (signs of pancreatitis)
Open the complete cats guide

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

Open another dog-and-cat view without starting a new search.

Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.