Nuts & seeds
Can cats eat peanuts?
A peanut isn’t toxic to cats, but they are high in fat and a choking risk. Best avoided.
Why Salt, fat; xylitol in some peanut butters; mould (aflatoxin) in poor-quality nuts
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If a lot of salted nuts were eaten, offer water and call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Pancreatitis after a large amount
- Choking in small dogs
How much, how often
Not recommended.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain, unsalted, dry-roasted, out of the shell
- Chop for small dogs
- Check peanut butter for xylitol (birch sugar)
- Keep mixed nuts away — macadamias are toxic
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Plain, unsalted, shelled peanuts are safe for most dogs in small amounts. Salted, honey-roasted and chocolate-coated peanuts are not good choices.
How much: A few peanuts for a medium dog, occasionally.
Can dogs eat peanuts?Cats In moderation
A peanut isn’t toxic to cats, but they are high in fat and a choking risk. Best avoided.
How much: Not recommended.
The details
Peanuts are legumes, not true nuts, and aren’t toxic to dogs. The problems are what they come with: salt, sugary coatings, chocolate, and bowls of mixed nuts that include macadamias, which cause weakness and tremors in dogs. Dogs can also be allergic to peanuts, though this is rare.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat peanuts?
A peanut isn’t toxic to cats, but they are high in fat and a choking risk. Best avoided.
How much peanuts can a cat have?
Not recommended.
What makes peanuts risky for cats?
Salt, fat; xylitol in some peanut butters; mould (aflatoxin) in poor-quality nuts.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting and diarrhoea, pancreatitis after a large amount, choking in small dogs.
What should I do if my cat ate peanuts?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If a lot of salted nuts were eaten, offer water and call your vet.
Is peanuts safe for dogs too?
Plain, unsalted, shelled peanuts are safe for most dogs in small amounts. Salted, honey-roasted and chocolate-coated peanuts are not good choices.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for cats
Peanut butter
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Pistachios
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Walnuts
Sunflower seeds
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- In moderation
- Cats
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