In the TV series We Bare Bears, we know Panda got an allergic reaction from peanut butter. Panda saved Clifford from his peanut allergy while experiencing the same allergic reaction too. But in real life, are pandas allergic to peanut and can they eat it peanut butter?
Yes, pandas can eat peanuts and peanut butter. However, there are no known reports about pandas getting allergic reactions from these types of food. Whatever truth there is, we have carefully gathered all the information just for you.
Now that you know that giant pandas can eat peanut or peanut butter, you may be wondering, do they eat the whole part or just the seed inside?
Well, let’s dive straight to the point to know if it’s good for giant pandas to eat peanut and peanut butter.
Do Pandas Eat the Whole Part of The Peanut?
Yes, they can eat the whole peanut. Pandas can eat bamboo (using their strong jaws) that is a lot harder than a peanut shell so eating the whole peanut will be a piece of cake for a panda. Besides, they change their diet from meat to bamboo, so there would be no big deal about peanuts at all.
Can Pandas Eat Peanut Shells?
Yes. they definitely can peanut shells. Since they can eat the whole peanut, its nutshell has no exception. Just like what was mentioned pandas can do much on hard bamboos so eating the nutshell is not a challenge for them.
Also, both bamboo and peanut shells have high fiber content. So, pandas’ stomach reaction can surely handle it. Just expect that from time to time they will poop, poop and poop.
Can Pandas Eat Peanut Hay?
Yes, they can eat peanut hay. Pandas eat bamboo leaves, stems, shoots, and roots, which is why peanut hay is no different. As long as it can fill their stomach, they would surely enjoy munching it.
If you haven’t seen peanut hay, just look at the picture. Basically, it is the leftovers after the peanuts are picked off the vines, similar to corn stalks and wheat straw. But, because it is a legume, the vines will have a greater protein content.
Why Can Giant Pandas Eat Peanut Butter?
Yes, they can eat peanut butter. If they can eat the whole peanut, what’s the difference in peanut butter, right? Can you imagine a panda scooping peanut butter to eat? Surely, that would be fun to watch yet a little messy sight.
Peanut butter is made by grinding raw peanuts and roasting them. Additional ingredients such as sugar, salt (sodium), fats (oils), and additives that prevent separation may also be added. Not the best diet for pandas, but they can eat it for sure.
However, peanut butter that contains Xylitol may be hazardous to animals, especially pets. If the peanut butter is free of the sugar substitute, it may be safe for pets to eat or even lick.
Natural peanut butter can be eaten by our cuddly bears. The natural ingredients in peanut butter make them safe. Plus, they are very helpful in neutralizing chemicals that we cannot.
Cyanide can be neutralized by giant pandas, and this almond scent cyanide is present in raw bamboo. If ingested by humans, cyanide can damage internal organs if too much is consumed.
Moreover, cyanide is used as a poison to kill someone. However, a giant panda is not affected by this killer substance. Isn’t it amazing?
Several scientists had studied this. They noticed that pandas are ingesting cyanide, however, they have figured out how to just eat bamboo that doesn’t contain it. Giant pandas assimilated more than 65% of the cyanide content contained in the shoots.
However, their bodies were equipped to transform 80% of that cyanide ingested into a less-poisonous substance called thiocyanate, which they then peed out.
Which Animals Are Allergic to Peanuts?
These two commonly known domestic pets are among the most at risk of developing a peanut allergy.
Cats
Cats with nut hypersensitivities or allergies typically experience tremendous tingling in their ears and head, along with the usual wheezing and fomentation. The irritation may be all-over or in specific areas and usually causes balding and problem areas.
Dogs
Some peanuts may not be an allergic reaction in dogs, but if they are given large amounts, they can be toxic. This will result in stomach disorders including heaving, loose bowels, exhaustion, and inappetence.
Why Do Giant Pandas Eat Peanuts?
Simply because it can be their food when they are hungry. The same is true why they eat a large amount of bamboo every day. But, scientifically speaking we can say that it can contribute something to their diet.
Nutrition that Pandas Can Get with Peanuts
Peanuts are high in protein, fat, and fiber. Even though peanuts contain a large amount of fat, many of the fats they contain are “good fats.” There are no scientific studies nor evidence that show how pandas can get benefited from these.
Peanuts have also been found to contain the following:
Magnesium
It is an essential mineral to body health. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady.
Vitamin E
It is a fat-soluble vitamin. There are many foods that contain this nutrient, including vegetable oils, cereals, poultry, fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, and wheat germ oil. It is also available as a supplement.
Folate
It is one of the B vitamins required to manufacture red and white blood cells, convert carbohydrates into energy and produce DNA and RNA. Adequate folate intake is essential during periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy, infancy, and adolescence.
Copper
It is an essential element. Humans need around 1.2 milligrams of copper a day in order to help enzymes transfer energy in cells. Too much copper can be toxic.
Arginine
An amino acid is a chemical building block that is obtained from the diet and is crucial for the body to manufacture proteins. Labs can manufacture it so it can be used as medicine. Arginine is found in red meats, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
Niacin
It is included in more than one daily multivitamin, but most people get enough from the foods they eat. Niacin (vitamin B-3) helps to keep your nervous system, digestive system, and skin healthy.
Biotin
This water-soluble vitamin is a member of the vitamin B family. It is also called vitamin H. You need biotin to assist your body in converting certain nutrients into energy.
Thiamine
It is one of the B vitamins that play an important role in your body’s metabolic processes. It is essential for the function of your heart, muscles, and nervous system.
Manganese
It can be found in many foods, including nuts, legumes, seeds, tea, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables. It is also considered an essential nutrient since the body needs it to function properly.
How Much Peanuts Do Pandas Eat Per Day?
Even though there are no reports as to how much peanut they can eat, we can compare it to the amount of bamboo intake which is around 26 to 84 pounds per day. However, that is just an estimation if they would only feed on peanuts for a day.
If you want to know more details about what pandas eat, click this link.
Conclusion
In this article, you have learned that pandas can eat peanuts. They can eat it from its nutshell and even as peanut butter. Moreover, you also have found out that peanuts are rich in fats, fibers, minerals, and vitamins.
Food is essential to all creatures. It is one of the main reasons why we can support our living. However, it is also natural for all of the creatures to have something to eat and not to eat.
The nutrients that we get from the food we eat play important roles in the body functions of every living thing. We all deserve to eat the food we need. May it be for humans, animals, or any living organism.
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