Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
Nuts are a popular snack among humans, but can our dogs enjoy them too? Many pet owners often wonder whether sharing their nutty treats with their dogs is safe. While some nuts can benefit dogs, others can be harmful or toxic. We will explore the topic of nuts and dogs to help you make informed decisions about your pet’s diet.
Are Nuts Good for Dogs?
Nuts contain essential nutrients, such as healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients can be beneficial to dogs in moderation. For example, almonds are a good vitamin E source, promoting healthy skin and coat. Additionally, they provide a healthy dose of fibre and protein. Similarly, cashews offer protein, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and zinc, which are important for a dog’s overall health. But not all nuts are okay for dogs to eat.
Can Nuts Be Bad for Dogs?
While some nuts can be beneficial, others can pose serious health risks to dogs. Certain nuts, such as macadamia, can be toxic and lead to symptoms like weakness, vomiting, tremors, and even hyperthermia. Other nuts, like walnuts and pecans, can cause stomach upset in dogs due to their high-fat content. The high-fat content may also lead to pancreatitis in dogs, which causes pancreas inflammation.
What Nuts Can Dogs Eat?
When it comes to feeding nuts to dogs, it is crucial to choose the right ones and offer them in moderation. Some nuts that are generally safe for dogs to consume include:
- Peanuts: Plain, unsalted peanuts can be given to dogs in moderation. They are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins B and E. However, be cautious with peanut butter; some varieties may contain xylitol, a toxic dog sweetener.
- Almonds: Dogs can eat a few plain, unsalted almonds occasionally. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and fibre. However, remember that almonds are high in calories, so they should be given sparingly to prevent weight gain in dogs.
- Cashews: Plain, unsalted cashews can be tasty and healthy dog treats. They provide protein, healthy fats, and minerals. However, like almonds, cashews are high in calories, so moderation is key.
What Nuts Should Dogs Avoid?
While some nuts are safe for dogs, others should be strictly avoided. The following nuts should never be given to dogs:
- Macadamia nuts: These are highly toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms like weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Even a small amount can harm dogs, so it is best to keep macadamia nuts out of their reach.
- Walnuts: Walnuts are known to cause stomach upset in dogs due to their high-fat content. Mouldy walnuts can also contain toxins that can be harmful to dogs.
- Pecans: Like walnuts, pecans can cause stomach issues and pancreatitis due to their high-fat content. Additionally, mouldy pecans can have harmful toxins that could be dangerous for dogs.
What our experts say about nuts for dogs
“Although nuts can provide some nutritional benefits to dogs, it’s important for pet owners to exercise caution. Certain nuts, such as macadamia nuts, can be highly toxic to dogs and should be strictly avoided.
Dr. Kellie Talbot, DVM
Dogs eating nuts FAQs
While plain, unsalted almonds may be okay in moderation, almond butter should be cautiously approached. Some almond butter products may contain sugar, salt, or xylitol additives, which can harm dogs.
It is best to avoid feeding pistachios to dogs. While they are not necessarily toxic, the high-fat content can cause stomach upset, and the shells can pose a choking hazard.
Plain, roasted chestnuts in small amounts are generally safe for dogs. However, it is important to remove the shell, as it can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage if ingested.
