There are so many nut options out there, some of which are safe for dogs to eat, while many others are extremely toxic. Nuts are not generally considered to be the best snack for your dog. However, if you catch your dog stealing a nut or two from you, it is important that you are aware of whether you should worry or not.
This article breaks down all the types of nuts that you can safely give to your dog as well as the ones that you should absolutely avoid giving to them.
Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
While there are a few options for dogs out there that they can try, nuts are not the most ideal healthy dog treat option for them. For one, they are easily replaceable with other, healthier and safer options, as you need to go an extra mile and be even more careful when you feed nuts to your furry baby.
The reason for this is the fact that nuts in general are a potential choking hazard to them. Moreover, some of the more toxic options for them can have long-lasting effects on your canine pal.
Serious effects on dogs from harmful nuts include pancreatitis. Signs of pancreatitis include the following:
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- distended belly
- hunched back
What Nuts Can Dogs Eat?
Despite the risks, there are certain nuts that are safe for dogs to eat. Do not forget that they are only safe to eat provided they are unseasoned and as with any treat, salt-free.
| Cat insurance from From | Dog insurance from | Coverage | Contribution | Own risk | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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€8.46 | €12.11 | €3.250 — €6.000 | 10% — 50% | €0 — €150 per year |
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€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
View |
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€12.16 | €17.42 | €3.000 — €5.000 | 20% — 50% | €0 — €250 per year |
View |
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€13.27 | €20,14 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€13.86 | €14.67 | €2.500 — €5.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€10.56 | €13.14 | €3.500 | 25% | €25 per claim |
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Cashews
Shelled, unsalted and unseasoned cashews are safe to eat. Feeding your dog cashews on occasion won’t do them any harm. Cashew milk is also safe for them to drink in moderation, as it consists of water and raw, unsalted cashews. Another safe option is cashew butter, as long as it is limited to 1-2 tablespoons a day.
Cashews contain:
- antioxidants
- calcium
- copper
- flavanols
- fiber
- iron
- magnesium
- manganese
- omega-6 fatty acids
- phosphorus
- protein
- vitamin K
- zinc
Chestnuts
Chestnuts are safe for dogs, but you need to be careful when you feed them. If your dog eats too quickly, they are likely to swallow them whole. Chestnuts can pose a choking hazard to them as their size can lodge in an airway. Only feed your dog cooked chestnuts so they can eat them more safely. Raw chestnuts are high in tannic acid.
Chestnuts contain:
- calcium
- fiber
- iron
- magnesium
- omega-3 fatty acids
- protein
- vitamin B-6
- vitamin C
Peanuts
Plain, shelled peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. A better alternative is peanut butter without Xylitol.
Peanuts are rich in:
- healthy fats
- niacin
- protein
- vitamin B-6
- vitamin E
Pistachios
Pistachios are safe but only if you feed them rarely to your dog. They are high in fat and can cause weight problems such as obesity to your dog. Do not give pistachio shells to your dog! They could cut their mouth or throat.
Which Nuts Dogs Cannot Eat?
If you ever catch your dog eating any of the following, it is crucial that you call your vet right away. They will give you specific instructions on what you can do next. Do not wait to see any side effects before you take action. Keep your furry baby safe.
Almonds
Keep an eye out of you catch your dog eating a few almonds on accident. Almonds are best to be avoided and never become a dog treat, despite the claims that they might not technically be toxic. Make sure your dog doesn’t choke if they steal one or two.
Almonds can cause serious potential problems such as:
- Intestinal blockages
- Gastrointestinal upset (pancreatitis)
- Water retention
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are rich in fat content, and they are a huge threat to smaller breeds. While one brazil nut won’t affect your large dog, offering them more can cause stomach upset and even pancreatitis. For small dogs, a single brazil nut could be unsafe as it poses a choking hazard for them.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are overall big choking hazards and digestive blocks. Call your vet right away if you catch your dog swallowing one.
Macadamia Nuts
Experts have discovered that for some unknown reason, macadamia nuts have an extremely high toxicity level that is harmful to dogs.
Side-effects include:
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Joint inflammation
Pecans
Pecans are rich in fat, but more importantly, they contain a harmful toxin known as juglone.
Feeding them pecans can lead to:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Neurological system damage
| Cat insurance from From | Dog insurance from | Coverage | Contribution | Own risk | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
€8.46 | €12.11 | €3.250 — €6.000 | 10% — 50% | €0 — €150 per year |
View |
|
|
€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
View |
|
|
€12.16 | €17.42 | €3.000 — €5.000 | 20% — 50% | €0 — €250 per year |
View |
|
|
€13.27 | €20,14 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | none | View |
|
|
€13.86 | €14.67 | €2.500 — €5.000 | 20% | none | View |
|
|
€10.56 | €13.14 | €3.500 | 25% | €25 per claim |
View |
Walnuts
Walnuts are also major choking hazards and digestive blocks. They are high in moisture content and are prone to growing fungi.
Side effects to dogs eating walnuts:
- Seizures
- Pancreatitis
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Final Words
Dogs can eat certain types of nuts such as cashews and peanuts. Meanwhile, there are other types that are extremely dangerous to them such as macadamia nuts and pecans. Feeding nuts to your dog can be quite stressful, as it requires a lot of attention. The effort to feed them the right types and to do it properly may not be worth your time.
There are plenty of other human food options that can make healthy snacks for dogs, after all. It is best that you look for better alternatives.
Still looking for answers about snacks for your dog? Schedule an instant video consultation with our qualified veterinarians and get tailored advice from the comfort of your home – today.