You see it coming: the inquisitive snoot. Peering over your knee or just above the tabletop. Nudging your elbow and snuffling under the coffee table. Dogs are constantly clamoring for snacks, but they don’t know what is healthy for them. When your dog looks at you with those beseeching eyes, there are some nuts that dogs can eat, but not all types.
The veterinary nutritionist for PetPlate and BSM Partners is Renee Streeter, DVM, DACVN. According to her, while some nuts can be small, infrequent treats (or won’t be harmful if your dog eats one found underneath the couch), it’s best to stick with more suitable dog treats. Because the primary arguments against nuts that apply to humans as well as dogs.
All nuts are high in calories and fat, which isn’t good for your waistline, she claims. There are so many better treats out there with fewer calories and less risk,” Additionally, the majority of packaged nuts are high in sodium, and the Pet Poison Helpline reports that dogs are toxic to excess salt.
Treats shouldn’t comprise more than 10% of your pet’s diet on average. Streeter continues by advising that if you do occasionally want to give your dog some human foods, pick ones that are higher in fiber and phytonutrients, like:
There are a few crunchy nuggets that dogs can eat safely in moderation despite the fact that we just said “No nuts because fat, salt, and stuff!” Streeter says these include:
To prevent contamination with potentially toxic options, each nut must be unsalted, unseasoned, unshelled, and not come from a mixed nut container. Additionally, xylitol, a type of sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products that can be fatal to dogs, should not be present in any nut butters.
Not necessarily. Despite the fact that humans frequently benefit from dietary benefits like fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, dogs have different nutritional needs that nuts don’t satisfy, especially if your dog is already following a balanced diet that has been recommended by your veterinarian.
Due to their high fat content, nuts may also upset some dogs’ stomachs, which may result in pancreatitis, a serious and expensive condition. Your dog needs assistance if they experience sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, a decreased appetite, and vomiting. Additionally, canine food allergies are uncommon but occasionally occur with nuts. So the real question isn’t should dogs eat nuts, but rather can they?
Additionally, as you might have guessed, larger nuts present a choking hazard, especially for small dogs but also for larger ones who get so excited in anticipation of a new snack. This is another reason why nuts—particularly larger ones—aren’t always the ideal treat. If your dog isn’t particularly patient, it’s preferable to chop up nuts and mix them into his regular kibble in a slow feed dish.
Veterinarian Beth Turner has worked in the field for more than 20 years. After completing her studies at North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, she started her career as an associate veterinarian and collaborated closely with the neighborhood shelter.
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She designed and built her own clinic in 2007, realizing her dream of being her own boss. Serving as the county’s shelter veterinarian while running her clinic was another fulfilling responsibility. This gave her the chance to work with the rescue she adored while also helping many animals in her community. To relocate across the country in 2019, she sold her practice.
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Humans love snacking on nuts. Nuts are a vital component of our diets because they are packed with protein and good fats. This is not true for dogs. The majority of nuts are bad for dogs, and some are even toxic.
Plain peanuts are safe for dogs to eat. Actually, peanuts are legumes like peas and lentils. Ensure the peanuts are shelled before giving them to your dog. Additionally, make sure that any peanut butter you feed your dog doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is fatal to dogs and highly toxic to humans.
The jury seems to be out on almonds. PetMD says they’re not technically toxic, so it’s OK to eat once in a while. But, The American Kennel Club says almonds should never become a dog treat. We think it’s best to avoid them. If your dog grabs an almond off the floor, it’s not the end of the world, but watch him carefully to make sure he doesn’t choke.
All nuts are risky for dogs to eat. This is due to their high fat content and the fact that they are very simple for dogs to choke on. There are some nut varieties that can be consumed infrequently by dogs and pose only a minor risk to them. Some nuts are extremely toxic to dogs and can result in serious internal issues if your dog eats them.
Nuts are a great snack for people because of their high fiber, protein, and healthy fat content; however, dogs should limit their nut consumption. Dogs can eat some nuts, but you should only give them to your pet on special occasions. Obesity and dehydration can result from consuming too many nuts (and too much peanut butter, which is a popular treat for dogs during training and playtime).
Dogs who consume the incorrect kind of nut may develop pancreatitis. In fact, pancreatitis—the inflammation of the pancreas—in dogs is associated with a diet high in fat. Many of the symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and appetite loss, are also symptoms of pancreatitis. Additionally, your dog might walk with his back hunched or have an enlarged belly.
FAQ
What nuts are poisonous to dogs?
- Macadamia nuts – Very toxic to dogs. …
- Black walnuts – Very toxic to dogs. …
- Dogs and cats should not consume old or moldy walnuts.
- Raw cashews are toxic to cats and should be avoided by dogs.
- Pistachios – Should be avoided for dogs and cats.
What nuts can dogs eat and not eat?
As long as they are unsalted and unseasoned, peanuts, which are technically a member of the legume family, are safe for dogs to eat in very small amounts. Although cashews are also reportedly safe in moderation, their high fat content prevents them from being used in everyday treats.
Will one nut harm a dog?
The prevailing belief is that canines shouldn’t regularly consume nuts because they are too high in calories and fat for them. However, the majority of animal experts concur that occasionally feeding your dog some nuts won’t hurt them.
Are almonds toxic to dogs?
Particularly in small breed dogs, almonds can obstruct your dog’s esophagus, intestines, or windpipe. If left untreated, these obstructions can be fatal, and they occasionally need surgery. Flavored almonds come with unique risks.