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Do you love to eat nuts? Many people eat nuts for enjoyment—they taste great! But nuts can also be eaten as part of a healthy diet. If you have a bowl of nuts on the end table, chances are your dog may want to try some, too. But are nuts safe for dogs?
Has your dog eaten nuts? Are you worried that the nuts could make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve put together information about nuts and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What are Nuts?
Nuts are fruits that have a hard outer shell that protects a kernel on the inside that’s usually edible. Some of these fruits are classified as nuts when they’re actually seeds. And then there are nuts that are not nuts, such as peanuts, which are a legume. How confusing is all that?
There are many kinds of nuts found all around the world. It’s impossible to list all nut varieties, but some of the most common you may have around the house include peanuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, and more.
Nuts are not only tasty, but they are also healthy in moderation. They can be a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
While nuts can be healthy for humans (in moderation), what about dogs? Can dogs eat nuts?
Nuts & Dogs
We have some good news and some bad news about dogs eating nuts. There are nuts that are safe for dogs and some that are toxic. However, nuts should never be a regular part of a dog’s diet. They’re too full of fat and calories. And some dogs can have an allergy to nuts, though this is pretty rare.
Nuts that dogs should not eat include:
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Cashews
- Walnuts (especially black walnuts)
- Pistachios
- Pecans
- Raw cashews
- Hickory nuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Pine nuts
- Brazil nuts
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Nut Toxicity in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten nuts:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Difficulty walking
- Seizures
- Bloody stool
- Orange-colored urine
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Prevention is Always the Best
If you have a dog that likes to eat nuts, only allow him to have a couple of nuts that are safe for dogs. This should be a special treat once in a while. And always make sure to keep nuts out of your dog’s reach. Prevention is always the best medicine!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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