Nuts are a popular and nutritious snack for humans, but when it comes to dogs, not all nuts are created equal. While some can be a healthy, protein-rich treat for your pup, others can pose serious health risks, including digestive issues, obesity, and even toxicity.
Many nuts contain high fat levels, which can lead to weight gain or pancreatitis in dogs, while others may be difficult to digest or contain harmful toxins.
If you’re considering adding nuts to your dog’s diet, it’s crucial to know which ones are safe and which ones should be avoided. We’ll break down seven nuts that are safe for dogs (when prepared properly) and four nuts that should be kept far away from your furry friend.
Additionally, if your dog has never eaten nuts before, introduce them slowly and monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction. Now, let’s take a closer look at the nuts your dog can and cannot eat.
Nuts That Are Safe for Your Canine Friend
While some nuts are safe for dogs in moderation, they should only be given as an occasional treat, not a regular part of their diet. Here are seven nuts that dogs can eat, along with their benefits and precautions.
1. Peanuts
Peanuts are one of the most popular dog-friendly nuts because they are high in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like B6 and E. They make a tasty and nutritious treat when given in moderation and without salt, flavorings, or additives.
Offer plain, unsalted, dry-roasted, or raw peanuts (never flavored or candied). Peanut butter is also safe as long as it does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs.
Keep in mind that peanuts have a high-fat content, so feeding too many can lead to weight gain or pancreatitis.
2. Cashews
Cashews are rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious but occasional treat for dogs. They are lower in fat than some other nuts, but still should only be given sparingly to prevent digestive issues.
Offer plain, unsalted cashews with no added oils or spices. You can chop them into small pieces or mix a tiny amount into your dog’s food for a special treat.
You should know that too many cashews can lead to stomach upset or weight gain. Also, some dogs may have nut allergies, so introduce cashews slowly and watch for signs of an allergic reaction (itching, swelling, vomiting).
3. Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are not toxic to dogs, but their size and hardness can pose a choking hazard—especially for small breeds. If you choose to feed hazelnuts, only offer them in small, crushed pieces and monitor your dog while they eat.
Offer plain, unsalted, and chopped hazelnuts in small amounts. Only feed whole hazelnuts to larger dogs who can safely chew them.
4. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are packed with selenium, healthy fats, and antioxidants, but they are one of the fattiest nuts, making them a poor choice for regular feeding. While not toxic, their high-fat content can lead to obesity and digestive upset if eaten too often.
Give only tiny amounts on rare occasions as a treat. If feeding, ensure the nut is plain, unsalted, and free from coatings or flavorings.
Some Brazil nuts contain naturally occurring mold, which can be harmful so always check for freshness.
5. Pistachios
Pistachios are not toxic to dogs, but they must always be shelled before serving. The shells are too hard to digest and can cause choking or intestinal blockages.
While pistachios contain fiber, protein, and antioxidants, they are also high in fat, so they should only be given in moderation. You can crush them into pieces or mix them into your dog’s food for an extra crunch.
Only offer plain, unsalted, shelled pistachios in small quantities. Always check for freshness since moldy pistachios contain aflatoxins, which are toxic to dogs
6. Chestnuts
Chestnuts are one of the best nuts for dogs because they are low in fat and high in fiber, making them a safe, starchy treat. Unlike other nuts, chestnuts are soft and easy to digest, making them a better option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Offer plain, cooked, and unsalted chestnuts (boiled or roasted, with no butter or seasonings). Mash them up or chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Raw chestnuts can be hard for dogs to digest, so always cook them first.
Avoid horse chestnuts, which look similar to edible chestnuts but are toxic to dogs.
7. Pecans
Pecans aren’t toxic to dogs, but they are high in fat and can be difficult to digest, so they should only be given in very small amounts. They contain antioxidants and essential vitamins, but their richness can cause stomach upset if overfed.
If offering pecans, only give a small piece occasionally and ensure they are plain and unsalted. Use them as a rare treat rather than a regular snack.
Never give moldy pecans, as they can contain mycotoxins, which are highly toxic to dogs.
Nuts You Should Keep Away from Your Dog
While some nuts are safe for dogs in small amounts, others can pose serious health risks, including digestive distress, toxicity, and even neurological symptoms. Below are four nuts that dogs should never eat and the reasons why they should be kept far out of reach.
1. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are one of the most dangerous nuts for dogs, even in small amounts. Although the exact reason behind their toxicity remains unknown, macadamia nuts have been shown to cause neurological and digestive issues in dogs.
Symptoms typically appear within 12 hours of ingestion and may include weakness, tremors, vomiting, and lethargy. Some dogs also experience fever, joint pain, and difficulty walking, making this nut especially dangerous.
If your dog eats macadamia nuts, it is crucial to contact your vet immediately. Keep an eye out for shaking, vomiting, or difficulty standing, and always store macadamia nuts in a secure place to prevent accidental ingestion.
2. Walnuts
Although walnuts are not necessarily toxic like macadamia nuts, they can be very difficult for dogs to digest. One of the biggest risks associated with walnuts is their tendency to grow mold, which can produce mycotoxins that cause seizures, tremors, and serious neurological damage in dogs.
Additionally, walnuts are high in fat, which can lead to stomach upset, pancreatitis, and weight gain if consumed regularly. Their large size and tough texture also make them a choking hazard, particularly for small dogs.
If your dog eats a fresh, unsalted walnut, monitor for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. However, if they consume a moldy or old walnut, contact your vet immediately, as mycotoxin poisoning can be fatal. Also, be especially cautious with black walnuts, which are even more toxic than regular walnuts and should never be ingested by dogs.
3. Almonds
Almonds, while not highly toxic, are not recommended for dogs due to their high fat content and choking risk. Dogs struggle to digest almonds properly, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress, bloating, gas, and vomiting. Their small, hard shape also makes them a choking hazard, especially for smaller breeds.
Another issue with almonds is that many store-bought varieties are salted or flavored, which can lead to sodium poisoning or irritation of a dog’s digestive system. If your dog eats a couple of plain almonds, they may be fine, but it’s still important to monitor them for signs of distress.
However, if the almonds were flavored—such as chocolate-covered, spicy, or salted—contact your vet immediately, as additional ingredients may be toxic.
4. Hickory Nuts
While not outright toxic, they are very high in fat, which increases the risk of pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition in dogs. Additionally, hickory nuts are prone to developing mold, which can produce dangerous mycotoxins that lead to seizures, tremors, and other neurological issues.
The large, hard shells of hickory nuts also pose a significant choking risk and can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed whole. Be cautious about hickory nuts that fall from trees in your yard, as dogs may unknowingly chew on them while playing.