Most dog owners have been guilty of feeding their dogs human snacks at some point. One of the most common snacks are nuts. If not plain nuts themselves, snacks also tend to contain nuts as a part of the ingredients. Some of these nuts are more toxic to dogs than others. It’s important to know which nuts are ok for dogs to eat and which are not, as the consequences can range from upset stomach to liver failure. These bring on extra financial burdens to dog owners as well as put a beloved pet’s life at risk.
One of the more dangerous nuts for a dog to eat is walnuts (particularly the English, Black, and Japanese varieties).1 They easily cause upset stomachs and may contain chemicals that can lead to neurological problems such as seizures. Hickory nuts and pecans pose the same risks as walnuts. Pistachios and macadamia nuts can cause upset stomach and pancreatitis. Macadamias also have the same potential to cause neurological problems like walnuts do. Almonds, while not inherently toxic, are not easily digestible for dogs and can cause upset stomachs easily. All the above nuts also have the potential to cause obstructions in a dog’s digestive system.
There are some nuts that are safe for dogs to consume. Unshelled and unsalted peanuts are fine. Be aware though that dogs can have peanut allergies just like humans. Roasted or cooked cashews are also alright. Make sure they are roasted or cooked, though, as raw cashews have toxins in them that also pose a threat to humans. Hazelnuts are also non-toxic to dogs but they can pose a choking hazard for smaller breeds. If you are ever worried about something your pet has consumed, please call to see if an urgent care visit is warranted.
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