Dogs have a way of sniffing out snacks, from staple human foods to easily accessible snacks. While it’s fun to give in a few times every now and then, there are some foods that shouldn’t be fed to dogs. One of these is nuts.
In short, nuts are bad for dogs. They don’t offer a whole set of significant benefits, and some varieties can even be toxic for them. Even the ones that are considered safe have high amounts of fat, which can lead to several health issues.
With that, we’ll explain everything there is to know about nuts for dogs, as well as recommend other alternatives you can give instead.
Can Dogs Have Nuts?
Yes, dogs can have nuts. However, this doesn’t mean that they should. In general, most nuts don’t offer much nutritional value for dogs that they can’t get from their regular food. The most they provide is protein, vitamin E, and magnesium, but just in relatively small amounts.
That said, dogs don’t need nuts to stay healthy. Their regular dog food is already more than enough to provide everything they need. So, while plain, unsalted nuts are fine, they shouldn’t be a normal part of your dog’s diet.
Why Are Nuts Bad for Dogs?
Nuts don’t just provide any significant benefits for dogs, but they also pose some real risks.
Toxins
Macadamia nuts are the most dangerous type of nuts for dogs. While it’s unclear why this is so, dogs who have eaten macadamia nuts have experienced severe health issues that require veterinary attention. This includes ataxia, dehydration, and a series of digestive issues.
Nuts can also develop mold, especially if they’re not stored properly. The mold can contain aflatoxin, a mycotoxin. If dogs eat nuts with aflatoxin, they can experience serious issues such as tremors, seizures, and liver damage.
Walnuts, pistachios, and pecans are nuts commonly known to be prone to mold contamination.
High Fat Content
Many nuts are loaded with fat, even the safe ones. Too much and this can lead to digestive upset, presenting as pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Over time, this can result in obesity, which will increase the risks of other health issues.
Because of their high fat content, nuts can also increase the chances of pancreatitis in dogs, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.
Choking Hazard
Nuts are small and hard, making it hard for dogs to chew and digest. They can also pose a choking risk, especially if they have their shells on. Additionally, the nuts can get lodged in your dog’s gastrointestinal system, causing intestinal blockages.
Seasoning and Additives
In many human treats, nuts can have salt, oils, garlic, and other dangerous ingredients that dogs can’t eat. These additives can be harmful and toxic to dogs.
Salt. Many roasted nuts are heavily salted. These can result in sodium ion poisoning for dogs if eaten in large amounts. Too much salt can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and seizures.
Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in some flavored nuts and nut-based treats. It’s highly toxic to dogs, even in tiny amounts. When dogs eat xylitol, they can experience hypoglycemia, seizures, and liver failure.
Chocolate. Some nut treats also have a chocolate coating, which is a popular snack for humans. This is extremely dangerous for dogs as it contains theobromine, a compound that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart issues.
Garlic and Onions. Seasonings like garlic salt and onion powder are commonly used on snack nuts for humans. These ingredients are highly toxic to dogs, even in their powdered form. If ingested, they can increase the risk of anemia in dogs.
Allergic Reactions
In rare cases, some dogs can have allergic reactions to nuts. If your dog has them, they can experience vomiting, itching, and digestive upset.
What Nuts Are Safe and Unsafe for Dogs?
Some types of nuts are okay for dogs in tiny amounts, while others should be avoided altogether. If your dog has eaten a few pieces of the safe ones, then just monitor your dog for any reactions. Call the vets immediately if you notice some concerning signs.
However, if the more dangerous nuts are involved, then it’s important to seek emergency care right away.
Nuts Safe for Dogs | Nuts Dangerous for Dogs |
|---|---|
Peanuts | Macadamia Nuts |
Cashews | Pecans |
Chestnuts | Walnuts |
Pine Nuts | Almonds |
Healthy Alternatives to Nuts for Dogs
Nuts aren’t necessary in a dog’s diet, so we recommend finding better and safer alternatives to improve your dog’s health. Here are some of the options we recommend:
Alternative | Benefits | How to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
Commercial Dog Treats | Look for dog treats that are high-quality and nutritious for dogs. These should contain good amounts of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. | Simply give your dog a treat right out of the bag. It helps to give one piece at a time to control the pace and portions. |
Carrot Sticks | Carrots are a good option for a crunchy snack that you can give to your dog. These are filled with balanced amounts of vitamins A, B6, and K, as well as fiber and potassium. | Wash and peel the carrots first. Next, you can slice them into bite-sized sticks or chunks. You can also cook them first to make them softer to eat. |
Apple Slices | Apples provide a good amount of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, potassium, and calcium. It’s basically a health boost. | Wash and peel the apples, then you can slice them into small pieces. Be sure to remove the seeds and serve one at a time. |
Blueberries | Blueberries are a good option for dogs who need vitamins A, C, and K, as well as magnesium and potassium. These fruits are also relatively low in calories. | Rinse fresh or frozen blueberries and serve a small handful as a treat or mix them into your dog’s meal. Frozen berries are a cool and crunchy snack. |
Green Beans | Green beans offer vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. They’re also easy to digest. | Wash the green beans and remove the strings. You can serve them raw or boiled, depending on your choice. Avoid canned green beans. |
“When it comes to what a dog eats, the safe option is always the best one.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts
When it comes to dogs and nuts, the safest choice is usually to skip them. While a few nuts like peanuts or cashews can be safe in small, plain amounts, many other varieties can be dangerous. When in doubt, stick to what’s made for dogs. Better yet, consult with our experts.
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