What nut is toxic to dogs? A Complete Guide

Nuts Have High Fat Content That Can Cause Pancreatitis

Additionally, the high fat content of nuts can cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset in dogs with sensitive stomachs or those prone to developing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes irritated and inflamed, and it usually requires a visit to the veterinarian.

Symptoms can include decreased or no appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and sometimes diarrhea. Some breeds, like Schnauzers, are prone to this condition, and a high-fat diet in sensitive dogs can sometimes trigger the irritation.

Peanuts are an excellent source of protein and other nutrients like biotin, copper, phosphorus, manganese, niacin, thiamin, folate and vitamin E. Peanuts can promote skin and coat health, heart function, proper blood flow, brain health and healthy digestion.

Dogs can also experience what’s known as pistachio poisoning caused by an Aspergillus mold found in pistachios. This mold contains aflatoxins, which can cause loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, jaundice and even liver failure.

If dogs can have a small number of peanuts, then they can also have peanut butter, right? Yes, but only peanut butter that does not contain xylitol.

From packaged snacks to select human foods, you can choose many healthy options to treat your pet. Purina nutritionist, Karina Carbo-Johnson MS shares her expertise on nuts as a complement to a balanced dog food formula.

Peanuts contain a high amount of sodium, which can be unhealthy to dogs if they get too much of it. Serve this snack option in tiny portions.

There Are Many Nuts You Should Avoid

  • Macadamia: A single macadamia nut can seriously harm your dogs health.
  • Almonds: Dogs cannot properly digest the proteins present these (and many other nuts), and aflatoxins are poisonous substances found in crops and nuts, like almonds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts.
  • Pecans: In addition to aflatoxin, pecans also contain juglone, a toxin that can be harmful to dogs and horses.
  • Pistachios: Another nut known to have aflatoxin.
  • Walnuts: Black walnuts, English walnuts, and Japanese walnuts can contain fungi called tremorgenic mycotoxins which cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures.
  • It is only natural to want to share the treats and food we love with our dogs, but we have to make sure that we only give those foods that are non-toxic and otherwise safe for canine consumption. Nuts, generally, pose sevral known hazards. Some, such as the black walnut or macadamia, are especially toxic. Most nuts can pose a choking hazard so need to be prepared first. And all shells need to be removed before feeding to your dog, always. Before you feed your dog anything new – check with your vet to make sure its safe.

    What Nuts Are Toxic To Dogs?

    It depends on the type of nut. Some nuts pose little risk to dogs if given in small amounts as a special treat.

    Others can be toxic or cause potential health problems. Even dog-friendly nuts can have adverse health effects if fed too often.

    Dog treats and other dog-healthy snacks can account for up to 10 percent of a dog’s daily caloric intake. So, if you’re asking yourself, “can dogs have nuts?”, the answer is yes, but only certain kinds of nuts and in small quantities.

    From packaged snacks to select human foods, you can choose many healthy options to treat your pet. Purina nutritionist, Karina Carbo-Johnson MS shares her expertise on nuts as a complement to a balanced dog food formula.

    Dogs can eat most nuts as a special treat if shared in moderation. “Due to their high fat content, consuming nuts can lead to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas,” explains Carbo-Johnson. “This is a painful condition that causes vomiting and diarrhea.”

    Nuts can also cause weight gain due to their high fat content and additional calories. Some nuts are toxic to dogs. It’s important to take caution and do a bit of research before sharing nuts with your dog.

    Yes, dogs can eat non-salted, dry roasted (raw) peanuts. Peanuts, however, aren’t nuts at all but belong to the legume family. Nonetheless, if you want to feed a peanut or two to your dog, it is a safe treat.

    Peanuts are an excellent source of protein and other nutrients like biotin, copper, phosphorus, manganese, niacin, thiamin, folate and vitamin E. Peanuts can promote skin and coat health, heart function, proper blood flow, brain health and healthy digestion.

    Peanuts contain a high amount of sodium, which can be unhealthy to dogs if they get too much of it. Serve this snack option in tiny portions.

    If dogs can have a small number of peanuts, then they can also have peanut butter, right? Yes, but only peanut butter that does not contain xylitol.

    “Yes, dogs can absolutely have peanut butter!” says Carbo-Johnson. “Peanut butter, however, is high in fat and calories and should be fed in moderation. If feeding peanut butter to your dog, be sure to read the label. Sometimes peanut butter may be sweetened with xylitol which can be dangerous for dogs and cause serious harm.”

    Yes. Though not the healthiest snack choice, cashews are non-toxic to dogs. Like other nuts, the high fat and high protein content can lead to serious health concerns if you give your dog too many.

    Cashews contain healthy nutrients for dogs. It’s unlikely, however, they would have an impact on their overall health, since cashews should only be given to dogs in minimal quantities.

    Cashews contain antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and K, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These nutrients can help manage skin and coat health, cellular health, heart health, free radical neutralization and muscle tissue development.

    Generally, no. There are many risks involved in giving your dog pistachios even though the unshelled pistachio nut itself is not toxic to dogs. Technically, you can share a minimal amount of an unshelled, unsalted pistachio with your dog, but not without risks.

    Like many nuts, pistachios can be harmful to dogs due to their high fat and calorie content. Overindulging on pistachios and other high-fat foods can lead to obesity, gastrointestinal disorders and pancreatitis. Pistachio shells and pistachios themselves are difficult for dogs to digest and can cause an intestinal blockage.

    Dogs can also experience what’s known as pistachio poisoning caused by an Aspergillus mold found in pistachios. This mold contains aflatoxins, which can cause loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, jaundice and even liver failure.