Nuts are a healthy part of the human diet. They are packed full of protein and healthy fats - but while it may be tempting to share a couple of nuts with your dog, you should check first. Are nuts safe for them to eat? The answer depends on the type of nut you want to give them. Some are very poisonous. Others can be fed occasionally.
Beware! Macadamias are highly toxic
It’s a bit of a mystery. No one knows why macadamias are so dangerous to dogs. Unfortunately, only the smallest amount can be fatal. Do not feed your dog macadamias or any food that may contain traces of macadamia. If they accidentally eat any, take your dog to your vet straight away, as with immediate treatment, they are likely to make a full recovery.
What about other types of nuts?
All other types of nuts are okay for dogs in very small quantities. This includes:
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Hazelnuts
- Almonds
- Brazil nuts
- Cashew
Since nuts are naturally high in fat, they can cause your dog to become obese, leading to many different health issues. In turn, this can cause pancreatitis and other diseases. On top of naturally occurring fat, be aware that many nuts are cooked in oil and salt, both of which shouldn’t be fed to dogs. It's also worth looking after your dog's teeth if they eat nuts in case any get stuck or cause gum inflammation.
Choking hazard
Nuts are hard and small, so they can also be a choking hazard, particularly for small dogs and puppies. Since dogs do not have molar teeth to grind up nuts, it may cause them to choke if they swallow them whole.
What about peanuts?
If we are being very strict, peanuts are legumes! They are safe for dogs but only in tiny quantities. Most dogs don’t have peanut allergies, but some dogs have ended up with an upset stomach after eating them.
Very occasionally, dogs have developed neurological issues after eating a lot of peanuts, leading to muscle spasms and fits. It is thought the salt the peanuts were covered in could have caused the problem, rather than the peanuts themselves.
Beware of peanut butter
Watch out for peanut butter! Peanut butter intended for humans can contain lots of oil, salt and additives, which can be toxic to dogs. You need to be particularly aware of xylitol. This sweetener is quite often added to peanut butter. Whilst it is safe for humans, it is highly toxic and poisonous to dogs. However, there are types of special peanut butter that are safe for dogs - just always double check first.
Dogs should avoid nuts!
You can see from reading this blog that nuts and nut products are not a great choice of treat for your dog. It’s too easy to feed them the wrong variety, the wrong amount, or nuts cooked in too much oil and salt.
To make your life easier, put nuts on the ‘No’ list, along with all the other foods you must not give to your dog. If they don’t have any nuts, there is no chance of any problem!
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