Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

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Nuts are a healthy part of the human diet. They contain proteins and healthy fats – but don’t be tempted to share a handful of nuts with your dog without first checking. Are they safe for them to eat? The reply is not always, based on the type of nut that you would like to give them. Some are highly toxic. Others can be fed in moderation. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Warning! Macadamias are very toxic

It’s a bit of a mystery. Nobody knows why macadamias are so deadly for dogs. Unfortunately, only a tiny amount is fatal. Don’t feed your dog macadamias or any food that might be laced with bits of macadamia. If they’ve ingested some by mistake, take your dog straight to your vet as with prompt treatment, they’ll be right. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

If dogs can eat a small quantity of peanuts, then they can definitely eat peanut butter, right? Yes, but strictly peanut butter without xylitol. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Yes, dogs can definitely have peanut butter!” declares Carbo-Johnson. “Peanut butter is rich in fat and calories, though, and should be fed sparingly. When feeding peanut butter to your dog, do pay attention to the label. Some peanut butters are sweetened with xylitol that is toxic to dogs and can do serious harm.”

Can Dogs Eat Cashews?

Yes. Not the ideal snack for a dog, but cashews aren’t poisonous to dogs either. Like other nuts, the high protein content and high fat content would have severe implications to the dog’s health if you overfeed your dog with cashews. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Cashews contain wonderful nutrients for a dog. It’s unlikely, however, that they would do anything to their overall health since cashews should be given in moderation only to dogs. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Cashews are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and K, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. They can support skin and coat health, cellular health, cardiac health, free radical neutralization and muscle tissue building. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?

For the most part, no. There are a few risks in feeding your dog pistachios even though the unshelled pistachio nut isn’t toxic to dogs. You can technically provide a small amount of an unshelled, unsalted pistachio to your dog, but not without risk. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Like other nuts, pistachios are poisonous to dogs according to their calorie and fatty content. Overindulgence of pistachios and other nutrient-rich foods can lead to obesity, gastrointestinal illness and pancreatitis. Pistachios and pistachio shells are difficult for the dog’s digestive tract to digest and can lead to a blockage of the intestine. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Dogs can also get what’s referred to as pistachio poisoning from an Aspergillus mold on pistachios. The mold contains aflatotoxins that can cause loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, jaundice and even liver failure.

Key Points

Dogs can eat some nuts in small amounts, but all nuts are not safe for dogs.
Dogs must only eat nuts in moderation because they are high in fat and calories.
Avoid flavored or salty nuts, peanut butter sweetened with xylitol, or chocolate-covered trail mixes.

Being a pet parent, you’d have shared the world with your dogs if you could, and sometimes that means sharing the last cashew from your snack jar.

But when dealing with nuts and dogs, spreading the love gets a little tougher. So, can dogs eat nuts? The short answer is that some nuts are healthy and safe for dogs, but some are off-limits.

Before you toss your dog a peanut or almond, let’s clarify the safe nuts and the no-nos. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

What’s safe? A cheat sheet

Need a quick judgment on whether that cashew your puppy just munched on is going to hurt them? Take a look at this quick guide before jumping into all the nutty details.

Buds for your buddy:

Peanuts
Brazil nuts
Cashews
Chestnuts
Peanuts
Pine nuts

These ones are most definitely not for your furry friend:

Almonds
Hazelnuts
Hickory nuts
Horse Chestnuts
Macadamia nuts
Pecans
Pistachios
Walnuts

Safe nuts for dogs: A closer look

Most nuts are okay for dogs. If the dog swipes a nut or two along the way, most likely it won’t cause any harm. Just be aware that nuts are generally high in fat and calories. Too many could result in weight gain and gastrointestinal problems for your dog. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Skip salted or flavored nuts, and be sure to shell nuts — they’re just looking to be choking hazards.

If you’re not sure about a specific nut, a quick consult with your vet can aid in determining appropriate portion sizes and what is safe for your pup.

Nuts Contain High Fat Levels That Result in Pancreatitis

In addition, the high fat content of nuts will cause GI distress in sensitive or potentially pancreatitis-susceptible dogs. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is generally a visit to the vet. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Some potential signs include:

Lack of appetite or reduced appetite
Vomiting
Fatigue (lethargy)
Diarrhea

Some breeds like Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers are prone to the condition, and the diet high in fats in susceptible dogs can in some instances trigger the inflammation.

Nuts May Have Hazardous Coatings for Dogs

Nuts can be coated with substances like cocoa or seasonings like garlic, which are poisonous for animals. Nuts can also include other delicious coatings that can cause GI distress for our furry friends, along with ridiculously high amounts of salt. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Which Nuts Are Safe to Feed My Dog?

Peanuts, a legume by technicality, are safe for dogs in small amounts, as long as they’re plain and not seasoned or salted. Cashews are also said to be safe in small amounts, but cashews and peanuts both contain too much fat to be used as regular treats. They might also pose a choking hazard. This implies that feeding your dog nuts on a regular basis is not advisable. Call your veterinarian if your dog consumes a big bowl of nuts because this may cause pancreatitis. Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Just Say No to Nuts for Your Dog

Although not all nuts are dangerous to your dog, there are many other treats available that are far better for your pet. Keep your nuts and indulge in safe fruits and vegetables or vet-recommended dog treats instead. Your dog may go nuts over nuts, but saying no to nuts will prevent them health problems in the long term.