Which nuts are harmful?
In autumn, we often use nuts in the kitchen. Our dogs may also come across them while walking in a park or even in the garden. Are they a safe snack? It depends. Although the very popular walnuts are not poisonous to dogs, they can often harbor mold that produces mycotoxins hazardous to health. After eating them, dogs may develop:
- impaired coordination
- vomiting
- neurological signs such as seizures
- muscle tremors.
Macadamia nuts, however, must never be given to dogs because they are toxic. Signs of poisoning include:
- muscle weakness and tremors
- impaired coordination
- vomiting
- fever.
The signs listed above begin to appear approximately 12 hours after the nuts are eaten.
Pecans can cause gastrointestinal problems. They are high in fat and may also develop mold.
Neither almonds nor hazelnuts, which are often used at home in foods such as baked goods, contain substances that are toxic to dogs. However, dogs may have difficulty chewing them thoroughly if they are given whole, and may even choke. The shells are also difficult to digest. Almonds and hazelnuts are high in calories and fat. Like other nuts, they are not recommended for animals that are overweight or obese.
Cashews and peanuts may occasionally be given as an extra. They must be shelled and free from additives such as salt or other seasonings. Pay attention to how they are stored as well. Mold that produces harmful aflatoxins, some of which are carcinogenic, often grows on old nuts or nuts exposed to moisture.
Nutritional value
If you want to give your dog nuts occasionally, introduce them gradually and in very small amounts because, as in humans, allergies can occur. Caution is also needed in overweight animals and those with pancreatic disease because of the high fat content. In terms of nutritional value, nuts provide:
- unsaturated fatty acids
- vitamin E
- copper
- magnesium
- manganese
- fiber.
However, they are not a primary source of these nutrients for dogs.
Can I give my dog nut butter?
It is common to give small amounts of nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter) as a reward or to help administer medication. Choose a product whose label states that it contains 100% nuts. It should not contain any additives, such as sugar, salt or xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs and can cause hypoglycemia and even liver failure. Use nut butter in moderation because it is high in calories and fat.
Sources:
- Munday, J. S., Thompson, D., Finch, S. C., Babu, J. V., Wilkins, A. L., di Menna, M. E., & Miles, C. O. (2008). Presumptive tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in a dog in New Zealand, after eating mouldy walnuts. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 56(3), 145–148. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2008.36823
- Rostaher, A., Fischer, N. M., Kümmerle-Fraune, C., Couturier, N., Jacquenet, S., & Favrot, C. (2017). Probable walnut-induced anaphylactic reaction in a dog. Veterinary Dermatology, 28(2), 251–e66. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12406
- Ardente, A. (2023, January 19). Can dogs eat nuts? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-nuts