Dogs, left to their own devices, will chow down on just about anything edible, whether it is good for them or not. Nuts, while seemingly healthy, can be potentially problematic for your pup. But it depends on the type of nut and the quantity. When we think something is tasty, we naturally want to give our best buddy the same thing.
There are some nuts that are fine for your pet and some that should be off limits. To give you an understanding, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to answer the questions of, “Can my dog eat nuts and seeds?”
A Good Nut
Peanut butter is a popular choice for Kongs and fillable chews for our dogs. They pack a lot of calories, but they are generally a good option for giving your pet enrichment and something yummy to eat. But not all nuts are equal when it comes to pet safety.
Here are some pet safe nuts your doggo can enjoy in moderation.
- Peanuts – Roasted or raw peanuts are a good source of protein, but make sure they aren’t salted or have any other seasoning on them if your pet is about to munch.
- Hazelnuts – These nuts can be fine for larger dogs who are not allergic to them, but small dogs are more likely to have a choking incident with them. Use caution, or opt for raw hazelnut butter (without sweetener or chocolate).
- Cashews – Cashews are fine for dogs in small quantities, or as a dollop of cashew butter that is unsweetened.
A word of caution: many of these nuts are made into spreads, such as peanut or cashew butter. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in dog poisoning due to the sugar substitute, Xylitol, being added to the ingredients. Do not use sugar-free products for your furry friend.
Nuts that Are No-Nos
There are nuts that cause a range of symptoms if ingested by your dog. These include:
- Almonds – These popular nuts cannot be digested by your dog and can cause gastrointestinal upset and blockages in the intestinal tract.
- Macadamias – High in fat, the macadamia, while not toxic, can create pancreatitis, if eaten in moderate to large doses. Pancreatitis is a dangerous condition when the pancreas becomes inflamed.
- Pecans – This nut contains the toxin juglone and causes gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
- Walnuts – These nuts are considered one of the more toxic because they contain tremorgenic mycotoxins. In higher amounts, they can cause seizure.
- Pistachios – Like macadamia, they have a high fat content which causes gastric upset. Dogs who regularly eat pistachios can also develop pancreatitis.
The Lowdown on Whether Your Dog Can Eat Nuts
Ultimately, any nut can cause stomach issues with a Fido who eats one too many. Nuts, while considered a healthy snack, can be fattening and add pounds to your pooch. Only allow your pet to eat a few if you want to treat them with some nuts.
Would you like more information on what nuts your pup can eat, or would like to schedule an appointment? Please contact our friendly team. There is no such thing as a nutty question when it comes to keeping your pet safe and healthy.