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Can Dogs Eat Nuts

Can Dogs Eat Nuts?

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
assorted nuts

No, dogs should not eat nuts. Macadamia nuts and black walnuts are toxic to dogs, and even non-toxic varieties—particularly mixed nuts—can make your pup sick and impact their long-term health.

Nuts are also typically coated with a lot of salt and other seasonings, which are bad for dogs. If your dogs eat nuts or any other toxic food, immediately consult your veterinarian or pet poison control. 

However, dogs can eat peanuts—peanuts are technically legumes, and those are okay to give to your dog in small quantities. Just avoid salted or seasoned peanuts and limit the amount to just a couple. 

Many pet parents give their dogs peanut butter. Pups love it, and it’s a great trick to get them to take a pill or to stuff into their chew toy as a distraction. Just make sure the peanut butter you choose doesn’t contain xylitol—the sugar alcohol is toxic to canines. However, it’s recommended to avoid the risk altogether and only give your dog food and treats formulated for pups. Some contain peanut butter that has been thoroughly processed for optimal health.

Why are nuts bad for dogs?

The answer to “Can dogs have nuts?” isn’t exactly straightforward. Dogs may be able to eat some varieties without becoming ill, but—as a rule—your dog and nuts shouldn’t be mixed. One culprit is the fat content—dogs are susceptible to pancreatitis, and high-fat diets can instigate this disease. Signs your dog has pancreatitis include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Lethargy 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased Appetite 

A high-fat intake can also lead to obesity, which can pose a serious health risk for all dogs—but larger dogs in particular. Excess weight puts extra pressure on their joints and can exacerbate hereditary issues like hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis. 

While some raw nuts won’t harm your dog if they eat one off the floor, you should be careful with your dogs and nuts you have stored at home. You should never let your dog consume the shell of any nuts—that includes peanut shells as well. Most nutshells:

  • Are a choking hazard
  • Could contain toxins
  • Could cause digestive trauma and tearing in their stomach lining and intestines

If you routinely snack on nuts, make sure to discard the shells as soon as possible—preferably in an outside bin your dog can’t access. 

What to do if your dog eats nuts 

That can greatly depend on the type of nut and the quantity consumed. If your dogs eat nuts that are known to be non-toxic, there’s typically no cause for worry. If you see your pup eat a few nuts with shells, you should monitor your dog closely for an adverse reaction—but eating a large amount is cause enough to contact your veterinarian. Either way, there’s a chance that your pet will experience mild to severe digestive issues.

Can dogs eat macadamia nuts or black walnuts—the latter of which isn’t regularly eaten by people—without concern? No. Contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately if you know or even suspect that your canine has consumed just one of these nut varieties.

How can I prevent my dog from eating nuts?

Training is often the simplest way to make sure your dog doesn’t consume foods that can make them sick. Training your dog only to eat food when given the proper cues can help ensure that your dogs and nuts don’t mix. 

As pet parents know, even the most highly trained dog can slip. When eating human foods that could be harmful to your pup, it’s a good idea to eat them in a room they don’t have access to or when they’re outside. It’s also recommended that you keep toxic and unhealthy foods securely stored out of reach of your pets. You may have the answers to questions like “Can dogs eat pistachio nuts?”, but your curious pup doesn’t.

If you have toddlers, always separate your dog and your child if your kid eats foods that can be potentially harmful to your canine. It’s also helpful to print a list of toxic foods for your dog and post it in the kitchen, so your family and guests are aware. 

FAQs About Dogs Eating Nuts

Macadamia nuts and black walnuts are highly toxic to canines. The reason is not known, but dogs and nuts of these varieties can produce symptoms that include the following.

  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Vomiting
  • Ataxia
  • Tremors
  • Hypothermia

If you’re a dog parent, it may be a good idea to keep macadamia nuts out of your household. It’s also a good idea to inform all family members and guests that macadamia nuts are toxic to your pup.

If it’s a nut that isn’t toxic, observe your dog. Usually, one nut won’t harm your dog, but if they act like they don’t feel well or appear to have stomach issues, consult your vet. Your dog may have a sensitivity to nuts.

No. Dogs cannot properly digest the protein in these nuts. Pecans and walnuts—like many other kinds of nuts—could also contain harmful fungi that may make your dog ill if they’ve been left in a damp area too long.

No. The same rules apply to almonds as they do other nuts, and they do not offer enough nutritional value to let dogs eat nuts—even almonds. And while uncommon, raw almonds contain toxins that can harm canines and humans.

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