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Can Dogs Eat Pecans?

Can Dogs Eat Pecans? No, Here's Why    

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
bowl-of-pecans

Can dogs eat pecans?

No, dogs should never eat pecans. Pecans contain a compound known as juglone that is toxic to many dogs. Whether your pup eats the nut or the shell, they’ll likely experience moderate to severe health issues after ingesting pecans, especially if they contained mold.

Consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your pup’s diet to ensure it’s an appropriate snack for your pet. And if you’re noticing unusual signs in your dog and suspect it might be food poisoning, reach out to your vet immediately. The most common sign that your pup ate a pecan is immediate vomiting or another form of gastrointestinal distress. In rare cases, some dogs have experienced seizures, confusion, tremors and abnormal movement.

To many of us, pecans are considered a tasty nut with a sweeter flavor than many other nuts. While great on their own, they are also a popular addition to pies, cakes, ice cream and other sweet treats. These nuts are packed with protein and healthy fats, so it’s not crazy to wonder, “Can my dog eat pecans?”

Yet, while the nutrients in pecans can be great for some humans, this food doesn’t apply to your pet the same way. 

Why are pecans bad for dogs?

For one thing, nuts are not part of a natural diet for dogs. Their digestive systems are not set up to absorb the nutrients as they exist in nuts. While the nutritional content in pecans might be there, it is likely to pass right through your pet. 

In many cases, dogs will do well with a high protein, low fat and low carb diet. Like most nuts, pecans are high in fat and composed of fibers that the canine digestive system is not adapted to absorb. A couple of pecans are unlikely to be a major problem, but when eaten regularly or in large quantities, pecans can cause gastrointestinal distress, obesity and pancreatitis in your pet.

Additionally, there are some potentially dangerous side effects of dogs eating pecans.  

Juglone is toxic for dogs

Pecans contain and are liable to carry certain toxins that are of minor consequence to humans but potentially deadly to dogs. The first such toxin is juglone. It’s a naturally occurring compound in the leaves, stems and nuts of the pecan tree. It’s used to inhibit the growth of other plants adjacent to the pecan tree. While this compound has no significant effect on humans, it can be quite dangerous for dogs (and horses). 

Aspergillus mold is toxic for dogs

Another concern is mold that is known to grow on pecans, called aspergillus. The mold contains tremorgenic mycotoxins that can cause a severe toxic reaction in your pet. These molds are most likely to occur on pecans that have fallen off or were picked directly from the tree, but they can exist in store-bought pecans as well. The mold is more likely to show up if the store-bought pecans are exposed to moisture or have been left in the pantry for a long time. The effects of this potential mold are not terribly significant to humans but can be extremely toxic or even deadly to your dog. 

If your dog has a reaction from eating a moldy pecan or ingesting too much of the juglone toxin, the symptoms can include vomiting, tremors and seizure. If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away because the toxic reaction can become fatal if left untreated. 

Pecans can cause intestinal blockages

In addition to the potentially toxic concerns of pecans for dogs, there are digestive problems that can emerge if your dog eats too many pecans. Since they are unable to fully digest the nuts, it’s possible for them to become lodged in your pet’s digestive tract, leading to intestinal blockage. 

Pecans can cause Pancreatitis

If your dog eats too many pecans over a long period of time, they run the risk of pancreatitis. 

Pancreatitis can occur from an overload of fats in your dog’s diet. It can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. Acute cases require treatment from a veterinarian. Chronic cases can reduce the length and quality of your dog’s life.

What Happens If My Dog Eats Pecans?

As discussed above, it’s not recommended to feed pecans to your dog. However, if your pup snuck a few pecans while you weren’t looking, ensure that it was only a small amount of store-bought pecans, that the pecans were unshelled and that there were no additional salts, sugars or spices flavoring the nut. If you suspect your dog has eaten a large number of pecans or eaten pecans from trees or that may be harmful, consult your veterinarian right away. If you need to get set up with a vet, learn more about Petco’s vet services. 

How Can I Prevent My Dog from Eating Pecans?

Many dogs will follow their nose directly to food whenever given a chance. And that might include finding themselves a pecan-filled snack. To help avoid the likelihood of your dog eating foods that are bad for them, including pecans, here are a few tips:

  • Make sure all members of your household know which foods your dog can and cannot eat. Some pet parents benefit by keeping a handy chart on the fridge. 
  • Store foods that are toxic to your pup on high cabinets, well out of your dog’s reach. You can also look into secure dog food storage solutions. 
  • Use a dog gate to create a barrier that keeps your dog out of the kitchen and all eating areas.

 

FAQs about dogs and pecans  

No. Almonds are not recommended for your pet for the same reasons as pecans. Your dog cannot properly digest high-fat almonds. There is also the risk of whole almonds becoming lodged in their digestive tract, potentially leading to gastrointestinal upset or blockage.

No. Pecans straight from the tree are especially dangerous for dogs, as these nuts are more likely to contain a higher concentration of the toxin juglone than store-bought pecans. They are also more likely than store-bought nuts to have certain molds on them that can be incredibly toxic for your pet, potentially leading to tremors, seizures and even long-term neurological disorders. Avoid letting your dog eat pecans straight from the tree.

Pecan and walnut trees are very similar to each other in taxonomy and in the way they look. As a result, the nuts they produce should never be offered to your pet. Both pecans and walnuts are likely to contain the toxic compound juglone. They can also carry several different molds on them that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and neurological signs in your dog. While these molds and toxins are not typically dangerous to humans, they can be deadly for dogs.

No, dogs cannot eat pecans safely. If they happen to eat one or two, it’s unlikely they will suffer any adverse effects. However, eating pecans containing toxic mold can be harmful to your pup. Therefore, it’s best to avoid letting your dog eat pecans altogether.

If your dog happens to eat a pecan, it’s likely that nothing significant will happen concerning their health. The pecan will likely move through your dog’s digestive system normally and unspectacularly.

The possibility of adverse consequences stemming from pecan ingestion increases as your dog eats more pecans—either many at once or several consistently over time.

The first sign of a problem will likely be severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet shows any of these signs after eating pecans, call your veterinarian to discuss whether you should bring your pet in for evaluation.

Most nuts are not necessarily poisonous to dogs but may contain toxins that can have adverse effects on your pet if eaten in too great a quantity—either all at once or over time. However, the macadamia nut is severely poisonous to your pup. They are highly toxic for dogs and can lead to weakness in the back legs, vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog manages to eat even one macadamia nut, call your veterinarian right away.

For humans, pecans are a tasty, sweet nut packed with protein and healthy fats. If your dog loves pecans, however, be sure to find them an alternate snack.. Pecans are not good for dogs, and you should take the necessary steps to prevent your dog from eating them.

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