Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
Dogs just love to eat; it is one of their favorite things to do although the same could be said for a lot of people. Dogs are usually not at all fussy and, while this makes it easy to keep them well-fed, it also presents some problems. One problem is that some foods that are fine for us to eat are not so good for dogs.
Nuts are very fatty and, while we are able to process these fats, they are not so easy for dogs to process. This can lead to problems in the short term and also in the long term. Some nuts also contain compounds that are toxic to dogs even if they are not toxic for us. Here’s a look at which nuts are okay to give to your dog and which you should avoid.
1. Peanuts
Peanuts are perhaps the most common “nut” we are likely to eat, and dogs tend to like them just as much as we do. Except, this would be more accurate if the question was whether or not dogs can eat peas. Peanuts are a member of the legume family, making them a type of pea. Peanuts are quite safe for dogs to eat, but be mindful that some dogs will have an allergy to them. Also try to avoid feeding your dog salted peanuts, but this is because the salt can be harmful and not the peanuts themselves.
2. Peanut Butter
If you have wondered if dogs can eat peanuts, it follows to ask if they can eat peanut butter. The good news is that the answer is yes. As the name suggests, peanut butter is made directly from peanuts and it is fine to give peanuts to dogs, meaning peanut butter is fine also.
The only things you should be mindful of is whether or not a lot of sodium (salt) has been added. Also look on the label to see if xylitol is present, which is a kind of artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Other than that, it is perfectly safe, while watching them deal with a mouthful of peanut butter can also be very amusing.
3. Pistachios
Pistachios are simply delicious and can be eaten just as they are, or they can be used as a recipe to make cakes and other desserts and savories. But is it okay to give pistachios to dogs? Not really, although they are okay in small doses only. Pistachios don’t contain any compounds that are toxic to dogs.
However, they are very fatty and have the potential to cause problems such as indigestion, obesity, and even pancreatitis. If you do want to give a few to your pooch then make sure that you remove the shells first because these can also cause digestive problems.
4. Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are not usually eaten as they are. Instead, they are more likely to be used as an ingredient in recipes for sweets and savories. Perhaps the most likely way you are going to encounter hazelnuts is in Nutella, a chocolaty treat that dogs also just love to eat.
It is okay to give hazelnuts to dogs, but be mindful that they might cause your dog to choke if you are not careful. You can also give some Nutella to your dog despite it being a chocolate-based food. This is because not a lot of cocoa is used to make the product, but you should still be careful to not give them too much.
5. Cashews
Cashews are also great as an ingredient in a wide variety of recipes and also as a snack. As with just about every other type of food, you can also expect to find your dog looking at you hopefully, wishing that a few of these nuts will be coming their way.
You can give cashews to dogs, but make sure that they are roasted or cooked in some way. This is because they contain a compound that is toxic to dogs, but this compound is destroyed when they are cooked. Cashews also have a high fat content, meaning that you should not give your dog too many of them.
6. Almonds
The delicious taste of almonds makes then popular in a range of treats. Almond cake and almond cookies in particular are favorites for many including dogs. Your pooch will gladly gulp down any almond treats that come their way, but you should avoid giving any to them.
Almonds are not toxic to dogs but they can contribute to other health problems. They can cause an upset stomach because your pooch will struggle to break them down, and too many almonds can also lead to more severe digestion issues. Almonds are okay for dogs occasionally; make sure to give them just a few to be on the safe side.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts are a popular treat at Christmas time for the whole family and your dog will just love them as well. No matter how much your dog might beg for some walnuts, however, you really should try to avoid giving them any. Walnuts present the same health issues as other nuts for dogs, while they can also have a more severe effect.
Walnuts are a source of tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are compounds that are toxic to dogs and can cause them to go into seizures. While it is not certain that your four-legged friend will develop problems, it is definitely a good idea to play it on the safe side.
8. Pecans
Pecan pies are quite delicious and a real treat, while pecans are also used as an ingredient in some other foods. While it is okay to give your dog a little piece of pecan pie, you should definitely not overdo it because it can be a risk to their health. Pecans contain a toxin known as juglone.
This substance is toxic and can lead to a considerably upset stomach for your pet. In addition, pecans that are not completely fresh can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, and it can lead to seizures if they consume these. Pecans also present the other problems that come with foods of such a high fat value.
9. Hickory Nuts
It is not recommended to give hickory nuts to your dog. While they are not necessarily toxic, hickory nuts can really upset your dogs stomach. This will cause distress to your pooch, and it may also leave you with a rather unpleasant mess to clear up.
The shells of the nuts are slightly toxic because they contain juglone. Nuts that are not completely fresh may also contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that could lead to severe problems. Hickory nuts are also very hard and might cause dental issues. The hard shells might also lead to intestinal blockages and other potentially serious problems.
10. Macadamia Nuts
In most cases, feeding nuts to your dog is a matter of common sense, that is, just don’t overdo it. Even mildly toxic nuts are usually okay provided they are not fed to your dog in quantities too large. When it comes to macadamia nuts, however, you should avoid giving them to your pooch altogether.
Even a small volume of these nuts fed to your dog can cause neurological problems for them, including temporary paralysis. The amount it takes varies considerably from dog to dog, and we don’t yet understand why they are toxic to dogs at all. Play it safe and avoid giving any and you should also make sure they don’t eat any accidentally.
