Can dogs eat nuts?

Nuts are an important part of a human diet, packed as they are full of protein and healthy fats. So it may be tempting to pass your dog a couple. But – before you do – can dogs eat nuts?

The answer depends on the type of nut, as some are highly toxic to dogs, but others can be fed occasionally. Here we look at which is which.

If you’re nuts about your furry friend, make sure they have peace-of-mind dog insurance.

Important: Macadamias are toxic 

No one knows why macadamias are dangerous to dogs. But the truth is: only the tiniest amount can be fatal. Do not feed them macadamias or any food product that may even contain traces of macadamia.

If your dog eats some by accident, take them straight to your vet. With immediate treatment, they’re likely to make a full recovery.

Don’t know where your closest vet is? Find a vet near you here.

What about other types of nuts? 

All other types of nuts are safe for dogs in minimal quantities. These include:

• Hazelnuts
• Almonds
• Brazil nuts
• Cashew nuts
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Pistachios

But since all nuts are naturally high in fat, they can cause your dog to put on weight. In turn, this can cause them to become obese. It can also contribute to pancreatitis.

On top of naturally occurring fat, be aware that many nuts are cooked in oil and salt – both of which shouldn’t be fed to dogs.

Nuts are hard and small, so they can also be a choking hazard, particularly for small dogs and puppies. Since dogs don’t have the correct teeth to grind them up, it could cause your dog to choke if they swallow them whole.

What about peanuts?

Strictly speaking, peanuts are legumes! This means they’re safe for dogs to eat, although this should only be in tiny quantities. Generally, dogs don’t get peanut allergies, but there have been a few cases of dogs having an upset stomach after eating them.

Very occasionally, dogs have shown neurological issues after eating a large number of peanuts. But this may be due to the salt the peanuts were covered in, rather than the peanuts themselves.

Beware of peanut butter

Watch out for peanut butter! Unless it’s specifically made for dogs, it often contains a lot of oil, salt and additives, which can prove toxic.

One thing to be particularly aware of is xylitol. This is a sweetener that’s often added to peanut butter. And while it’s safe for humans, it’s highly toxic to dogs. 

In conclusion, it’s best if dogs avoid nuts!

So, overall, nuts and nut products are not a good choice for your dog – given the risks of feeding them the wrong variety, the wrong amount, or nuts cooked in oil or salt.

To make things simple, don’t feed any nuts to your dog, so there’s no chance of any problem.

What other foods can my dog eat?

It’s always wise to know what foods your dog can eat, and also what they can’t, so you can avoid feeding them the wrong thing. Here are some commonly asked questions about what it’s OK feed your dog:

• Can dogs eat apples?
• Can dogs eat broccoli?
• Can dogs eat carrots?
• Can dogs eat cheese?
• Can dogs eat chocolate? (Plot spoiler: absolutely not!)
• Can dogs eat cucumber?
• Can dogs eat grapes? (Again, no)
• Can dogs eat nuts?
• Can dogs eat oranges?
• Can dogs eat sweetcorn?
• Can dogs eat tomatoes?
• What vegetables can dogs eat?

For more useful information about your dog’s health, check out:

• How to choose the right dog food
• Diet and nutrition guides for dogs

• List of substances which are toxic to dogs