Alice White
For us, humans, nuts, and their relatives are among the most popular and healthiest nibbles. But can dogs eat nuts? You can find all the important information about nutritional values, tolerability, and consumption recommendations for peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, and other nuts here.
Nuts for Dogs in Brief
Nuts are healthy, but a very high-calorie snack for humans and dogs. But be careful: some varieties can cause allergies or are even poisonous for the pet’s organism. Basically, the consumption of nuts for the dog is only recommended in moderation.
Are Nuts Healthy for Dogs?
Are dogs allowed to eat nuts or are the high-calorie snacks even harmful? That depends entirely on the nut. Basically, nuts contain high-quality, unsaturated fats, numerous minerals, and vitamins that are very healthy for dogs.
However, nuts for dogs can also be dangerous. Allergic reactions, intolerances, and even poisoning can occur.
In addition, the dog’s body uses certain ingredients of the nut only to a limited extent. Most nuts contain a lot of phosphorus, which is very good for teeth and bones. However, an excess increases the risk of kidney disease in the animals. Also because of the high-fat content, consumption for humans and dogs is only recommended in moderation.
Cashew Nuts for Dogs: Suitable in Moderation
Occasionally, your dog will be happy about cashew nuts. Dietary fiber and valuable omega-3 fatty acids make the pseudo nut extremely nutritious. However, they also contain a lot of fat and phosphorus, so that consumption is only recommended in moderation. The cashew kernel is actually the seed of a cashew tree.
Chestnuts for Dogs: Healthy and Low in Fat
Chestnuts or chestnuts are a real treat for your dog’s organism. Compared to other nuts, chestnuts have a far lower fat content and are also gluten-free. But they have plenty of minerals and trace elements. Even dogs that are sensitive to food can tolerate this winter treat very well.
Pecan for Dogs: Wholesome Nuts
The pecan, which belongs to the stone kernels, is a North American relative of the walnut. The nuts for dogs contain a lot of zinc, lots of B vitamins and are very easy to digest.
Brazil Nut for Dogs: Not Suitable for All Dogs
The Brazil nut is a hard-shelled seed of the capsule fruit. The trace element selenium and the mineral phosphorus are contained in high proportions. Dogs with kidney disease ideally only enjoy nuts to a very limited extent.
Pistachios for Dogs: Feed Fresh Only
When stored properly, pistachios do not contain any toxins. If they come into contact with moisture or if they are stored for too long, a dangerous mold can develop. Fresh pistachios are great for the dog’s stomach and are suitable as nuts for dogs.
Hazelnuts for Dogs: High in Fat
The hazelnut is generally well tolerated by dogs. However, like humans, many dogs are allergic to them. With a fat content of 60 percent, the hazelnut is also one of the most high-calorie varieties and should therefore only rarely be fed to the fur nose.
Peanuts for Dogs: Be Careful with Allergies
Can dogs eat peanuts? The protein content of 25 percent makes the peanut one of the frontrunners among its conspecifics. Unfortunately, it is also a common allergy trigger. Dogs with heart or kidney problems should avoid peanuts entirely. The peanut is also suspected of causing epileptic seizures in dogs.
Walnuts for Dogs: Unripe Nuts are Poisonous
Ripe walnuts can be eaten by dogs without hesitation. Immature specimens that are still in the green fruit shell, however, are often attacked by a fungus. The contained poison Roquefortin C causes discomfort in dogs. Overweight dogs should generally avoid walnuts.
Almonds for Dogs: Bitter Almonds are Taboo
Among the delicious, sweet almonds in the nut mix, you will always find bitter almonds. Small amounts of these are harmless to humans but can lead to digestive problems in dogs. Due to the amygdalin content, hydrogen cyanide is released in the dog’s intestines. Nuts for dogs should therefore contain at most sweet almonds, but not bitter almonds.
Macadamia Nut is Poisonous for Dogs, Even in Small Quantities
The Australian macadamia nut is one of the most dangerous foods for dogs. Cyanogenic glycosides are responsible for this: plant toxins that are harmless to humans. Around four nuts are enough to poison a medium-sized dog weighing 15 kilograms. Symptoms include muscle twitching, joint pain, weakness, vomiting, and fever. Even symptoms of paralysis are possible. Symptoms appear about twelve hours after consumption.
Nutmeg is Unsuitable for Dogs
Nutmegs are not eaten pure but used as a spice. Even small amounts of the nuts are poisonous for dogs and therefore have no place in the dog bowl.
Black Walnut for Dogs: Toxic Fungal Attack
Black nuts are often infected by a toxic fungus that can cause digestive problems and symptoms of intoxication in dogs. These nuts for dogs are therefore absolutely taboo.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Nuts, Almonds, Peanuts, Peanut Butter, Cashews, Pistachios, etc?
Our recommendation: Nuts for dogs only in moderation.
Nuts are healthy and delicious – also for your four-legged friend. If you keep a few points in mind, it’s safe to share your trail mix with Bello:
- Never feed them macadamia nuts, unripe or fresh walnuts, bitter almonds or poorly stored pistachios.
- Hazelnuts and peanuts are well-tolerated but can cause allergies. Initially feed only a single nut under supervision to test for tolerance.
- Nuts and nut-like fruits have a high-calorie density. Phosphorus is also present in large quantities, which puts a strain on the kidneys. For the health of the animal, moderate consumption is, therefore, the be-all and end-all.
