As a dog owner, there are several concerns you have about your dog’s health and needless to say, a lot of it has to do with what your dog is allowed to eat. You obviously cannot depend on your dog to make the right decisions because dogs love to eat anything they consider as food. Now, one of the more specific food items that bother pet owners is “nuts”. The standard question is “Can my dog eat nuts”?Well, the answer to that is “Yes! Your dog can eat certain types of nuts”. Now the keyword here is “certain”, which simply means there are nuts out there that your dog shouldn’t be getting anywhere near. Some varieties of nuts can be extremely harmful and toxic to a dog’s body. They can cause anything from a simple stomach upset to toxicity or poisoning. You might have to rush your dog into surgery to save his/her life. So, to make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a basic guide on what nuts your dog can eat and what he/she cannot.
Unsafe Nuts- Almonds: Almonds are not toxic, but, they are hard to digest for dogs. As a result, they can cause gastrointestinal problems for your dog.
- Macadamia Nuts: These nuts are known for their high fat content, which can lead to stomach problems and even pancreatitis. They also contain a toxin that could cause neurological problems.
- Walnuts: Walnuts contain a toxin called “tremorgenic mycotoxin” which causes seizures and liver failure. In fact, walnut poisoning is one of the most common claims from dog owners.
- Pecans: Pecans contain a toxin called juglone which leads to a condition called laminitis in horse. However, fortunately, in dogs, they only cause an upset stomach or at worst, an obstruction. On the whole, not a great option for dogs.
- Pistachios: Pistachios are high in fat content, which can lead to an upset stomach or pancreatitis. • Hickory Nuts: Hickory nuts also contain juglone, which can lead to the same problems associated with pecans.
- Peanuts: Peanuts, as long as they are unsalted and served without the shell, are safe for dogs. No peanut allergies have been reported for dogs so far. So, a small quantity of peanuts is fine every now and then.
- Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are safe for dogs, but, if you have a smaller breed, make sure you crush the nuts before serving them.
- Cashew Nuts: In small quantities, cashew nuts are absolutely fine for your dog. However, too much can cause stomach problems. Cashews do contain a toxin, but, it can be eliminated via heating. So, yeah, stick to roasted cashews.
For more details, talk to your veterinarian.