When it comes to feeding your dog, thereโs a lot you need to know. Like humans, there are some things dogs just canโt eat. However, the lack of easily available information can make things really confusing. You just canโt seem to figure out if somethingโs safe for your dog or not.Speaking of safe and unsafe foods for dogs, a common dilemma that most dog owners have is whether they can let their dogs eat nuts and seeds. Well, thatโs exactly what this article is going to help you with. Letโs begin by understanding what nuts can do to your dog.
Dogs and NutsYouโre probably confused about whether you can feed nuts to your dog. Well, the simple answer would be โyes, you canโ. However, dogs cannot eat every kind of nut under the sun. There are some that are fine, while others that are a complete no-no.Some of the nuts that dogs can eat include:
- Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts arenโt toxic for dogs. They are pretty safe. However, it would be wise to break them into smaller pieces before feeding them to your dog, especially if you have a smaller breed.
- Peanuts: Peanuts are also safe for your dog and dogs havenโt been known to suffer from peanut allergies like humans. However, do make sure these are unshelled.
- Cashews: Cashews can be fed to your dog occasionally. Also, the cashews need to be roasted or fried, as raw cashews contain a certain toxin that can be bad for your dog.
As for nuts that your dog shouldnโt have, the list includes walnuts, macadamia nuts, and almonds etc. Almonds can cause digestive issues, while macadamia nuts can be too fatty. In fact, macadamia nuts also have a mysterious toxic principle that leads to neurological problems in dogs. Walnuts are unsafe because they contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that are responsible for seizures. Other nuts dogs should avoid include pistachios, pecans, and hickory nuts etc.
Dogs and SeedsThe same principle goes for seeds as well; your dog can have some, but, not all. For instance, you are most welcome to feed sunflower seeds to your dog. However, it is advisable to remove the shell first. Medical experts also state that most fruit seeds are safe for dogs. So, your dog is okay to have cantaloupe seeds, honeydew seeds, or watermelon seeds.On the other hand, fruit pits, which arenโt the same as fruit seeds, can be dangerous for your dog. Examples of fruit pits would include apricot pits, plum pits, peach pits, and cherry pits.
Nutritional Value of Nuts and SeedsNuts and seeds do offer some kind of nutritional value for your dog. Mainly, they provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids. To know more about the benefits of nuts and seeds for your dog, please talk to your veterinarian.