Nut dangers to dogs with Healthier Pets Today! Nuts can drive dogs insane. Should they, however, eat them? Some nuts are safe for dogs, while others can upset their digestive system. Before you stuff your dog’s Kong toy with nutty butter or serve doggie trail mix to your four-legged friend, learn which crunchy goodness is safe for them to consume and which nuts to avoid.
Humans enjoy eating nuts as a snack. Nuts are high in protein and fats, essential components of our diets. This is not the case with dogs. Most nuts are harmful to dogs, and some are even toxic.
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Why Are Nuts Harmful to Dogs?
Although not all nuts are toxic to dogs, almost all are high in fat. Obesity and pancreatic problems in dogs can result from this. Feeding nuts that have been salted to your dog can cause water retention and other complications, and some nuts, such as almonds, are potential choking hazards. Furthermore, certain nuts, such as macadamia, are incredibly toxic to dogs.
No Nut dangers to dogs
Most of us humans enjoy nuts, and dogs constantly beg for them. It’s worth determining whether sharing these treats with your fluffy friend is safe. Although nuts have numerous health benefits when introduced into a human diet, the long-term impact of eating nuts on canine health is still unknown. The popular belief is that dogs’ nuts are too high in calories and fat and should not be a consistent part of their diet.
However, most animal experts agree that occasionally giving your dog a few nuts will not harm them.
Peanuts
Although dogs may eat peanuts, they must be unsalted, coated, candied, or caramelized. Dogs cannot eat peanuts in their shells, but a few raw peanuts make a nutritious treat.
Peanuts are high in protein, which is an essential nutrient for dogs. But that isn’t all. Peanuts also contain arginine, an amino acid that aids in producing nitric oxide, which is excellent for blood circulation. Peanuts may help lower your dog’s risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
While there are numerous advantages to feeding your dog peanuts, you must keep in mind that they are high in fat. Therefore, keep peanut treats to a minimum. Peanuts can also cause allergies in some dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Although peanut butter is not a nut (nor are peanuts), it is everyone’s favorite nut-based yumminess and deserves to be mentioned. Peanut butter is mostly safe for dogs if it is free of artificial preservatives, sodium, and sugar.
Before you give your dog a spoonful of creamy (or chunky!) delectability, check the label for any ingredients that may be harmful to dogs (for example, Xylitol). And when we say spoonful, we mean it — just a lick here and there, not a peanut butter buffet! If you use peanut butter to ensure your dog swallows a pill, ensure the calories of all combined treats do not exceed 10% of the dog’s total daily calorie intake.
Chestnuts
Nut dangers to dogs… Roasted chestnuts are welcome to Thanksgiving feasts and will not harm your dog. Chestnut’s fiber content can help your dog avoid constipation. Chestnuts are high in vitamin C, vitamins B1 and B2, potassium, iron, and copper.
However, like all nuts, these round, delicious snacks are high in fat and carbs and may be hard on your dog’s stomach if consumed in excess. Chestnuts should only be given to dogs in small amounts, even as a puree. Also, if you buy them at the store, ensure they are unseasoned, not salted or seasoned.
Nuts to Avoid
All nuts, in general, can harm dogs if consumed excessively. Some of the nuts on the list can be eaten by dogs, although they generally cause more trouble than they are worth. Others, even when given as treats, can be poisonous to dogs and may cause various health problems. Therefore, with any other human food you may think about giving your dog, it’s best to stay on the side of caution and avoid these nuts entirely.
1. Almonds
Dogs can eat almond nuts because they are not toxic, but canines have difficulty digesting almonds. Even unsalted almonds can cause stomach upset or gastric intestinal distress if your dog is more sensitive. It would be best never to give your dog salted, seasoned, sugar-coated, or chocolate-covered almonds. They’re also a choking hazard. Almonds are small but have a hard shell that dogs find difficult to chew and swallow. This can cause a blockage in their throats or digestive systems, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
2. Hazelnuts
First, let me state unequivocally that dogs can, in theory, consume hazelnuts. They are not toxic to dogs, so a couple of unsalted, uncoated hazelnuts will not cause any problems.
Hazelnuts, like almonds, are just the right size to be a choking hazard or cause intestinal obstruction. Smaller dogs can choke on hazelnuts, and larger dogs tend to eat them without chewing, resulting in hazelnuts lodged in their intestines and causing severe problems.
3. Cashews
One or two unsalted cashews will not harm healthy dogs. Cashews must be roasted or baked because raw cashews can contain a dangerous toxin similar to poison ivy. However, while cashews are safe for dogs to eat (in the proper form), they have a high level of potassium and may cause health problems in dogs prone to urinary problems.
Cashews are generally high in protein, they are also high in fat and calories. Furthermore, cashews are large nuts that can cause choking, even in large breeds. This is particularly true for small breeds. There is also the possibility of intestinal blockage.
4. Walnuts
Pets should not be fed walnuts. In addition to the high risk of intestinal obstruction and stomach irritation, walnut can be toxic to dogs due to the increased possibility of mold contamination. Moldy walnuts (of any variety) can contain fungi that produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause seizures and other dangerous neurological complications in your dog.
Dogs are especially vulnerable to black walnuts. The toxic principle is not well known but may be related to juglone, a compound found in all tree parts. The toxin can cause weakness, paralysis, and death. You should immediately contact your veterinarian if your dog has eaten black walnuts.
5. Pistachios
Although these green nuts are popular among humans, they can harm dogs. They can transport Aspergillus mold, which produces aflatoxin and can damage your dog’s liver. Apart from the risky fungi lurking around, pistachios are a choking hazard and can block your dog’s intestine if not shelled.
Pistachios’ high-fat content may also contribute to pancreatitis. If your dog does eat pistachios, keep an eye out for signs of gastrointestinal distress. Pistachios are also high in calories, leading to weight gain in dogs.
6. Pecans
A slice of pecan pie may be precisely what you need on a rainy day, but your dog should avoid these tasty nuts! Moldy pecans, such as pistachios, may contain aflatoxin, a substance produced by the Aspergillus fungi. The fungi can cause liver damage in dogs. Pecans contain omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause painful inflammation in dogs.
7. Macadamia Nuts
The ASPCA National Animal Poison Center states that macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Scientists have yet to determine what substance in these nuts, like raisins, causes toxicity in canines, but the consequences can be severe. Consumption of macadamia nuts in dogs has been linked to diarrhea, leg weakness, shivering, vomiting, and fever. Your dog may exhibit all or just a few of the macadamia poisoning symptoms.
The number of macadamia nuts consumed by dogs has been estimated in most studies, with an average of 11.7 g/kg BW. Even one macadamia nut could be fatal to your dog. If you suspect your dog got their paws on these nuts or if you notice any of the symptoms listed above, contact a veterinarian right away.
8. Pine Nuts
Although pine nuts are not on a list of nuts toxic to dogs, letting your pet eat them is not a good idea. Pine nuts, high in fat and phosphorus, can irritate your dog’s stomach even in small amounts. Your dogs consume numerous pine nuts regularly and may have pancreatitis or urinary tract problems.
9. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are not known to be toxic to dogs but are also not recommended. Brazil nuts, which have been dubbed as one of the fattiest nuts, may upset your dog’s stomach and cause various digestive issues. Eating brazil nuts may cause pancreatitis in dogs. Therefore, it’s best to avoid giving these nuts to your dog.
In a Nutshell
Nut dangers to dogs… Overall, nuts are not a top choice for your four-legged best friend. Although not all nuts harm dogs, excessive consumption can lead to canine obesity and severe health problems such as pancreatitis. Spelling your dog with special dog treats that contain fewer calories and fats than nuts is preferable.
Nut dangers to dogs… Nuts are high in fat and generally high in sodium and phosphorus. Therefore, they should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet. Nuts can have pepper, cocoa, sugar, chocolate, onion, garlic coatings, or simply too much salt. Salt is notorious in dogs with heart or kidney disease for worsening or relapsing existing health issues, developing urinary stones, and high blood pressure.
There is also a high risk of fungal contamination, which could endanger your dog’s health. So, if your dogs loot a nut or two from your stash, keep a close eye on them. Contact a veterinarian immediately if the nuts your dog consumed are on the list of nuts your dog should avoid.
