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Dogs can have almonds and walnuts, but only in very small amounts and with strict precautions.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can share these nuts with your furry friend, the answer is a cautious yes, but with plenty of caveats.
Both almonds and walnuts come with risks that make them far from ideal treats for your pup.
So while your dogs can have almonds and walnuts in theory, you need to know exactly how to serve them safely.
In this post, we will take a closer look at whether dogs can have almonds and walnuts, the risks involved, and how to feed them safely if you choose to do so.
Let’s explore this topic so you can decide what’s best for your canine companion.
Can Dogs Have Almonds And Walnuts? Here’s What You Need To Know
Dogs can have almonds and walnuts, but the answer isn’t as simple as a straightforward yes.
Here’s why these nuts require extra caution before sharing them with your dog.
1. Almonds Are Hard And Can Be A Choking Hazard
Almonds are tough, hard nuts that can easily become a choking hazard for dogs, especially smaller breeds.
Even if your dog manages to swallow an almond, it can be difficult to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset.
The hard texture can also lead to cracked teeth, which is a painful and expensive problem to fix.
2. Walnuts Are More Problematic Than Almonds
While dogs can have walnuts in theory, they’re actually riskier than almonds.
Walnuts can harbor mold called tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause tremors, seizures, and other neurological issues in dogs.
English walnuts are generally safer than black walnuts, but both carry some level of risk.
3. High Fat Content Is A Concern
Both almonds and walnuts are high in fats, which can be problematic for dogs.
Too much fat in a dog’s diet can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and painful condition that requires veterinary care.
If your dogs can have almonds and walnuts, it should only be one or two at most, and not on a regular basis.
Risks Of Feeding Dogs Almonds And Walnuts
Even though dogs can have almonds and walnuts, there are several risks you should be aware of before offering them.
Understanding these dangers helps you make an informed decision for your pet’s health.
1. Choking And Intestinal Blockages
Whole nuts pose a significant choking risk, especially for small dogs.
If swallowed whole, nuts can also cause intestinal blockages that may require surgery to remove.
Always chop nuts into tiny pieces if you decide to let your dogs have almonds or walnuts.
2. Toxic Mold On Walnuts
Walnuts that have been stored improperly can develop mold that produces tremorgenic mycotoxins.
These toxins affect the nervous system and can cause symptoms like vomiting, tremors, and seizures.
This is why many veterinarians recommend avoiding walnuts altogether when considering if dogs can have walnuts.
3. Added Ingredients And Seasonings
Many nuts sold in stores are roasted, salted, or coated with flavorings.
These added ingredients can be toxic to dogs, particularly salt and certain seasonings like garlic or onion powder.
If you want your dogs to have almonds or walnuts, only offer plain, unsalted, raw varieties.
How To Safely Give Dogs Almonds And Walnuts
If you’ve decided that your dogs can have almonds and walnuts, follow these guidelines to minimize risks.
Safety should always come first when sharing any human food with your pet.
1. Keep Portions Tiny
One or two small pieces of a chopped nut is more than enough for most dogs.
Treats should never make up more than ten percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
2. Chop Them Finely
Never give whole nuts to your dog.
Chop almonds and walnuts into tiny, bite-sized pieces to reduce choking and blockage risks.
3. Avoid Walnuts When Possible
Because of the mold risk, it’s often safer to skip walnuts entirely.
If you do want your dogs to have walnuts, inspect them carefully for any signs of mold or discoloration.
4. Watch For Reactions
After giving your dog any new food, monitor them for signs of distress.
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or tremors, and contact your vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.
So, Can Dogs Have Almonds And Walnuts?
Dogs can have almonds and walnuts, but only in very small amounts and with strict precautions.
Almonds pose choking and digestive risks, while walnuts carry the added danger of toxic mold.
If you choose to let your dogs have almonds and walnuts, keep portions tiny, chop them finely, and avoid walnuts when possible.
When in doubt, skip the nuts altogether and stick with dog-safe treats your veterinarian recommends.