Nuts and seeds provide a range of health benefits for humans, but are they also good for our dogs? The answer may surprise you! In this article, we’ll talk about why your dog shouldn’t eat nuts and seeds, some that are okay to feed, and more.
Can Dogs Eat Nuts and Seeds?
Dogs can eat some nuts and seeds in moderation, but it’s generally best to avoid them, especially nuts and large seeds. The risks tend to outweigh the benefits.
Some nuts and seeds are toxic to dogs, including macadamia nuts, horse chestnuts, and many fruit pits. Large nuts and seeds can be very difficult to digest. Your dog may choke on them, or they may cause an intestinal blockage.
Lastly, moldy nuts are toxic to dogs. So, anything found outside, especially in wet weather conditions, may pose a risk even if the nut itself isn’t toxic. This is why dogs shouldn’t eat pecans or walnuts, for instance. It can also be easy to confuse other walnut varieties with black walnuts, which are very toxic.
What About Nut Butters?
Peanut butter and other nut butters can be safe to feed your dog so long as they don’t contain toxic ingredients, such as xylitol (a common sugar replacement) or chocolate. However, keep in mind that nut butters are high in fat and sugars. Too much can cause obesity, diabetes, or pancreatitis.
As with everything, nut butters should be fed only in moderation. They aren’t really healthy for dogs, but they make a good occasional treat, especially if you need to give your dog a pill. (The stickiness can help hide the pill and make it harder for your dog to spit out!)
Potential Risks of Feeding Nuts and Seeds to Your Dog
Before feeding nuts and seeds to your dog, consider the following potential risks:
Poisoning
Some nuts and seeds are toxic to dogs. In particular, macadamia nuts, horse chestnuts (also known as conkers), and black walnuts are incredibly toxic. Mold on nuts can also poison your dog, even if the nut itself isn’t toxic.
Fruit pits and seeds can also be toxic, including those of apples, pears, and various other fruits. They often contain small amounts of cyanide, meaning a dog would have to eat a large amount to experience poisoning symptoms. If your dog has consumed a toxic nut or seed, don’t wait for symptoms to present. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away.
Choking
Your dog may choke on large nuts and seeds, as they can be difficult or even impossible to chew. Unfortunately, they’re also the perfect shape for getting stuck in your dog’s throat. This may especially be a risk for larger dogs, as smaller dogs can’t fit them in their mouths as easily.
If your dog chokes on a nut or seed, bring them to the veterinarian immediately. You may need to visit an emergency clinic if your primary vet’s office is closed or they don’t take emergency cases.
Intestinal Blockage
Even if your dog safely swallows a large nut or seed, they may have difficulty digesting it. If it gets stuck in their digestive system, it may cause a blockage that prevents your dog from continuing to eat and process stool.
This is more likely to happen to puppies, who have narrower digestive tracts, but it can happen to a dog of any age. Intestinal blockages are an emergency, as they can shut down your dog’s digestive system. They can also be quite painful. If you think your dog ate something that’s obstructing their intestines, please see a vet right away.
Seasonings and Added Ingredients
If the nuts or seeds are seasoned or part of a baked dish, they may contain toxic ingredients like garlic or onion powder. In addition, they may contain high amounts of salt or sugar, making them unhealthy for your dog to eat.
If your dog has consumed something toxic, don’t wait for them to show symptoms. Their prognosis is much better if they’re treated quickly–in some cases, it can be the difference between life and death.
Call a pet poison hotline or your nearest veterinary clinic for help immediately. Let them know your dog’s weight, what they ate, and in what amounts. They can give you further instructions based on the specific toxin and quantity, and let you know the potential severity of the poisoning.
Pancreatitis
Nuts tend to be high in fat. Large amounts of them can cause pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Symptoms include excessive thirst, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. A dog with pancreatitis may bow its head toward the floor and lift its hind end.
Pancreatitis is incredibly painful and can be deadly. If you think your dog has pancreatitis, they should see a vet immediately, even if it means visiting an emergency clinic.
Dog-Safe Nuts and Seeds
The following are some nuts and seeds that are safe for your dog to eat in small amounts. Remember that too many can cause health problems, as nuts and seeds tend to be high in fat.
1. Peanuts
Dogs can safely eat peanuts and peanut butter in small amounts so long as they’re plain and unseasoned. Check the ingredients on your peanut butter to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol, a sweetener commonly used as a sugar substitute.
2. Cashews
Like peanuts, cashews, and cashew butters are safe for dogs to eat. Make sure the nuts aren’t seasoned or salted. Sugar-free cashew butter may be unsafe as it could contain xylitol as a sweetener.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Plain pumpkin seeds can be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. Remove the shells first, as they can be difficult for dogs to digest.
4. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are also safe so long as the shells are removed and the seeds are plain. If you’ve bought them from the store, make sure they don’t contain salt or seasonings.
5. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are healthy for dogs in small amounts. Like the other seeds on our list, they should only be fed without salt or added seasonings.
