Can Nuts Be Toxic to Dogs?

Nuts are generally very healthy for humans as they contain healthy fats and proteins. Some varieties of nuts are toxic to dogs and others are not tolerated well. Nuts are not necessary for a healthy diet. What is most important is that the dog food contains a high quality meat.

There are nuts that can be eaten in moderation by dogs that are safe and do not harm them. Even compatible nuts should not be included in your dog’s daily diet, because they are high in calories and promote obesity.

Nuts do not contribute to healthy dog food

If you want to be safe, avoid giving nuts to your dog. Nuts like Brazil nuts, almonds, hazelnuts and coconuts are rich in vitamins, which are good for dogs. However, he will tolerate these nutrients better if you give him other foods. Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin E. Meat is high in B vitamins. And offal is a good source of biotin and folic acid.

Macadamias and walnuts are toxic for dogs

The macadamia nut is toxic for dogs due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. It depends on the size of your dog, but even four nuts can cause liver damage, stiffness and other symptoms. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if he accidentally eats some macadamias.

It is best to avoid ripe walnuts that aren’t in their shells. They may not be toxic, but it’s better to take precautions. The fungus Penicillium crustosum, which can be found on fresh and unripe walnuts, as well as the shell, is capable of spreading. It is invisible from the outside, and produces a poison known as RoquefortinC, which is similar to strychnine. The dog will show symptoms similar to epilepsy such as tremors, convulsions, twitches and vomiting. The poisoning can be fatal.

Often incompatible for dogs: peanuts

Peanuts are legumes, not nuts. Peanuts are generally non-toxic for healthy dogs who do not have allergies. Peanut allergies are common in both humans and dogs. Peanuts are not recommended for dogs with heart or kidney problems. To be safe, you should avoid giving your dog any peanuts.