If you are sitting around, munching on almonds and other nuts, your dog is likely sitting very close by, begging for some of those tasty treats. But, can dogs eat almonds? Many experts say that you shouldn’t give your dog nuts at all, which is strange since many dog treats are made with peanut butter as a main ingredient.
Actually, not all nuts are bad for dogs, and there are some that you can let your dog have as a treat. However, almonds are not one of those nuts. Similarly, dogs shouldn’t have almond butter either. Read on to learn more about why almonds are bad for your dog and should not be given as a treat.
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Almonds For Dogs
Almonds are not good for dogs. Whatever health benefits almonds offer humans, they are not safe for dogs. The biggest problem with almonds is that they are not easy for dogs to digest. Because of this, dogs that eat almonds can end up with gastrointestinal distress causing them to feel quite uncomfortable until the almonds pass through their systems.
Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid giving your dog any almonds, but of course, there is always a chance that your dogs eat some while you’re not looking. If you think your dog has eaten some almonds, watch to see if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
- Appetite loss
- Lethargy
More Reasons Not To Give Your Dog Almonds
There are several more reasons why you should not give your dog almonds. For one thing, they are extremely high in monounsaturated fats. This is great for humans, but it is something that dogs do not need, and it can lead to pancreatitis, which is extremely serious and requires vet treatment. Almonds may not be necessarily toxic to dogs, but they should be avoided.
Another problem that dogs face when eating almonds are obstructions. They don’t always chew almonds well, and the nuts can get stuck in their esophagus or windpipe, especially in smaller dogs. Almonds can also obstruct the intestines which may require surgery and/or be fatal.
Other Nuts That Are Bad For Dogs
Along with almonds, there are other nuts that you should avoid giving to your dog. These include:
- Walnuts — Walnuts contain tremorgenic mycotoxins which can lead to seizures
- Macadamia Nuts — Macadamia nuts are high in fat and can cause upset stomach and pancreatitis. They also contain a toxic that may lead to neurological problems
- Pecans — Pecans contain juglone, a toxin that can cause gastrointestinal distress. Pecans can also cause an obstruction
- Pistachios — Pistachios are high in fat and can lead to upset stomach and pancreatitis
- Hickory Nuts — Hickory nuts also contain juglone and can lead to gastrointestinal distress and obstructions
Nuts You Can Give Your Dogs
Even though many nuts are dangerous for dogs, there are some that you can safely give them as a treat in moderation. These include:
- Peanuts—Many dog treats contain peanut butter. Be sure that the peanuts are unsalted and not in the shells before giving them to your dog
- Cashews—A few unsalted, cooked or roasted cashews are okay once in a while. Too many can upset your dog’s stomach
- Hazelnuts—These are not toxic to dogs but they can cause choking or intestinal obstruction in smaller dogs
No, Dogs Can’t Have Almonds
While it is okay to give some nuts to your dog on occasion, you should not give your dog almonds. If you think that your dog has eaten almonds, you should watch for the symptoms discussed above in this article. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately to find out about the best course of treatment. Your dog will likely be fine, but it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of any of your family members, including the four-legged ones.