What Nuts are Safe for Dogs to Eat?

Dogs love for us to share our snacks with them, but their gastrointestinal system can’t process the high fat and calories in nuts. Too many nuts can cause pancreatitis, requiring a veterinarian’s care. Many nuts also contain salts, spices, and sweeteners that dogs can’t process like we can.

If you just can’t resist sharing, unsalted, cooked, or roasted nuts are the best option. Nutshells should never be shared with your dog, as these can be dangerous, from chocking to perforations.

So which nuts are safe for dogs?

• Peanuts
• Roasted Cashews
• Brazil Nuts (limit to 1)
• Pistachios
• Pine Nuts
• Roasted American Chestnut

Remember that every nut listed should be given in very small doses, and all pose a threat to be stuck in the esophagus, windpipe, or intestine.

Peanut Butter is a common ingredient in our dog’s snacks. One thing to keep in mind, is to check the ingredient list in the peanut butter you are considering giving to your dog. Xylitol is an artificial sweeter present in some peanut butter that is Extremely toxic for dogs.

Which nuts are toxic to dogs?

• Almonds
• Walnuts (neither Black or English)
• Pecans
• Hazel Nuts
• Macadamia Nuts
• Hickory Nuts
• Horse Chestnut

Nuts should be given in moderation, and only those that are not toxic to dogs. Some nut can even cause a dog to have symptoms within 10 minutes. If you want to share a snack with your pooch, try some fruits and vegetables like blueberries, bananas, broccoli, or pumpkin that offer nutritional benefits.