Are dogs allowed to eat nuts?
The answer to this question is: it depends. First, there are also among our four-legged friends dogs that are →allergic to nuts. For this reason, you should not just give your dog a handful of nuts, but start with a single nut and see how your dog tolerates it.
If you don't notice any allergy symptoms, it also depends on the type of nut. There are nuts that you can safely feed your dog. However, some nuts are inedible for our furry friends and can even lead to →poisoning.
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Which nuts are allowed for dogs?
Nuts are rich in valuable fats and vitamins, which you don't have to withhold from your dog. The following types can be fed to your dog without worry:
Peanuts: They are rich in minerals such as iron, phosphorus, potassium, →calcium as well as the trace elements zinc, fluoride, copper, and manganese. However, peanuts also contain a lot of histamine, which can promote allergies in some dogs.
Hazelnuts: They provide your dog with a relatively high amount of protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamins. Due to their high fat content, however, they are also very high in calories and, just like peanuts, can promote allergies.
Almonds: This type of nut is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and folic acid. Generally, it does not trigger allergies and can be fed without concern. Note! Bitter almonds are, however, toxic for your dog and should never be given.
Chestnuts and sweet chestnuts: Contrary to expectations, sweet chestnuts are also a tasty change and not toxic for your dog. They contain a lot of vitamin B (thiamine), which among other things contributes to coat health. Just like all other nuts, you should always offer chestnuts without the shell. Also note that regular chestnuts that you find on the street are not edible for dogs and should not be fed!
Brazil nuts: They are rich in calcium, which benefits the bone and →dental health of your furry friend. Just like hazelnuts, however, they are very fatty and therefore high in calories.
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These nuts are toxic for dogs
...or should be enjoyed with caution. Bitter almonds and regular chestnuts as already mentioned, are inedible for your dog and can lead to signs of poisoning. In addition, your dog should stay away from the following types of nuts:
Macadamia and nutmeg: Both types of nuts are toxic for your dog! Even the consumption of small amounts can cause →vomiting, →fever and →diarrhea lead to. Depending on the amount consumed, the nervous system can be affected as well.
Walnuts: In principle, walnuts are edible and harmless for your dog. However, it is quite common for this type of nut to be infested by mold. The mold contains the toxin Roquefortin C which can trigger allergic reactions in both dogs and humans and also have a neurotoxic effect. Muscle cramps are then a possible consequence. If you want to feed walnuts, you should make sure the nuts are free of mold and ripe.
Pistachios: This type of nut also is unfortunately prone to mold, especially if stored for a long time. Often, the toxic mold cannot be seen with the naked eye and poses a certain risk for both dogs and humans. So here, too, make sure to choose healthy and ripe nuts, as then pistachios are a harmless, vitamin- and protein-rich snack.
What you should consider when feeding nuts
As is the case for a →healthy and species-appropriate diet for a dog, you should only give natural, unprocessed nuts. Roasted, salted, or otherwise seasoned nuts are a no-go! Also, you should always remove the shell of the nuts beforehandremove.
Nuts are also very fatty and high in calories. For this reason, only a small amount should be fed. It is also recommended to give nuts chopped or ground. Large nut pieces are difficult for the stomach to digest and in most cases are excreted whole.
