Can dogs eat walnuts? Maybe the thought of sharing one with your pooch crossed your mind while cracking open a few walnuts to snack on yourself. If humans can eat walnuts, can dogs safely eat them too?
The short answer is no, dogs can’t eat walnuts safely. While they’re not technically classified as being toxic for dogs, any moldy walnuts or black walnuts contain substances called tremorgenic mycotoxins which are toxic for dogs.
Additionally, the shells can act as a choking hazard, and the high fat nature of walnuts means that they are hard for dogs to comfortably digest.
If you dog managed to eat some walnuts, keep an eye out for symptoms, and call your veterinarian for advice. Here’s what you need to know about walnuts and dogs.
Why Are Walnuts Bad For Dogs?
While many walnuts are not necessarily toxic for dogs, black walnuts and moldy walnuts can be poisonous.
This is due to the presence of substances called tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can produce symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and a fever, along with prompting neurological problems and even causing seizures.
Additionally, the shells of walnuts could become a choking hazard for many dogs. Plus, any cracked pieces of walnut shells could also cause a gastrointestinal obstruction if a dog swallows them.
Finally, walnuts are a food that is very high in fat, which makes them tricky for dogs to safely and effectively digest.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Walnuts?
If you notice that your dog has been eating shelled walnuts, keep an eye on them for any immediate symptoms, and also try and figure out how many nuts they might have consumed. If it seems that the walnuts are upsetting your dog, consult with your veterinarian.
In general, if you notice that your dog has consumed either a walnut in its shell or parts of a cracked walnut’s shell, it’s safest to speak to your vet, and consider bringing your dog in for a health check. This is because walnut shells could cause an internal obstruction or perforation, and the symptoms of that might not be immediately visible.
Has your dog ever gotten ill after eating walnuts? Which safer snacks do you share with your dog? Let us know in the comments below!
