Can Dogs Eat Walnuts? Absolutely Not

For humans, walnuts are a healthy snack packed with nutrients. However, walnuts are not safe for our canine companions, for a variety of reasons. Due to their high fat content and the potential for walnut toxicity, you should always keep walnuts safe from your sneaky snacker.

In this guide, we cover the risks of feeding walnuts to dogs, the symptoms to look out for, and what to do if your dog accidentally eats some walnuts while you aren’t looking.

Walnuts and dogs don’t mix

Dogs can safely eat some nuts, including cashews, pine nuts, chestnuts, and peanuts (we know peanuts aren’t technically nuts, but we’re counting them). Unsafe nuts for dogs include almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts, especially black walnuts. Black walnuts, also known as the Eastern American black walnut, are nuts native to the United States that are very toxic to our dogs.

And while the walnuts you buy at the store might not be toxic, they carry some risks of their own. Walnuts are high in fat, which can lead to obesity and pancreatitis in dogs if consumed in large amounts. Walnuts also pose a choking hazard or risk of ‌intestinal blockage, particularly in smaller dogs.

In addition to walnuts, be careful of nut mixes and trail mixes that might contain hidden and potentially toxic nuts.

Can puppies eat walnuts?

No, puppies should not eat walnuts. Walnuts pose several health risks, especially for young dogs with developing digestive and immune systems. Stick to sharing puppy-safe treats instead. If your puppy accidentally consumes walnuts, watch them closely for signs of a bad reaction and contact your vet for guidance.

Walnut toxicity in dogs

Certain types of walnuts, like black walnuts, contain juglone, a naturally occurring compound that’s toxic to dogs. 

If your dog has ingested walnuts that may contain this toxic substance, take the following steps to keep them safe:

Check for mold: Moldy walnuts are particularly dangerous due to mycotoxins, which can cause serious health issues. If the walnuts look moldy, treat the situation as urgent.

Monitor for symptoms: Watch your dog closely for signs of distress, including:

• Tremors: Uncontrolled shaking or twitching, often noticeable in the legs or body.
• Muscle weakness: Difficulty standing or walking, lethargy, or stumbling.
• Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled movements or convulsions that may come and go.
• Digestive upset: Including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Excessive drooling: Increased saliva production due to nausea or distress.
• Rapid heart rate: An unusually fast heartbeat, panting, or restlessness.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or call your vet immediately.

In the meantime, encourage your dog to drink water to help flush out any toxins. In the future, store walnuts in dog-proof containers or keep them out of reach to avoid accidental ingestion in the future. While taking your dog for walks in the fall, be mindful of any nuts they try to eat off the ground.

Additional risks of dogs eating walnuts

Not all walnuts are toxic to dogs, but because of the overall risk profile, we don’t recommend sharing them with your dog. Feeding your dog walnuts can lead to several health issues, including: 

Obesity: High-fat nuts like walnuts are high in calories and fat, which can lead to weight gain if eaten too regularly. This extra weight can strain a dog’s joints and affect their heart health.

Pancreatitis: The fat content in walnuts can be hard for a dog’s digestive system to handle, sometimes causing their pancreas to become inflamed. Pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and sluggishness.

Mycotoxin poisoning: Moldy nuts can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which are harmful neurotoxins for dogs. Eating moldy walnuts can cause seizures, tremors, liver damage, and potentially liver failure.

Digestive issues: Walnuts aren’t easy for dogs to digest, which can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. This can be especially problematic for dogs with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing digestive issues.

Choking hazard: The size and shape of walnuts make them a potential choking hazard for dogs, especially for smaller breeds. They can also lead to blockages in the digestive tract, which may need surgical removal.

Safe nuts for dogs

While walnuts aren’t safe for dogs, you can give your dog other types of nuts in moderation. These include:

• Almonds
• Brazil nuts
• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Pine nuts

Bottom line: Walnuts and dogs

While sharing your snacks with your four-legged friend might be tempting, it’s important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Walnuts, in particular, can pose significant health risks. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative protein sources and tasty treats that dogs love. You can safely feed your dog peanut butter, plain chicken, salmon, turkey, eggs, and some types of cheese.

As always, when introducing new foods to your dog’s diet, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian. As hard as you try to keep pesky walnuts away from your dog, accidents can still happen. To give you peace of mind when unexpected accidents or illnesses strike, consider investing in pet insurance. Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans can help protect both your pup and your wallet.

FAQs

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