Can dogs eat almonds?

Updated 22/04/2024

Nut allergies aside, almonds are one seriously healthy snack for us humans. They're packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats and magnesium, plus they help to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar. So with all of these benefits and their convenience, we wouldn't blame pet parents for wondering - can dogs eat almonds? Well firstly, kudos to you, as not all nuts are safe for dogs and should be looked at for safety on a case by case basis. Unfortunately, we wouldn't advise sharing almonds with your furry friend. While a couple might not do them any harm if ingested, almonds do pose a serious choking hazard to dogs and other health issues. To find out more about why dogs shouldn't eat almonds, explore below. 

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Are almonds poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat almonds and develop any symptoms of toxicity, or are almonds safe for dogs in any way, shape or form? Well like with all new foods, there's a slim chance your pup could be allergic, but allergies aside, you don't need to panic if your pooch has somehow managed to ingest a couple of almonds (but more on what to do if your dog eats almonds later). Luckily, the nuts themselves don't contain any toxic compounds for dogs, unlike alliums and apricot pits. Despite this, mold can easily grow on almonds which can be serious for your pooch if they become exposed to the aflatoxins produced by it. For more on this, take a look below as we explore symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning in dogs.

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Why are almonds bad for dogs?

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat almonds - let's take a deeper look into why the nuts are such a bad choice for your pup. Firstly, almonds are on the tougher side, which makes them difficult to chomp through. And as we all know too well, our canine friends are pretty quick to chuck anything down that tastes good, so almonds pose a pretty serious choking hazard straight off the bat. 

Then if the almonds your pooch nabbed have managed to reach your dog's gastrointestinal system, they're likely to cause gas, diarrhea, appetite loss, and vomiting as almonds can't be properly digested by your dog's stomach. They might even cause an obstruction. And while we'd really hope you haven't been feeding your pup almonds on the regular, just be aware that they're seriously high in fat. This means that if they're consumed in large amounts over a long period of time, your dog could suffer from pancreatitis, weight gain and even obesity. Almonds are also not a required part of a healthy balanced diet, so there is no need to be giving your dog almonds.

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What to do if your dog eats almonds

If you're sitting here thinking - my dog ate almonds - what do I do? Can dogs have almonds in small amounts? Rest assured, if your pup somehow managed to eat one or two plain almonds without choking, then there's no need to panic. If however, your pup somehow chomped through an entire bag, you should contact your vet immediately for advice and potentially treatment. The mold that can grow on almonds can cause aflatoxin poisoning in dogs (explore the symptoms below), and seasonings can cause gastrointestinal distress and even symptoms of toxicity.    

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Symptoms of aflatoxin toxicity

Raw almonds can grow a mold called aspergillus, which can give off aflatoxins that cause very serious symptoms if your pooch is exposed. If your pup experiences any of these symptoms after ingesting almonds, be sure to contact your vet immediately (some of the below will need to be found by your vet).

• Vomiting.
• Reduced appetite.
• Lethargy.
• Jaundice.
• Liver failure.

Other nut products

Now that we're clear on the query - can dogs eat almonds - what about almonds for dogs if they're made into some sort of product? And what about other nuts? Are they dangerous for dogs, too? Well luckily for your pup, many nuts are safe for dogs, but there are of course a heap of caveats, so explore our blog which reviews the question - can dogs eat nuts?. And if you've got more questions on dogs and almonds, explore below as we answer a few common questions on the topic.

Can dogs eat almond flour?

Unlike the nuts themselves, almond flour can be safe for dogs, and is sometimes an ingredient used in homemade dog treats.

Is almond butter good for dogs?

A small lap of almond butter won't do your pooch any harm (in fact, we can almost guarantee they'll greatly appreciate it), but you certainly shouldn't make a habit of it as your dog's stomach isn't built to digest almonds or the high-fat content of almond butter.

Can dogs eat raw almonds?

Raw almonds can grow a mold which produces aflatoxins, which can be seriously harmful for dogs if ingested. So, steer clear of feeding dogs whole almonds altogether, and especially raw almonds.

Related article: Can dogs eat asparagus?

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So, now we know that almonds and dogs really don't mix, what other foods can't dogs eat? Take a look below to find out about other common foods unfit for canine consumption.

• Ice cream
• Hot dogs
• Pork bones