Can dogs eat nuts?

Updated 13/04/2024

Nuts are one of the most nutritious snacks for us humans - packed with protein, good fats, vitamins and minerals, the little morsels certainly pack a punch. So as such a healthy food for us to enjoy in moderation, it begs the question - can dogs eat nuts? Well luckily for your doe-eyed doggo, dogs can eat some types of nuts. But like with any 'people food', nuts should only be served as an occasional treat for your pooch and without any seasonings or the shell. Plus, we advise taking each nut variety on a case-by-case basis, as not all nuts are safe for dogs.

Some dogs can be allergic to nuts, so do watch out for signs of nut allergies ( itchy skin and ears, vomiting, diarrhea) and let your vet know asap if you notice these signs in your furry friend!

Related article: Can dogs eat pomegranate?

Are nuts poisonous to dogs?

So, can dogs eat nuts freely or are nuts sometimes toxic to dogs? Well lucky for your furry family member, there are quite a few nut varieties that are safe for dogs to eat. But sadly, you'll need to be super careful with which nuts you dish out to your furry family member as there are a few that can be toxic to dogs (like macadamia nuts, for example). Also, avoid feeding moldy nuts at all (regardless of nut type). Mold contains mycotoxins, which are toxic to dogs! 

Are nuts good for dogs?

So, for the nuts that dogs can eat safely, do they offer any nutritional benefits, or are nuts bad for dogs? It's a bit of a mixed bag on this one. As you'll probably know, nuts are seriously high in fat, which means that too many could lead to obesity and pancreatitis in dogs. Plus, many of the nuts we buy in the supermarkets are coated in a fair amount of salt, not to mention seasonings like garlic and onion powder that can be toxic to dogs. Nuts also pose a choking hazard for dogs, so always be sure to break them apart into bite-size pieces, and always remove the shells - these could cause a gastrointestinal (gut) blockage.  Choking and gastrointestinal blockages are emergencies. Signs of a gut blockage include excessive vomiting, an inability to keep food/water down, and reduced activity. If you witness choking in your dog or suspect a gut blockage, contact a vet immediately! 

Related article: Can dogs eat sunflower seeds?

Health benefits of eating nuts for dogs 

Now that we've tackled the question - can dogs eat nuts - let's take a look at some of the nutrient makeup of nuts that (with a few caveats) make nuts a great treat for your pooch - we'll get onto which kinds of nuts dogs can eat next.

• Protein. Helps to maintain skin, nails, coat, muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage.
• Vitamin B6. Supports with the function of your pup's nervous system, hormone regulation and the growth of red blood cells.
• Vitamin E. Supports the growth of cell membranes along with eye and skin health.
• Fiber. Helps to keep your dog's bowels regular and healthy.
• Magnesium. Helps to maintain strong and healthy bones. 

Related article: Can dogs eat beets?

Feeding your dog nuts: which nuts can dogs eat?

So can dogs have nuts of all kinds, or are some varieties safer than others? Unfortunately, it's the latter. You'll need to take each nut variety on a case by case basis, as some are highly toxic to dogs, whereas others are completely safe. Once you're sure the nuts you're thinking about sharing with your pooch are safe to eat, be sure to only serve them in small amounts, plain, mold-free, and with the shell completely removed. And if you'd like to make life easier for yourself and remove any risk of your pup getting sick from nuts, simply opt for a dog-safe peanut butter. And if you're feeling adventurous, check out these peanut butter dog treat recipes that we know your pup will thank you for. 

Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?

Macademia nuts are toxic to dogs, so they are a huge no-no! Eating macadamia nuts could result in your pup experiencing all kinds of nasty symptoms, including vomiting, ataxia (incoordination), hyperthermia (overheating), depression,weakness, and seizures. If you suspect or know that your dog has gobbled some macademia nuts, you need to let an emergency vet know right away - even if your dog has not showed any signs of poisoning!

Can dogs eat hazelnuts?

Hazelnuts are a safe choice for dogs, just be sure to halve them first and only serve in small quantities as a treat every now and then. 

Can dogs have brazil nuts?

Brazil nuts aren't toxic to dogs, but they're seriously high in fat. So, if you'd like your pooch to try the oily goodness that comes with brazil nuts, give them a thin slice rather than the whole nut.

Are walnuts safe for dogs?

Dogs can eat walnuts if they're cut into small pieces and only shared as an occasional treat. However, never feed black walnuts to your doggo! Black walnuts contain a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to dogs. Signs of black walnut toxicity include muscle tremors, vomiting, seizures, hyperthermia and so on. Contact an emergency vet asap  if you suspect or know that your dog has ingested black walnuts - even if your dog has not showed any signs of poisoning! 

Are pistachios okay for dogs?

Due to their shape and size, pistachios pose a choking hazard to dogs. So, like with other nuts, only serve without the shell (and of course, plain), and be sure to slice the nut through to prevent your pup from choking.

Can dogs eat roasted peanuts?

Roasted peanuts are perfectly safe for dogs, but you'll need to feed them in small amounts. Also, do dodge the seasoned and flavored varieties, as these can be toxic to dogs with onion and garlic being popular flavors.

Related article: Can dogs eat pepperoni?

Other nut products

And can dogs eat nuts if they're cooked into your favorite treats at home? What about the cakes, desserts and bars you love to rustle up? Well sadly, we advise avoiding anything that nuts are cooked into. Why? Well they're often packed with additional fat, sugar and salt that our canine companions simply don't need. Plus, they're often paired with ingredients like onion and garlic which are highly toxic to dogs.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've tackled the question - can dogs eat nuts - you might be curious to know what other 'human' foods can dogs eat. Explore the list below for advice on your dog's diet.

• Bell peppers
• Chicken
• Blueberries

Related article: Can dogs eat seaweed?

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at

Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!