Nuts and seeds
Can dogs eat nuts and seeds?
Some nuts are toxic, others simply too fatty. Includes peanut butter.
At a glance
| Food | Verdict | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Cashews | In moderation | Yes, dogs can eat cashews, but only raw, unsalted ones and in small amounts. Cashews are high in fat, so larger portions can cause digestive upset or contribute to pancreatitis. |
| Coconut | In moderation | Yes, a small piece of fresh coconut flesh with the shell removed usually won't hurt a dog. Because of the high fat content and the risk of injury from the hard shell, though, coconut should stay an occasional treat. |
| Peanut butter | In moderation | Yes, peanut butter without xylitol, added sugar, or salt is a popular, safe treat for dogs in small amounts. Always check the label carefully, since some “light” or high-protein versions contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs. |
| Peanuts | In moderation | Yes, raw or roasted unsalted peanuts without the shell are fine for dogs in small amounts. Shells, salted peanuts, and flavored varieties aren't recommended because of the risk of a blocked gut and too much sodium. |
| Pistachios | In moderation | Yes, but only a few shelled, unsalted pistachios now and then. They aren't acutely toxic like macadamia nuts, but they're high in fat and the shell can block the gut. |
| Almonds | No | No, almonds aren't recommended for dogs. They're not toxic the way macadamia nuts are, but dogs digest them poorly, a whole nut poses a choking risk, and the high fat content can trigger pancreatitis. |
| Nuts | No | No, nuts aren't a good choice for dogs. Most types are too high in fat and hard to digest, and macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs. |
| Poppy seeds | No | No, don't give dogs poppy seeds. They offer no nutrients a dog actually needs, they're high in fat, and they almost always show up baked into sugary desserts that are hard on a dog's digestion. |
| Walnuts | No | No, walnuts aren't recommended for dogs. They're very high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis, and mouldy or fallen walnuts contain mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures. |
| Macadamia nuts | Toxic | No, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. As little as 6 nuts for a 22 lb dog can cause weakness, tremors, and fever, so your dog should never get even one. |
In detail
Can dogs eat cashews?
Yes, dogs can eat cashews, but only raw, unsalted ones and in small amounts. Cashews are high in fat, so larger portions can cause digestive upset or contribute to pancreatitis.
Can dogs eat coconut?
Yes, a small piece of fresh coconut flesh with the shell removed usually won't hurt a dog. Because of the high fat content and the risk of injury from the hard shell, though, coconut should stay an occasional treat.
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Yes, peanut butter without xylitol, added sugar, or salt is a popular, safe treat for dogs in small amounts. Always check the label carefully, since some “light” or high-protein versions contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs.
Can dogs eat peanuts?
Yes, raw or roasted unsalted peanuts without the shell are fine for dogs in small amounts. Shells, salted peanuts, and flavored varieties aren't recommended because of the risk of a blocked gut and too much sodium.
Can dogs eat pistachios?
Yes, but only a few shelled, unsalted pistachios now and then. They aren't acutely toxic like macadamia nuts, but they're high in fat and the shell can block the gut.
Can dogs eat almonds?
No, almonds aren't recommended for dogs. They're not toxic the way macadamia nuts are, but dogs digest them poorly, a whole nut poses a choking risk, and the high fat content can trigger pancreatitis.
Can dogs eat nuts?
No, nuts aren't a good choice for dogs. Most types are too high in fat and hard to digest, and macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat poppy seeds?
No, don't give dogs poppy seeds. They offer no nutrients a dog actually needs, they're high in fat, and they almost always show up baked into sugary desserts that are hard on a dog's digestion.
Can dogs eat walnuts?
No, walnuts aren't recommended for dogs. They're very high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis, and mouldy or fallen walnuts contain mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures.
Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
No, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. As little as 6 nuts for a 22 lb dog can cause weakness, tremors, and fever, so your dog should never get even one.
Key: Yes, safe · Yes, in moderation · No, better avoided · Dangerous, never.