These round, brown nut offer a number of benefits to people, but can dogs eat almonds, too? The answer is no. Although they're less toxic than other nuts, like walnuts and macadamia nuts, they can still pose potential health issues for your canine companion and should be avoided.
If you're wondering if dogs can have almonds, here's everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- The potential hazards of almonds for dogs
- Can dogs eat almond varieties?
- Are all nuts bad for dogs?
- Are there safe alternatives to almonds for dogs?
- Can dogs have almond butter, oil, or milk?
- What to do if your dog eats almonds
Pro tip: Save this post as a guide to which nuts might be toxic and how much the average vet costs to treat pups that have eaten a toxic nut is. If you want to be sure that you're covered in an accident like nut toxicity, be sure to consider pet insurance options.
The Potential Hazards of Almonds for Dogs
While it is true that almonds are rich in vitamin E that can help reduce the risk of heart disease, antioxidants that protect against harmful free radicals, and magnesium that can help lower blood pressure, the dangers almonds pose to your furry pal outweigh the health benefits.
If the almonds are properly processed they are not directly toxic to your canine companion but their system cannot properly digest the proteins present in nuts.
Here are some of the dangers associated with dogs and almonds.
Indigestion
Although a few almonds probably won’t cause major indigestion problems in bigger dogs like Labradors, toy breeds and puppies might experience serious bowel obstruction. If your four-legged companion eats almonds, chances are you will find bits of them in their stool, possibly accompanied by some blood.
Choking Hazard
Dogs rarely chew their food, which means that almonds are a choking hazard. Consuming whole almonds can lead to life-threatening obstructions of the esophagus and the windpipe, especially in toy breeds and small puppies.
Allergies
If your dog is allergic to tree nuts, even a single almond can impact their health. Keep an eye on any possible symptoms of an allergic reaction such as coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and hives. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.
Fluid Retention
Pups love the taste of almonds, especially the flavored varieties — cinnamon, smoked, barbecue, etc. The problem is, packaged nuts contain high amounts of salt, which can make your furry friend very thirsty and result in increased fluid retention. Fluid retention is especially dangerous for pups with heart issues and it also hurts the kidneys. Eating too many packaged almonds could also result in salt toxicity. Finally, flavored almonds contain artificial flavors and other additives that are also harmful to your dog’s health.
Kidney and Bladder Stones
Almonds are rich in phosphorus which can increase the risk of kidney and bladder stones. What’s more, if the obstruction is not removed, the bladder might rupture, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Dachshunds, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Beagles are genetically prone to bladder stones.
Pancreatitis
Almonds are high in fat, which is the main contributor to developing pancreatitis. This condition is usually marked by loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, dehydration, difficulty breathing, fever, heart arrhythmias, weakness, weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. If left untreated, pancreatitis can be fatal.
Aflatoxin Poisoning
Aflatoxins are poisonous substances found in crops and nuts, like peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. They’re produced by the common Aspergillus mold that causes food spoilage and even though aflatoxins are only mildly toxic to people, our furry pals are acutely sensitive to them. Signs of aflatoxin poisoning include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, and liver failure.
Can Dogs Eat Almond Varieties?
No, there are some types of almonds are bad for dogs due to their increased risk factors, such as:
Chinese Almonds
These are not actually almonds but the kernels of several apricot varieties grown specifically for their seeds. They contain trace amounts of cyanide and can be very dangerous if ingested in big amounts. For that reason, they should always be roasted or blanched before eating.
Bitter Almonds
These almonds are a variety of regular, sweet almonds. They also contain cyanide and cannot be sold unrefined in the US due to the danger of toxicity, but can be found in almond liqueurs and almond-flavored extract.
Are All Nuts Bad for Dogs?
In general, all nuts are dangerous for dogs if consumed in large amounts. However, the nuts on this list can be toxic to your four-legged friend and cause a number of health problems, even if fed as treats.
Macadamia nuts
Whether roasted or raw, macadamia nuts are toxic to canines. Pets who have ingested macadamia nuts can experience vomiting, diarrhea, fever, shivering, and weakness in their legs. Even a single macadamia nut can seriously harm your pup’s health, so if you suspect they have eaten these nuts and notice any of the mentioned symptoms, make sure to contact your vet right away.
Pecans
Nothing beats a slice of pecan pie on a cold, snowy day but your canine companion should stay away from these nuts. In addition to aflatoxin, pecans also contain juglone, a toxin that can be harmful to dogs and horses.
Pistachios
Like almonds, dogs can't eat pistachios because they contain aflatoxin which can damage your pet’s liver. They’re also a choking hazard and can cause intestine blockage, especially if they are not shelled.
Walnuts
Dogs can't eat walnuts at all. Black walnuts, English walnuts, and Japanese walnuts should not be fed to dogs as they can contain fungi called tremorgenic mycotoxins. If your four-legged companion is exposed to it, they can have symptoms like vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Contact your vet immediately because your pet’s condition could be fatal if left untreated.
Cashews
Healthy dogs can eat cashews if they're unsalted and served in small quantities. However, raw cashews in their shell contain urushiol, a toxin that causes an allergic skin reaction similar to that caused by poison oak and poison ivy. Still, even though these nuts are technically safe for your canine companion, they contain high amounts of potassium and can cause health problems in pups prone to urinary problems.
Hazelnuts
In theory, your pooch can eat hazelnuts. As long as they stick to a couple of unsalted and uncoated hazelnuts, they shouldn’t have any health issues. However, there’s still the risk of choking and intestinal obstruction. Smaller dogs can easily choke on these nuts, while larger ones tend to swallow them up without chewing, so they can end up stuck in the dog’s intestines and cause significant problems.
Are there safe alternatives to almonds for dogs?
Yes, there are some nuts safe for dogs to eat that offer the same nutritional benefits as almonds.
Peanuts
Coated, salted, caramelized, or candied peanuts should be avoided. Dogs also shouldn’t eat peanuts in shells. Be careful though - peanuts are quite high in fat, so be sure to feed them in moderation.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is safe for dogs, as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol, artificial preservatives, sugar, or sodium. So, before feeding this delicious nut-based treat to your pooch, be sure to check the label for any potentially harmful ingredients. Also, be mindful about the amount you give - one or two spoons a day is ok but too much peanut butter can lead to obesity or gastrointestinal upset.
Roasted chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts won’t harm your furry companion, but again, they must be fed in small amounts. Similar to peanuts, chestnuts are high in fat so if your pup overindulges, they could end up with an upset tummy.
Don’t forget about the 90-10 rule when it comes to how many treats you give your pooch. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily diet and the rest should be regular dog food.
Can Dogs Have Almond Butter, Oil, or Milk?
Dogs can have almond butter in small quantities. First of all, you don’t have to worry about intestinal blockages or choking. Second, almond butter offers a number of health benefits - it is rich in dietary fiber and vitamin E, which promote a healthy coat and skin. That’s the reason why almond butter and almond oil are present in many hair, nail, and skin treatments for people. Dogs can eat almond oil topped on treats to help with skin issues internally.
Just as with peanut butter, almond butter and almond oil should be given in moderation. Although almond butter contains only 14% fat compared to peanut butter which contains 50% fat, when consumed in large amounts, it can put your canine companion at risk for obesity and pancreatitis. In general, one to two spoons of almond butter should be plenty. Make sure to choose plain, natural almond butter without any salt, sugar, or added flavors. In smaller dogs butters of any kind should be avoided due to higher risk of pancreatitis which can be life threatening.
When it comes to the question, "can dogs have almond milk", most experts don’t recommend it as dogs don’t have the enzymes required to break down lactose. For that reason, your pup could suffer from vomiting and diarrhea if they drink large amounts of almond milk. This is also true for puppies. Young dogs should only drink their mother’s milk, but if the mother is absent, they should be given a specially-designed formula.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Almonds
A couple of almonds aren’t likely to do any harm, as long as your pup isn’t allergic. If your pup manages to swallow some almonds, make sure to monitor them for any signs of choking. You should also be on the lookout for symptoms of intestinal blockage, diarrhea, or vomiting and contact your vet right away if you notice them.
However, if your dog eats almonds in a large amount, don’t wait for symptoms. Call your vet or poison control immediately. If you call within half an hour of your dog eating the almonds, they can instruct you on how to induce vomiting. If more time has passed, you might need to rush to the pet emergency room for treatment. Your canine companion might be given intravenous fluid, medication to reduce symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, supportive care to prevent liver damage or treatment for pancreatitis.
Many dog insurance plans help cover emergency treatment for accidental poisoning and help pet owners with the costs of unexpected veterinary bills.
