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It’s well known that there are certain things that dogs cannot and should not be eating. Chocolate, grapes, and raisins are some of the biggest and most well-known “no-n ao” treats for dogs, but what about nuts?

The Dog Bakery’s goal is to make treating your pup easier than ever. To help you out, we’ve compiled a master list of common nuts and their safety rating for your dogs.

1. Can Dogs Eat Brazil Nuts?

Most dogs can eat Brazil nuts, but you should take a few precautions.

Are Some Dogs Allergic to Brazil Nuts?

Like people, dogs can have allergies. As noted by Veterinary Centers of America, allergies can be caused by any food ingredient. While the most common triggers are dairy and meat proteins, eggs, soy, and gluten, Brazil nuts can cause an allergic reaction.

Risks Associated with Dogs Eating Brazil Nuts

As with any nut, Brazil nuts may cause a variety of digestive problems for your dog. Because these nuts tend to be rather large, the most serious thing to watch for is an intestinal blockage. This happens when an item (in this case, the nut) is unable to pass through the digestive tract. Symptoms of intestinal blockage include:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty pooping
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Another thing to know about Brazil nuts is that they are classified as tree nuts. This means that they contain a chemical known as aflatoxin, which many dogs are sensitive to. This sensitivity often manifests itself through digestive issues and abdominal pain.

Are Brazil Nuts Good for Dogs?

Brazil nuts are not good for dogs. These nuts are extremely high in fat.

How to Safely Feed Dogs Brazil Nuts

As with any new treat, you should never feed a dog Brazil nuts for the first time without supervision. Stay nearby after feeding to watch your pooch and ensure that they properly digest this new treat.

Being one of the largest nuts, you’ll also want to dice or chop the nut prior to feeding. Dogs are not generally known to be thorough chewers, and the large size of this nut makes it easy to choke on.

2. Can Dogs Eat Cashew Nuts?

Dogs can enjoy a cashew or two.

 

Are Some Dogs Allergic to Cashew Nuts?

Cashews are just as likely to cause an allergic reaction as any other food. If your dog has an allergic reaction to cashews, they’ll also be allergic to pistachios, which are in the same family (Anacardiaceae).

Risks Associated with Dogs Eating Cashews

In addition to the standard risks of allergic reactions and intestinal distress, cashews come with another potential problem: cross-contamination. Because these nuts are often packaged in mixes, they may be tainted with chemicals and proteins from other nuts. If you plan to feed your pup a cashew or two, be sure to purchase bags that contain only unsalted, unflavored cashews.

Are Cashews Good for Dogs?

Image Source: @dogsinfoodhats

As with most nuts, cashews are high-fat treats and meant as occasional snacks, and they should never be fed in large amounts.

How to Safely Feed Dogs Cashews

The safest way for your dog to enjoy cashews is to feed cashew butter.  However, if you want to let your pup enjoy a whole cashew or two, your best bet is to find a package of unsalted and unflavored cashews. This dramatically reduces the risk of cross-contamination and excessive sodium intake for your pooch. Also, be sure to chop the nut into smaller bits to avoid choking. 

3. Can Dogs Eat Pine Nuts?

While dogs can eat pine nuts, it’s not something they should be intentionally given.

Are Some Dogs Allergic to Pine Nuts?

Pine nuts, like Brazil nuts, are a tree nut and contain aflatoxin. This means that many dogs will have some sort of reaction after ingesting a pine nut, which will range from mild stomach discomfort to a full-blown allergy attack.

Risks Associated with Dogs Eating Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are extremely high in fat and phosphorus. As noted by the Can Dogs Eat It app, excessive phosphorus intake can cause kidney stone formation in pooches. Other risks associated with feeding your dog pine nuts include a variety of urinary tract issues and possible infections.

Are Pine Nuts Good for Dogs?

Pine nuts are not good for dogs and should be avoided.

4. Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?

Only In Small Quantities

Are Some Dogs Allergic to Pistachios?

Unless your dog is allergic pistachios aren’t toxic do dogs however, the amount of salt and additives can make them dangerous.

As part of the Anacardiaceae family, pistachios are closely related to cashews. If your dog has an allergic reaction to cashews, they’ll also be allergic to pistachios. Otherwise, it’s up to you to watch and monitor your dog after giving them their first pistachio.

Risks Associated with Dogs Eating Pistachios

Pistachios pose no additional risks to dogs beyond the usual fare. Indigestion is the biggest thing to watch out for. If feeding a smaller dog, consider chopping up the pistachio to prevent choking. Be sure to pick unflavored and unsalted pistachios if you’re planning to feed them to your dog.

Are Pistachios Good for Dogs?

Pistachios are not good for dogs. Like all other nuts, they are high in fat.

5. Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

❌It’s not recommended.

Are Some Dogs Allergic to Almonds?

Almonds present the same allergic reaction risk as any other nut. They contain proteins that dogs have difficulty digesting and, at the very least, most dogs will not enjoy the experience.

Risks Associated with Dogs Eating Almonds

Aside from indigestion and allergic reactions, the greatest risk posed by almonds is intestinal obstruction. These uniquely shaped nuts have a tendency to get lodged in the intestines, causing symptoms such as constipation and infection. This same quality also makes almonds dangerous choking hazards for all dogs, regardless of their size.

Are Almonds Good for Dogs?

Almonds are not good for dogs. These high-fat treats pose an extreme choking risk and, if fed in excess, may even cause pancreatitis.

6. Can Dogs Eat Corn Nuts

❌No! Corn nuts are not a recommended treat for dogs.

Are Some Dogs Allergic to Corn Nuts?

As with any ingredient, corn nuts pose a risk of causing an allergic reaction. However, the more concerning issue with these nuts revolves around how they are processed and packaged.

Risks Associated with Dogs Eating Corn Nuts

Corn nuts pose all of the same risks as other nuts, such as digestive upset and choking. Because the majority of corn nuts are processed and packaged with different ingredients and flavorings, the larger risk is their potential to contain excessive amounts of salt, sugar, or even toxic ingredients.

Are Corn Nuts Good for Dogs?

Corn nuts are not good for dogs and should be avoided.

7. Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?

Yes! In small quantities, unsalted peanuts make a great dog treat.

Are Some Dogs Allergic to Peanuts?

Peanuts tend to cause allergic reactions in some dogs, but most are fine to eat a few. The most important thing to watch out for when feeding peanuts as a treat is the ingredient list. Never feed a dog peanuts that contain any sort of flavoring or additive. Salted peanuts, while delicious, should also be avoided.

RELATED CONTENT: 10 Peanut Butter Dog Treats You Can Make At Home

Risks Associated with Dogs Eating Peanuts

Peanuts pose the same risk as any other nut. Dogs ingesting these treats may have an upset stomach or an allergic reaction. If fed peanut butter containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, a dog should be immediately taken to the vet, as this additive is toxic.

Are Peanuts Good for Dogs?

Peanuts are not exactly great for dogs, but they aren’t as bad as some other nuts. While their high fat content makes them unsuitable for regular feeding, these nuts come with the benefit of being packed with a variety of vitamins and proteins.

As such, many brands offer peanut treats or peanut-butter-based treats which is safer than eating whole peanuts. At The Dog Bakery, we offer the delicious PB and Yummy Bar, a homemade treat that your dog is sure to love!

How to Safely Feed Nuts to Dogs

At the end of the day, it’s your job as the pet parent to do your research. Nuts are a treat for dogs, and they should never be fed in excessive quantities. Moreover, you should never feed nuts from a mixed variety pack to your dog. The best bet is to feed your dog-safe peanut butter.

If you want to feed your dog a nut or two, then follow these safety tips to make sure your treat doesn’t end up hurting your pup:

• Only offer a few nuts and never provide them regularly
• Dice or chop nuts to prevent intestinal blockage and choking
• Never feed seasoned or salted nuts
• Avoid products that are sweetened, especially if they use xylitol
• Always avoid overly oily products
• Never feed dogs nuts that contain or were processed with hydrogenated oil
• If purchasing butters, (such as peanut or cashew) always check the ingredients list
• Never provide sweetened nuts
• Always remove the shell of the nut, as these are hard and sometimes even impossible to digest

Bonus: Can Dogs Eat Honey Nut Cheerios?

These sweet little cereal bits may not be a nut, but they contain “nut” in their title! If you’re purchasing natural or brand name Honey Nut Cheerios, then these are safe to feed to your dog! The primary ingredients of this cereal are little more than a bit of sugar and processed oats.

However, as with any sweet treat, these should be fed in moderation! As long as you do your research and provide a balanced diet, your dog is sure to love receiving treats as much as you love to give them!

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