Can Dogs Eat Walnuts? Risks, Symptoms, and Safer Alternatives
Many pet owners wonder if it's safe to share walnuts with their dogs. While these nuts are a nutritious snack for people, they're far from ideal for canine companions. Let's break down why walnuts pose risks to dogs and what you should do if your pup gets into them.
Types of Walnuts: English vs. Black
Most store-bought walnuts are English walnuts. English walnuts aren't considered highly toxic in small amounts, but that doesn't mean they're safe. Black walnuts, native to North America, are a different story—they're highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe illness.
Main Dangers of Walnuts for Dogs
- Mold Contamination: Walnuts (especially those found outdoors or improperly stored) can develop mold that produces tremorgenic mycotoxins. These toxins may trigger neurological symptoms like muscle tremors, seizures, vomiting, and even liver damage or death.
- High Fat Content: All walnuts contain a lot of fat. Even a few nuts can upset your dog's stomach—think vomiting or diarrhea—or lead to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is serious; symptoms include abdominal pain, weakness, dehydration, and loss of appetite.
- Choking & Blockage: Whole walnuts (especially with shells) are a choking hazard and can block the intestines. This is especially risky for small breeds. Shell fragments might injure or lodge in the digestive tract, sometimes requiring surgery.
- Toxic Compounds: Black walnuts contain juglone—a compound that's outright toxic to dogs. Ingesting black walnuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.
Moldy Walnuts: A Special Danger
Moldy walnuts are particularly hazardous because of mycotoxins produced by fungi growing on the nuts. Even store-bought nuts can become moldy over time. If your dog eats moldy walnuts (from the ground or pantry), watch closely for signs of poisoning.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Tremors or seizures
- Muscle weakness or lethargy
- Excessive drooling
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness or increased body temperature
If your dog ate whole walnuts, be alert for choking or intestinal blockage: difficulty pooping, abdominal pain, persistent vomiting—these require urgent veterinary attention.
Treatment After Walnut Ingestion
If you suspect walnut poisoning (especially black or moldy nuts), call your vet immediately. Treatment may include:
- Induced vomiting (if recent ingestion)
- Activated charcoal to bind toxins
- IV fluids for hydration and toxin flushing
- Medications to control neurological symptoms like seizures or tremors
Your dog may need monitoring at home after treatment; recovery usually takes two to five days depending on severity.
Avoid Seasoned & Salted Nuts
Nuts sold for people often have salt or seasonings (like onion or garlic powder)—both harmful to dogs. Never give your dog flavored or salted nuts of any kind.
Nuts That Are Less Harmful—But Still Risky
- Peanuts (unsalted)
- Cashews (in moderation)
- Pecans (rarely)
No nut is truly risk-free due to high fat content and potential for digestive upset or obstruction. Always feed sparingly—and never with shells, salt, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings.
The Bottom Line: Should You Give Your Dog Walnuts?
A small piece of plain English walnut might not always make your dog sick—but it's simply not worth the risk given potential dangers: mold toxicity, choking hazards, gastrointestinal distress, and fat-related complications like pancreatitis. Black walnuts and moldy nuts are extremely dangerous.
If Your Dog Eats Walnuts: What To Do?
- If you know your dog ate black or moldy walnuts—seek veterinary care right away.
- If it was just a small piece of plain English walnut and your dog seems fine—monitor closely for symptoms listed above over the next several hours.
- If you notice any unusual behavior (vomiting, tremors)—call your vet promptly.
Safer Treat Alternatives
Instead of nuts like walnuts, offer snacks made specifically for dogs—or try safe fruits and vegetables approved by veterinarians. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods into your dog's diet. Your pup's safety comes first!
