Can dogs eat Walnuts?

can dogs have walnutsCaution

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

While dogs can technically eat walnuts, it's not recommended due to potential health risks. The high-fat content can lead to digestive issues and pancreatitis, while the hard shell poses a choking hazard. Additionally, moldy walnuts contain toxins that are harmful to dogs. It's best to avoid feeding walnuts to your dog to ensure their well-being.

Risks

health-risks
  • Walnuts have high moisture content, making them highly susceptible to molds that produce tremorgenic mycotoxins that can cause poisoning in dogs. A dog that has ingested moldy walnuts may experience tremors and seizures.
  • Walnuts are high in fat that can cause pancreatitis and obesity if ingested in large quantities.
  • The walnut’s large size makes it difficult for a dog to digest and swallow. It can cause choking and stomach obstruction.
  • Some people believe that washing, boiling, and cooking walnuts can lower their toxicity. However, this does not guarantee that it will not cause poisoning in dogs.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • If your dog has ingested small amounts of fresh walnut, there shouldn't be any side effects; however, it is not recommended to feed a dog walnuts intentionally as a treat, considering all the risks that they pose.

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