Can dogs eat almonds?
Risky. Not toxic in the way macadamias are, but the ASPCA warns that almonds, pecans and walnuts are high enough in fat to cause digestive upset and pancreatitis.
How much is dangerous?
No threshold is published. Salted and flavored nuts add a second problem, and whole nuts are a choking and obstruction risk for small dogs.
Why it does harm
Fat load rather than a toxic principle. The ASPCA groups almonds, pecans and walnuts as containing high amounts of oils and fats that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis.
Sources
What to look for
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and a hunched posture, which can signal pancreatitis
- Loss of appetite and lethargy
What to do
- Call your vet if a dog shows abdominal pain or repeated vomiting after eating nuts.
- Check whether they were macadamias, which are a different problem entirely.
- Keep any nuts you do offer plain, unsalted and occasional.
Common questions
Are walnuts or pecans safer than almonds?
No. The ASPCA groups almonds, pecans and walnuts together as high in the oils and fats that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis in some pets. Macadamias are a separate, toxic problem.
Can dogs eat almond butter?
Only a lick, for the same fat reason as whole almonds, and only after reading the label: the FDA warns that some peanut and nut butters are sweetened with xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.