Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? Find Out Here!
Macadamia nuts often go unnoticed despite their nutritious and nourishing benefits. This is partly because they are less common, with most of its growers in Hawaii.
This snack is loaded with essential nutrients, and you should consider adding it to your snack rotation. While at it, you may wonder if your furry pal can also have a tasty, nutty treat of macadamia nuts. Not before you read this.
Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?
Have you heard of the Queensland nuts? They are simply Macadamia nuts or Australian nuts in some parts of the world since the trees are native to Australia, specifically New South Wales and Queensland.
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs even though your canine will gladly wolf them whether plain, salted, baked, or coated with chocolate. Even a tiny amount of these nuts can cause poisoning to your furry friend.
Sensitivity to macadamia nuts varies from dog to dog, and while some have a rapid, severe reaction for others, the symptoms build up more slowly and painfully. Puppies are more likely to choke or have digestive blockage when eating macadamia nuts.
Symptoms of macadamia toxicosis are evident when your dog ingests as little as 0.7g per kg. So, macadamia nuts are entirely off-limits for your dog. The high-fat content can also irritate the stomach and cause canine pancreatitis, although this is rare.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Nuts? Learn Which Kinds are Dangerous
What Happens if My Dog Eats Macadamia Nuts?
Symptoms are non-fatal and develop between 3 and 24 hours depending on how many nuts your four-legged friend has eaten, and will resolve within 48 hours.
Signs of macadamia nut poisoning include:
- Fever
- Weakness in the hind limbs
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Ataxia (uncoordinated muscles)
- Abdominal pain
- Pale mucous membranes
- Hyperthermia ( increased temperature)
- Muscle stiffness
- Tremors
- Canine pancreatitis
- Reduced appetite
- Depression
- Increased heart rate
- Blood changes
My Dog Ate Macadamia Nuts. What Next?
Most symptoms are mild, with vomiting for 24 hours that resolves on its own without treatment. But if your dog has a fever, is vomiting non-stop, has severe weakness in the rear limbs, and tremors, you should rush to the animal clinic.
Your vet will conduct a tailored assessment of your pup and the macadamia nuts. Are the nuts salted or covered in chocolate?
Your vet will consider all the macadamia nut’s ingredients and underlying health conditions that may lead to severe poisonings like diabetes, kidney disease, osteoarthritis, and heart disease.
Your vet may induce vomiting to expel the nuts and offer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of toxins into your pup’s system. The vet may also administer gastric decontamination or a cathartic medication such as sorbitol to induce bowel movements and quickly expel the nuts from the digestive system.
Pain and anti-nausea medication, fluid therapy, and muscle relaxants will be administered. If there are signs of respiratory distress, oxygen might be helpful.
Pups that chow down macadamia nuts with other toxins like raisins and chocolate are at higher risk of developing complications and need more aggressive treatment. If many nuts were consumed, the vet is likely to keep your dog in for 48 hours to monitor his symptoms.
Will My Dog be Okay?
All known cases of macadamia poisoning in dogs have resulted in full recovery. But consumption of other toxic substances like chocolate or raisins can result in a different yet fatal prognosis. However, if your pup consumed macadamia nuts only, don’t panic. They tend to get better within a day or two after the symptoms start to show.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Macadamia Nuts?
As responsible pet parents, we always want to keep our dogs safe from potentially dangerous items, including toxic foods. This can be tricky, considering our furry companions are curious creatures and skilled thieves.
Ensure you stash your macadamia nuts out of your pup’s reach. You can store the nuts in a secure container or place them on a higher shelf or cabinet. Moreover, keep your trash can secure to ward off your canine’s scavenging behavior.
Are all Nuts Toxic to Dogs?
Nuts are not entirely off-limits for your furry friend. Some are safe, healthy, and nutritious for your pup. They include:
- Cashews
- Brazil nuts
- Hazelnuts
- Pistachios
- Peanuts
Here are the nuts to watch out for if consumed by your dog:
English walnuts
From the branches and leaves to the stems and nuts, the whole walnut is toxic to dogs. Walnuts contain a toxin known as juglone that causes anaphylactic shock. Symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination
- Hypoglycemia
- Anemia
- Jaundice
- Weakness
- Seizures
Ginkgo nuts
Ginkgo, also known as the dinosaur tree, is undoubtedly the oldest plant species. The nuts have a high toxic level when ingested. Look out for the following symptoms:
Almonds
Compared to the other toxic nuts, almonds do not contain a high level of toxins, but they are still difficult to digest. When your pup consumes many almonds, they can suffer from gastrointestinal upset.
Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
Horse chestnuts
Taking horse chestnut is an effective medical remedy for treating hemorrhoids and fever. However, the bark, leaves, and flowers are toxic to dogs. Call your vet if your canine companion shows these signs:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Paralysis
- Inappetence
In Conclusion
Macadamia for dogs? No. It’s best to keep this delicious treat out of your Fido’s reach. These nuts are toxic to pups and should be avoided altogether. Stash them away from your pup’s reach to prevent any accidental consumption.
Also, you can consider dog-proofing your home to ensure your puppy doesn’t get his paws on macadamia nuts and if you’re on a baking spree, keep them out of sight.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? What Dog Owners Need to Know
- Can Dogs Eat Cashews? What You Need to Know
- Can Dogs Eat Pecans?
- Can Dogs Eat Chestnuts?