Can Dogs Eat Walnuts? Are Walnuts Safe for My Dog?

Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal choice for your pet. Yet, unknown to most people, nuts are heart-healthy fruits that offer a high oil content. One such fruit is the walnut, which contains edible seeds that provide multiple health benefits.

While enjoying walnuts, you might want to give some to your dog. Will it be safe? Here are a few details about whether they are suitable for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?

Walnuts are not the safest choice for your dog unless consumed in moderation. While nuts contain multiple micronutrients and minerals, dogs cannot digest them comfortably, particularly when taken regularly or in large quantities. Besides, walnuts are packed with legume proteins that might be toxic when consumed excessively.

Walnuts are also susceptible to black mold, which can cause significant health complications to your pet. These nuts have a high moisture content that enhances fungi growth, from harvest to storage. Some of these fungi produce mycotoxins, exposing your dog to cancer. In contrast, others produce tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause seizures, neurological complications, and tremors in dogs.

Black walnuts are not recommended for your dog, whether in small or large quantities. They contain a toxic chemical called juglone, triggering gastrointestinal obstruction and upsets.

Do Walnuts Offer Health Benefits?

Walnuts are rich in vitamins, healthy fats, minerals, proteins, and fiber. Fiber helps keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria. It also helps regulate bowel movements, minimizing flatulence and stomach gases.

Various vitamins play different roles in the dog’s body. Walnuts are packed with vitamin E and B6, essential for cognitive and brain development. Walnuts also contain other minerals, including copper, folic acid, and phosphorous, which help in muscle and bone development.

Unfortunately, despite the multiple micronutrients and minerals walnuts have, dogs might not take advantage of all the health benefits. Your pet will likely not digest or synthesize the walnuts and their components, making it a waste. In addition, these nuts contain excessive fat that can adversely affect your pet, causing obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis. In brief, dangers override the benefits.

What Happens if My Dog Eats Walnuts?

Walnuts are toxic and unhealthy for your dog, particularly when taken in large quantities. These nuts contain tremorgenic mycotoxins and juglone that cause walnut poisoning in your pet. This problem exhibits multiple symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, rapid heart rate, weakness, tremors, and seizures. Panting and confusion might also manifest.

Walnut poisoning can be fatal if left untreated. Seek medical help as soon as you notice the symptoms.

Walnuts are also associated with multiple long-term health complications. For instance, they have a high-fat content that can upset the gastrointestinal system, prompting vomiting and diarrhea. The problem could gradually turn into pancreatitis or gastroenteritis. While pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, gastroenteritis occurs when the gut becomes inflamed.

The gastrointestinal obstruction could also happen after your dog consumes walnuts. This problem limits the ingestion of water and food, meaning your pet shall become gradually weak. It could require surgery in extreme cases, as it might be fatal.

Do we have Safe Nuts for Dogs?

While nuts are an excellent source of vitamins, proteins, and minerals for human beings, they are not suitable for dogs. Most nuts contain various toxins, including juglone and mycotoxins. Dogs consuming nuts are threatened by multiple dangers, including gastrointestinal blockage, pancreatitis, diabetes, and obesity.

Nuts that contain flavoring, preservatives, and salt can cause more harm. The salt in the nuts will cause sodium poisoning, causing muscle tremors, seizures, and weakness. However, almonds, cashew nuts, and peanuts have proven less harmful for dogs.

Final Thoughts

Walnuts are not ideal for your dog. While they are nutritious, their disadvantages are overwhelming. Always seek medical help once your dog consumes a substantial amount of walnuts or other nuts.