Can my dog eat nuts?

Especially in autumn, local nut varieties gather along the wayside. These nuts often end up in your dog's mouth faster than you can look. Many nuts, including those that we humans like to eat as a snack, are largely harmless. Nevertheless, you should make sure that your dog does not simply eat nuts.



The following varieties are okay in small quantities if they are tolerated:

• Ripe walnuts
• Brazil nuts
• Pecans
• Cashew nuts
• Almonds (no bitter almonds!)
  
  

Your dog must not eat these nuts under any circumstances:

• Beechnuts
• Acorns
• Nutmeg
• Macadamia nuts
• Bitter almonds
• Chestnuts (local horse chestnuts, chestnuts are fine cooked)
• Unripe walnuts or whole walnuts with the hard shell

Hazelnuts and peanuts are not poisonous to dogs per se, but not all dogs can tolerate them. Peanuts can put additional strain on weak kidneys and hearts due to their high protein and fat content.

So if your dog eats one of these nuts, you should first observe him and see if he has any allergic reactions. These signs will tell you whether your furry friend should avoid the nuts:

• Digestive problems such as diarrhoea, vomiting, flatulence
• Restlessness or weakness
• Breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath or wheezing
• Skin reactions such as swelling or itching on the mouth or face

As soon as any of these signs appear, you should consult a vet immediately. In the worst case, an allergic reaction can be fatal

Why are some nuts harmful to dogs?

Many nuts are poisonous or potentially dangerous for dogs. For example, nutmegs contain myristicin, which is toxic to dogs and can trigger symptoms of poisoning such as convulsions or hallucinations. It is not exactly clear why macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, but they also cause muscle weakness or vomiting. However, just four nuts are enough to cause poisoning in a dog weighing around 15kg. Make sure that your dog doesn't get any macadamia nuts and can't snatch any from anywhere.

Walnuts and other domestic nuts can cause digestive problems when unripe. More importantly, they can potentially carry moulds, which are definitely poisonous.

You should therefore generally make sure that your dog does not eat nuts - the risk of your furry friend catching a "bad nut" is too high, especially when out on a walk.

Which nuts can my dog eat?

A small selection of nuts is generally considered "okay". These include ripe walnuts and cashews. However, you should still avoid giving your dog nuts as a snack. Nuts are high in fat and can lead to digestive problems in sensitive dog stomachs. In addition, many nuts that we humans eat are heavily salted or sprinkled with other spices, which is also unhealthy for dogs.

In small quantities, nuts have the following positive properties:

• High in fibre for good digestion
• Amino acids and good vegetable proteins for good muscle function
• Vegetable fats
• Vitamin E

However, dogs are not dependent on eating nuts - they can also get the nutrients mentioned from wholesome dog food such as our organic wet food. We therefore advise against feeding nuts regularly. Rather take the above advice as a reassurance that it is not a bad thing if your dog accidentally eats a walnut.

By the way, coconuts are not really a nut and are also less of a concern, especially if it's just a few shreds or shreds of coconut.

What can I give my dog as an alternative to nuts?

Your dog should get everything that nuts have to offer in their normal diet. If you are looking for small nibbles that are fun for your pet to chew, there are many healthy alternatives:

• Dried meat morsels, such as our turkey minis, are small portions with a nice crunch.
• Larger snacks, such as rabbit ears, offer long-term chewing fun.

Take a look at our selection of dog snacks and treats. Here you will find a wide variety of snacks and chews, all of which fit perfectly into your dog's diet. Like all Liebesgut products, they are free from sugar, additives and preservatives - instead you'll find high-quality protein without lots of fat or calories. This is not only delicious, but also healthy! And it's a real treat for your four-legged friend.