Can Dogs Eat Almonds? Risks of Feeding Almonds to Dogs

Almonds are not dog food. Any nutritional benefits of almonds for dogs are outweighed by their potential hazards. Eating just a couple of almonds is unlikely to harm your dog, but large amounts are a bad idea—mostly because of their high fat content. Seasoned almonds are an even bigger hazard, as they may contain artificial sweeteners and seasonings like xylitol, which are harmful to canines. The worst are unprocessed bitter almonds, which are toxic to dogs but rarely found in stores.

Almonds contain many nutrients, including magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. These make almonds a great snack for humans. But when it comes to your canine friend, these health benefits do not outweigh the potential hazards that come with eating almonds.

Almonds, almond milk, and almond butter are bad for a dog’s health. Keep them out of your dog’s diet lest they develop a fondness for the taste of almonds. Some reasons to keep almonds away from dogs include:

• High fat content: The fat found in almonds and similar nuts like pistachios can cause weight gain in dogs. Over time, this can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), a potentially life-threatening condition.
• High salt content: Dog treats should not be too high in salt. Too much salt can affect water retention and lead to bladder stones or kidney stones. Plain dry almonds do not have any salt, but the coating on seasoned almonds contains a large amount of sodium, which can cause salt toxicity in canines.
• Choking hazard: Almonds, whole or in pieces, can be choking hazards and lead to blockages in the windpipe or esophagus. In rare cases, they can cause intestinal obstruction, particularly in smaller dogs.
• Gastrointestinal distress: If your dog eats too many almonds, you can expect them to experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Far worse gastrointestinal symptoms can ensue if your dog eats raw bitter almonds—a type of almond that is toxic to both humans and canines when uncooked—or almonds coated with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Some almonds contain a type of mold called aspergillus, which can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system.
• Almonds, almond milk, and almond butter are bad for a dog’s health. Keep them out of your dog’s diet lest they develop a fondness for the taste of almonds. Some reasons to keep almonds away from dogs include:
• High fat content: The fat found in almonds and similar nuts like pistachios can cause weight gain in dogs. Over time, this can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), a potentially life-threatening condition.
• High salt content: Dog treats should not be too high in salt. Too much salt can affect water retention and lead to bladder stones or kidney stones. Plain dry almonds do not have any salt, but the coating on seasoned almonds contains a large amount of sodium, which can cause salt toxicity in canines.
• Choking hazard: Almonds, whole or in pieces, can be choking hazards and lead to blockages in the windpipe or esophagus. In rare cases, they can cause intestinal obstruction, particularly in smaller dogs.
• Gastrointestinal distress: If your dog eats too many almonds, you can expect them to experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Far worse gastrointestinal symptoms can ensue if your dog eats raw bitter almonds—a type of almond that is toxic to both humans and canines when uncooked—or almonds coated with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Some almonds contain a type of mold called aspergillus, which can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system.

Certain nuts—including macadamia nuts, pecans, and black walnuts—are poisonous to dogs. They can cause gastrointestinal upset, difficulty breathing, aflatoxin poisoning, and even death. Almonds are not nearly as dangerous, but expect them to cause an upset stomach. If you suspect your dog has consumed a large quantity of almonds, contact your veterinarian or poison control.

Dogs can eat cashews and peanuts, which are technically legumes, not nuts. If you need to give your dog a hearty snack, offer it a spoonful of unsalted peanut butter. Take note that peanuts and cashews are also high in fat and must only be offered as an occasional treat.

Certain human foods and beverages can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these items to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.