Can Dogs Eat Hazelnuts? 4 Risks of Hazelnuts

Most dogs can consume small portions of hazelnuts without repercussions; however, the potential risks of feeding your dog hazelnuts likely outweigh the benefits. While these nuts contain essential vitamins and nutrients, they are also large and difficult to digest for old and small dogs, making them a choking hazard or a potential blockage.

As a supplement to a commercial dog food or enhancement to your dog’s diet, hazelnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids that might help to improve canine hearth health and help boost a dog’s immunity. Be aware, however, the high fat content in hazelnuts could contribute to weight gain and related health issues if your dog eats a large number of them.

While hazelnuts do contain essential vitamins and minerals that a dog’s body needs, they also pose several risks that ultimately outweigh any potential benefits. Learn the common risks of feeding your pet hazelnuts and contact your dog’s veterinarian if symptoms last for more than a few days.

1. 1. Allergic reaction: All human foods risk triggering an allergic reaction in dogs, but nuts are more likely to cause severe side effects. Common side effects of an allergic reaction to nuts include itchiness, swelling, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. 2. Constipation: The large outer shell of hazelnuts can pose a severe choking hazard. Additionally, if your dog swallows a whole hazelnut, the external coating and the thickness of the shells will make it a challenge for your pet to digest. Undigested hazelnuts can form an intestinal blockage in your pet’s digestive tract. While a dog will typically pass a minor intestinal obstruction, a larger one could lead to your dog developing severe constipation, which itself can lead to dehydration and other complications.
3. 3. Gastrointestinal upset: An ordinary risk of feeding nuts to your dog is digestive issues and gastrointestinal upset. Common symptoms of stomach upset include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. 4. Pancreatitis: Large quantities of hazelnuts or other fatty legumes, such as Brazil nuts, will put your dog in a caloric surplus. Eventually, your dog could develop obesity, which can put extra stress on your pet’s joints and pancreas.

Nuts and legumes pose unique risks to dogs. Large nuts like hazelnuts and Brazil nuts are potential choking hazards. A mold called juglone commonly grows on nuts and is hazardous to dogs because it contains tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause seizures. Even small amounts of black walnuts, hickory nuts, pecans, and other nuts can release these mycotoxins into your pet’s system.

Additionally, commercial peanut butter and other nut butters often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Small doses of xylitol can cause severe liver damage, while large amounts can lead to dangerous health conditions. Raw chestnuts, raw cashews, and macadamia nuts also contain high concentrations of toxins that could harm your canine companion.

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

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