Can Dogs Eat Pine Nuts? 3 Health Risks of Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. Pine nuts are the edible seeds that are found in the pine cones that grow on certain varieties of pine trees. These small nuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and protein, which can support your dog’s coat, skin, nails, and other organs. Dog owners should feed nuts in small amounts to prevent intestinal obstruction.

There are a few health risks of feeding your dog pine nuts. Consider the following harmful ingredients and adverse effects:

1. 1. Fat: Pine nuts have high fat content, which can be harmful to your dog’s health. Too much fat can cause unhealthy weight gain, upset stomach, and pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas from high-fat consumption. Pistachios, Brazil nuts, and cashews are other nuts with high fat content that should be fed to dogs in moderation.
2. 2. Phosphorus: Pine nuts also contain high levels of phosphorus. This mineral is healthy in small quantities, but too much can adversely affect the urinary tract and cause kidney stones and inflammation.
3. 3. Choking hazard: Pine nuts can be a choking hazard and lead to intestinal blockage, especially if your dog eats rapidly.

To give your pooch pine nuts as an occasional treat, follow these safety guidelines:

1. 1. Avoid seasonings. It’s best to feed your dog raw, shelled pine nuts. Seasonings like onion powder and garlic powder are toxic to dogs.
2. 2. Feed pine nuts in moderation. Depending on your dog’s size, a few pine nuts to a handful is sufficient, every once in a while. Pine nuts should be less than ten percent of your dog’s diet.
3. 3. Be attentive when feeding. Small pine nuts are a choking hazard. Supervise any snacking to prevent choking.

Some kinds of nuts contain toxic compounds and are unsafe for dogs to consume. Pistachios may contain aspergillus mold, which produces aflatoxin, a mycotoxin that can cause liver damage. Pecans, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, English walnuts, and Black walnuts can contain juglone, a compound that is toxic for dogs. Walnuts can also contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, poisonous compounds made by mold and fungi. Ingestion of moldy walnuts containing mycotoxins could lead to severe side effects for your dog, including tremors or seizures.

The following types of nuts are safe for dogs in moderation:

1. 1. Cashews: In small quantities, cashews are safe for dogs. Cashews are a type of tropical nut filled with nutrients, and they can be a healthy snack for your furry friend in moderation.
2. 2. Peanuts: Shelled, raw peanuts are safe for dogs in moderation. Dogs can also eat peanut butter so long as the recipe doesn’t contain xylitol (an artificial sweetener and sugar substitute) or other ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, you should give them peanut butter in moderation—too much poses a problem for pet health in terms of both stomach upset in the short run and obesity in the long run.
3. 3. Chestnuts: Certain types of chestnuts—including the American chestnut, or Castanea dentata—are safe for dogs to eat when cooked and served in small quantities.
4. 4. Pine nuts: Dogs can consume pine nuts in small amounts on occasion as dog treats. Dog owners should be attentive to their pets when eating small pine nuts to prevent choking.

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.

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.