Can Dogs Eat Walnuts? Why Walnuts Are Unsafe for Dogs

There are two common types of walnuts available in grocery stores: black walnuts and English walnuts. Both types 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.

In addition to the effects of these harmful compounds, walnuts can cause other health issues in dogs. Their high fat content could lead to excessive weight gain, obesity, or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Whole walnuts pose a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage. Intestinal obstruction could lead to an upset stomach and harm your dog’s digestive system. Furthermore, processed walnut products may contain coatings or flavorings containing artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Walnuts contain a high level of healthy fats and antioxidants that deliver numerous health benefits to humans. However, the risk is not worth the reward when it comes to feeding walnuts to your dog. A small quantity of walnuts is unlikely to harm your dog. However, you should avoid feeding a large quantity of walnuts to your dog. If you have a walnut tree in your yard, take special care to keep your dog from eating any part of the tree, including the roots, leaves, and walnuts.

Walnuts contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs, including juglone and tremorgenic mycotoxins. The side effects can range in severity. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms after eating walnuts, seek veterinarian care immediately: upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, panting, excessive salivation, increased heart rate, fever, tremors, seizures, weakness, and confusion.

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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