The Dangers of Nuts and Seeds to Dogs

Posted by Oreo the Labrador on Sat, Oct 1, 2022

Nuts and seeds are a popular snack among humans, but did you know that they can be dangerous for dogs?

While some nuts and seeds are safe for dogs to consume, others can cause serious health issues.

This article will discuss the potential dangers of nuts and seeds to dogs, the symptoms to watch out for, and how to treat and prevent them.

What are Nuts and Seeds?

Nuts are the hard-shelled, edible fruits of certain plants, while seeds are the fertilized, embryonic plants contained within the hard shell of a nut or fruit.

Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, and are commonly enjoyed as a snack.

The Dangers of Nuts and Seeds to Dogs

While some nuts and seeds are safe for dogs to eat, others can be dangerous and even toxic to them. This is because some nuts and seeds contain substances that can be toxic to animals, including dogs.

The most common dangerous nuts and seeds for dogs include

  • macadamia nuts
  • walnuts
  • pistachios
  • almonds
  • pecans

These nuts and seeds contain a type of toxin known as persin, which can be toxic to animals, including dogs.

In addition to the risk of toxins, nuts and seeds can also pose a choking hazard to dogs. Nuts and seeds are small and hard, and can easily become lodged in a dog’s throat if they are not chewed properly.

Symptoms of Nuts and Seeds Poisoning

If your dog has ingested a toxic nut or seed, they may display a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms of nuts and seeds poisoning in dogs include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Weakness
  • Muscle tremors
  • Increased thirst
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased heart rate
  • Difficulty breathing

If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment and Prevention

If your dog has ingested a toxic nut or seed, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

Treatment may involve inducing vomiting to remove any remaining nuts or seeds from the stomach, or administering medications to reduce the symptoms.

In order to prevent nuts and seeds poisoning in dogs, it is important to keep all nuts and seeds out of reach of your dog.

It is also important to avoid feeding your dog any nuts or seeds, as even those that are not toxic can still pose a choking hazard.


Nuts and seeds can be dangerous for dogs, as some contain toxins that can cause serious health issues.

If your dog has ingested a toxic nut or seed, it is important to seek medical attention right away. To prevent nuts and seeds poisoning in dogs, it is important to keep all nuts and seeds out of reach of your dog, and to avoid feeding them any nuts or seeds.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your dog stays safe and healthy.