can dogs eat almonds

Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

Dog owners commonly ponder about the toxicity of foods. The questions about the safety of different foods increased after learning that certain foods were toxic which led to a lot of press coverage. The most important foods are Chocolate, Grapes and Raisins, and Peanut Butter. Exposure to the dangers of these foods has encouraged pet owners to ask about other human foods such as can dogs eat bananas. Learn more about what dogs can and can’t eat in this article: The Ultimate Guide to What Dogs Can’t Eat.

Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

An almond is an oval edible nutlike seed that grows in a woody shell from the almond tree. The tree that grows almonds belongs to the rose family and is related to the plum and peach trees. Almonds are grown in warm climates such as western Asia.

Dogs can eat almonds and many love the taste. However, many dogs do not digest them well which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea in some dogs. The fat content in nuts can lead to pancreatitis. Other nuts that dogs can eat but have the same health issues include peanuts and cashews. Nuts that should NOT be fed do dogs are macadamia nuts and black walnuts.

When researching the safety of almonds for dogs, there are two considerations that impact the danger. First is the danger of pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset and second is the risk of choking. Choking hazards are more common in small dogs but can occur in any dog.

The answer to the question, “can dogs eat almonds” is yes. Dogs can eat small amounts of almonds and some dogs enjoy almonds as a healthy snack. However, ingestion of almonds can lead to gastrointestinal issues in some dogs.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Any food can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. What may not cause illness in one dog may create sickness in another dog. The same can happen in people. Some foods that bother some people may not affect others.

The Dangers of Almonds to Dogs

Ingestion of large amounts of almonds can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. If your dog ingested almonds and is showing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, not eating or lethargy, please call your veterinarian or closest emergency clinic.

Do Dogs Need Almonds?

There is nothing in almonds that dogs require. What dogs do need is a high-quality AAFCO approved dog food. Learn more about Nutrition for Dogs.

The Safest Way to Give Almonds to Dogs

The safest way to give almonds to your dog is to offer a small amount of a cut up nut. The almond should be shelled and your dog should be monitored to ensure he/she does not choke.

Can you Give Almond Butter to Dogs?

An extraction from almonds and nuts such as peanut butter or almond butter can be sweetened with xylitol, a sweetener used in many foods, which can be safe for humans but can be toxic to dogs. If your dog ingests almond butter, carefully look at the label to determine if it has sweeteners such as xylitol. If you determine your dog has ingested xylitol, please call your veterinarian immediately. Learn more about Xylitol toxicity in Dogs.

Is Almond Flour, Almond Extract, Almond Oil Toxic to Dogs?

Almond flour, almond extract, and almond oil are not toxic to dogs but many dogs do not digest these products well which can lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. If you determine your dog has ingested any of these products and is showing abnormal symptoms, please call your veterinarian immediately.