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Can Dogs Eat Nuts? 20 Types Ranked From Safe to Dangerous

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Mary Nielsen

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Can Dogs Eat Nuts

Can dogs eat nuts and seeds? A few of them, in small amounts. Plain peanuts, peanut butter with no xylitol, cooked sweet chestnuts and a sprinkle of sesame seeds are fine as an occasional treat. Most other nuts are a poor choice for dogs: they are high in fat, easy to choke on and often salted or seasoned. Some are dangerous. Macadamia nuts and black walnuts are toxic to dogs, acorns and horse chestnuts can poison a dog, and any nut that has gone moldy is toxic too.

This guide covers the nut and seed questions dog owners ask us most. The chart comes first, and the details for each food are below it. For other foods, see our guides to which fruits dogs can eat, which vegetables dogs can eat, meat, fish and eggs for dogs, bread, rice, pasta and other grains and sweets and snacks. For everything else, see our main guide to what dogs can and can’t eat.

Our quick take

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  • Fine as an occasional treat: plain, unsalted peanuts out of the shell; peanut butter that contains no xylitol; cooked, peeled sweet chestnuts; a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  • Skip: almonds, pecans and pistachios. One or two that fall on the floor are unlikely to hurt a healthy dog, but they are fatty, easy to choke on and can carry mold, so don’t feed them on purpose.
  • Keep away: acorns, horse chestnuts (also called buckeyes or conkers) and any nuts lying on the ground under a tree.
  • Never: macadamia nuts, black walnuts, moldy nuts of any kind, nut butter sweetened with xylitol, chocolate-covered nuts, and trail mix that contains raisins or chocolate.

Can dogs eat nuts and seeds? The safety chart

FoodVerdictKey note
AcornsToxicContain tannins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea and, in serious cases, kidney or liver damage. They can also choke a dog or block the gut. Call your vet.
AlmondsAvoidNot poisonous, but high in fat, hard to digest and the right size to block a small dog’s throat or gut. Salted and flavored almonds are worse.
ChestnutsIn moderationSweet chestnuts only: cooked, peeled, plain and cut small. Horse chestnuts (buckeyes, conkers) are a different tree and are toxic.
Peanut butterIn moderationFine in small amounts if it contains no xylitol (also called birch sugar). Read the label every time. High in fat and calories.
PeanutsIn moderationPlain, unsalted and out of the shell, a few at a time. No salted, honey-roasted, boiled or chocolate-coated peanuts.
PecansAvoidHigh in fat, and moldy pecans can cause tremors and seizures. The AKC’s chief veterinarian considers pecans toxic to dogs. No pecan pie.
PistachiosAvoidNot toxic, but fatty, usually salted and a choking risk, the shells above all. A few plain, shelled pistachios won’t hurt a healthy dog.
Sesame seedsIn moderationNot toxic. A sprinkle is fine, though dogs get little out of them. Skip sesame oil and salty tahini.

What the verdicts mean: Safe means a healthy treat when prepared as described. In moderation means fine occasionally, with a catch. Avoid means don’t feed it on purpose; the section explains what to do if your dog has already eaten some. Toxic means it can poison a dog, so call your vet if your dog eats it. Looking for macadamia nuts, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or trail mix? They are in the second chart further down.

Five rules for nuts and seeds

  1. Keep it to 10%. Treats of every kind should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, and nuts use that up fast. In PetMD’s table, the common nuts run from about 550 to 700 calories per 100 grams.
  2. Plain, unsalted and out of the shell. The American Kennel Club (AKC) warns that nuts and their hard shells are choking hazards and can block the gut. Salted nuts are a problem too: the ASPCA says too much salt causes increased thirst and urination, and that salt poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures.
  3. Read the label on nut butters and coated nuts. Look for xylitol, chocolate or cocoa, raisins and garlic or onion powder. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says xylitol may also be listed as birch sugar or wood sugar, and that some peanut and nut butters contain it.
  4. Never feed old, moldy or fallen nuts. The AKC explains that once tree nuts fall to the ground they can become moist and grow mold that is toxic to dogs. PetMD adds that the toxins can be present even when you can’t see any mold.
  5. Ask your vet first if your dog has had pancreatitis, is overweight or eats a low-fat or prescription diet. For these dogs, even a small fatty snack can cause trouble.
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Are nuts bad for dogs?

Most nuts aren’t poisonous to dogs, but most aren’t good for them either. The AKC sums it up this way: not all nuts are toxic to dogs, but almost all are high in fat. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists nuts, including almonds, pecans and walnuts, among the people foods to avoid, because their oils and fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, belly pain, dehydration and diarrhea as its most common signs, and notes that Miniature Schnauzers get it more often than other breeds. PetMD’s veterinarian-written guide to nuts adds that pancreatitis usually means a visit to the vet. Size is the other problem. A nut that a Labrador crunches without trouble can lodge in the throat or gut of a small dog, and shells make that more likely.

Nuts and seeds dogs should never eat

  • Macadamia nuts. The ASPCA says macadamia nuts can cause weakness, loss of coordination, depression, vomiting, tremors and a high body temperature in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours, and recovery is expected within 24 to 72 hours. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, dogs have shown signs after eating as little as 2.4 grams of nuts per kilogram of body weight, which is only a few nuts for a small dog. Nobody knows which compound causes it. Merck says most affected dogs recover without specific treatment, but call your vet anyway. Watch for macadamias in cookies, mixed nuts and chocolate-covered candy.
  • Black walnuts. PetMD says black walnuts should never be fed to dogs, and the ASPCA lists the black walnut tree as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA warns that moldy nuts and hulls can cause tremors and seizures.
  • Moldy nuts of any kind. Molds that grow on nuts can produce toxins that cause tremors and seizures. The Merck Veterinary Manual names moldy walnuts and peanuts among the sources, and says signs such as vomiting, tremors and seizures can start within one to two hours. Other molds produce aflatoxin, which damages the liver. The FDA lists sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting and jaundice among the signs of aflatoxin poisoning.
  • Nut butters and spreads sweetened with xylitol. The FDA says a dog’s blood sugar can drop within 10 to 60 minutes of eating xylitol. VCA Animal Hospitals says higher doses can cause liver failure within 24 to 48 hours. See peanut butter below.
  • Chocolate-covered nuts and chocolate nut spreads. Chocolate is toxic to dogs. See chocolate and Nutella in our sweets guide.
  • Trail mix and nut mixes with raisins. The ASPCA says raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even kidney failure. See grapes and raisins in our fruit guide.
  • Acorns and horse chestnuts. Both grow on trees dogs walk under every autumn, and both can poison a dog. See acorns and chestnuts below.
  • Bitter almonds. The ASPCA says bitter almonds contain a cyanide compound and are considered toxic. They are not typically sold in the U.S., but some natural food stores carry them, marked as bitter.
  • Nuts seasoned with garlic or onion powder. Garlic and onion are toxic to dogs, and PetMD warns that coated nuts can also carry dangerously high amounts of salt.

When to call your vet

Call your vet right away, without waiting for symptoms, if your dog eats macadamia nuts, black walnuts, moldy nuts, acorns, horse chestnuts, anything sweetened with xylitol, or nuts mixed with chocolate or raisins. Have the package ready if there is one, and tell the vet what your dog ate, how much, when, and what your dog weighs. Call, too, if your dog eats a large amount of any nut (the AKC’s advice is to call if a dog eats a large container of nuts), or if a small dog swallows a nut in its shell.

Whatever the nut, call if you see any of these signs: gagging or choking, repeated vomiting, diarrhea that lasts more than a day, a painful or swollen belly, weakness or wobbling (especially in the back legs), tremors, seizures, a high temperature, yellow gums or eyes, unusual tiredness or refusing food. Signs of pancreatitis and liver damage can take a day or more to show.

If your vet is closed, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is open around the clock at (888) 426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline is at (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply. Don’t try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Can dogs eat acorns?

No. Acorns contain tannins that can make a dog sick, and they are the right size and shape to choke a dog or block the gut.

Why: The AKC says the tannins in acorns are harmful to dogs, and that dogs that eat acorns may suffer severe stomach upset, kidney failure and sometimes even death. Oak leaves and buds can cause the same poisoning. The AKC calls spring buds and leaves and green autumn acorns particularly dangerous. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that the tannins mainly damage the gut and the kidneys, and that liver damage can occur at higher doses. It notes that dogs can develop kidney failure and liver disease after eating acorns, although in some dogs the only problem is a physical blockage of the intestines.

How serious is it? The references differ on how often dogs are badly poisoned. The AKC and Dogster’s vet-verified guide call acorns toxic to dogs. Hepper’s vet-approved guide, citing the UK’s Veterinary Poisons Information Service, says about a quarter of dogs that eat acorns stay well and that severe poisoning is very uncommon. Dogster says death is very rare but possible. None of them gives a safe number of acorns, so treat it as a reason to call your vet.

A white Scottish terrier sitting on a forest path in autumn beside a few fallen acorns

If your dog ate acorns: Call your vet right away. Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s chief veterinarian, warns that delaying treatment can lead to permanent damage. The AKC also says not to try to make your dog vomit. Tell the vet roughly how many acorns your dog ate, when, and what your dog weighs. Depending on the case, the vet may give fluids, take an X-ray to look for a blockage and run blood tests to check the kidneys and liver.

Watch for: The AKC says symptoms can occur within a few hours and may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain and dehydration. The Merck Veterinary Manual also lists great thirst, heavy urination, blood in the urine and yellowing of the eyes or gums among the signs of oak poisoning in animals.

How to prevent it: Dr. Klein’s advice is to keep your dog on a leash when acorns are falling, to avoid places where the ground is covered with tree nuts, and to teach “leave it” and “drop it”.

Can dogs eat almonds?

No. Almonds aren’t poisonous to dogs, but they aren’t a safe snack either.

Why: The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says sweet almonds, the kind sold for eating in the United States, are not toxic to pets, but that they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and possibly pancreatitis. The AKC’s answer to “can dogs eat almonds?” is no. It warns that almonds can block a dog’s esophagus, intestines or windpipe, especially in small breeds, and that their fat puts dogs at risk of pancreatitis. PetMD’s vet-reviewed guide agrees: almonds aren’t toxic, but they can cause health problems and should be avoided. Its example is a useful one. A Saint Bernard that eats a couple of almonds and isn’t choking is little cause for concern. A Yorkie is a different story.

Almonds to keep away from your dog: Salted, smoked and flavored almonds. The AKC says the spices and flavorings can irritate a dog’s stomach, and that the salt can lead to water retention and, in large amounts, salt toxicity. Chocolate-covered almonds, because chocolate is toxic to dogs. Bitter almonds, which the ASPCA says contain a cyanide compound.

Almond butter and almond milk: PetMD says almond butter is not toxic, but that it can contain salt, sugar or xylitol and is high in fat. A lick as a treat or to hide a pill is fine if the label is clean. As for almond milk, PetMD says a small amount lapped up after a spill is OK, but that it shouldn’t be given as a treat.

If your dog ate almonds: For one or two, the AKC says not to panic: watch your dog for signs of choking or a blockage. If your dog ate more than a few, call your vet or an emergency vet for advice. If your dog got into a whole bag, call at once. PetMD says a vet may decide to induce vomiting if the almonds were eaten within the last 30 minutes or so. That is a decision for the vet, not something to try at home.

Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, gas, loss of appetite, lethargy and general discomfort, which the AKC lists as signs of stomach trouble after almonds. Gagging, retching, bloating or repeated vomiting can mean a blockage and need a vet right away.

Can dogs eat chestnuts?

Yes, sweet chestnuts in small amounts, if they are cooked, peeled and plain. Horse chestnuts come from a different tree and are toxic to dogs.

Why: The ASPCA lists the American chestnut as non-toxic to dogs. Dogster’s vet-verified guide and Hepper’s vet-approved guide both say dogs can eat edible chestnuts in small quantities. Unlike most nuts, chestnuts are low in fat, and both guides note that they contain fiber and potassium. They are still a treat, not a health food.

A Jack Russell terrier in a gray shirt sitting at a table behind a plate of chestnuts

How to serve: Shell the chestnuts, then roast or boil them with no salt, sugar or seasoning, and chop them into small pieces. Dogster says raw chestnuts are harder for dogs to digest. Hepper warns that a dog may swallow a raw chestnut whole, and that it can then lodge in the gut. Never give the shell or the spiky outer husk, and skip candied or chocolate-coated chestnuts.

How much: Neither guide gives a number. Dogster says to feed only a very small amount. Start with one small piece, and keep chestnuts an occasional treat within the 10% rule.

Water chestnuts: These are a water vegetable, not a nut. Hepper and Dogster, in guides reviewed by a veterinarian, say dogs can eat fresh water chestnuts that are peeled, plain and cut into bite-size pieces. Avoid canned ones, which are high in sodium.

Horse chestnuts (buckeyes, conkers): The ASPCA lists horse chestnut and buckeye as toxic to dogs. The toxic compounds are aesculin and other saponins. The signs it lists are severe vomiting and diarrhea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness, wobbliness, seizures and coma. Pet Poison Helpline adds that the seeds can block the bowel if they are swallowed whole. If your dog chews or swallows one, call your vet or a poison line as soon as possible. As VCA Animal Hospitals points out, the roasted chestnuts people eat around the holidays come from a totally different tree.

Watch for: After too many sweet chestnuts, an upset stomach and belly pain. In small dogs, watch for choking.

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

Yes, in small amounts, as long as it contains no xylitol. Check the label every time you buy a jar.

Why: The AKC says most peanut butter is safe for dogs in moderation, and describes it as a source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. The catch is the fat. The AKC warns that too much can lead to obesity and other problems such as pancreatitis, and PetMD’s vet-reviewed guide says the fat and calories limit the role peanut butter can play in a healthy diet.

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The xylitol warning: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs. The FDA says some peanut and nut butters contain it and that it may be listed as birch sugar or wood sugar. According to the FDA, a dog’s blood sugar can drop within 10 to 60 minutes of eating it; VCA Animal Hospitals puts it at 30 minutes to 2 hours and adds that higher doses can cause liver failure within 24 to 48 hours. PetMD names four brands that have sold peanut butter products containing xylitol: Go Nuts Co., Krush Nutrition, Nuts ‘n More and P28 Foods. It says popular brands such as Jif and Skippy typically don’t contain it, but recipes change, so read the ingredients. Be extra careful with jars marked “sugar-free” or “no sugar added”.

How much: PetMD’s starting guide is ½ teaspoon once a day for extra-small dogs (2 to 10 lb), ½ teaspoon twice a day for small dogs (11 to 20 lb), 1 teaspoon once a day for medium dogs (21 to 50 lb), 1 teaspoon twice a day for large dogs (51 to 90 lb) and 1 tablespoon once a day for extra-large dogs (91 lb and over). The AKC doesn’t give spoon sizes; it points to the 10% rule and your vet.

How to serve: Pick a peanut butter with no added salt or sugar. The AKC says unsalted, dog-specific or homemade peanut butter is the healthiest choice. Smooth or crunchy makes no difference to safety. Spread a little inside a hollow rubber toy or on a lick mat, use it as a training reward, or use it to keep your dog busy at bath time. It is also one of the best foods for hiding a pill.

Dogs that should skip it: PetMD says dogs with pancreatitis, or dogs that need a low-fat diet, may need to avoid peanut butter altogether unless a vet approves it. Peanut allergies are rare in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals puts peanut butter allergy at less than 1% of dogs, but it does happen: see our guide to food allergies in dogs.

Watch for: If the peanut butter contained xylitol, call your vet or a poison line right away and don’t wait for symptoms. The FDA lists vomiting, followed by weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures. Signs of an allergy are red, itchy skin, hives, vomiting or diarrhea; swelling of the face or throat is an emergency. After too much ordinary peanut butter, expect an upset stomach.

Can dogs eat peanuts?

Yes, if they are plain, unsalted and out of the shell, a few at a time.

Why: Peanuts are technically legumes, not tree nuts, and PetMD’s vet-reviewed guide says they are not toxic to dogs. The AKC says peanuts are loaded with protein, vitamin B6, vitamin E, niacin and healthy fats. They are also high in fat, and the AKC warns that high-fat foods can cause digestive upset and even pancreatitis.

Which peanuts are OK: The AKC says dry-roasted or raw, unsalted peanuts are the only peanuts that are safe for dogs. PetMD prefers dry-roasted. It explains that raw peanuts grow in hot, humid conditions and can carry aflatoxin, a mold toxin that can cause acute liver failure. Its advice is to buy human-quality, plain, shelled, dry-roasted peanuts and to check the expiration date.

Peanuts to keep away from your dog: Salted peanuts, although the AKC says one or two picked up off the floor will probably be fine. Honey-roasted and other flavored peanuts. Boiled peanuts, which PetMD says usually come with a lot of salt or Cajun-style seasoning and still have their shells on. Chocolate-coated peanuts. Peanuts in the shell: the AKC and PetMD both warn that the fibrous shell can choke a dog, and PetMD adds that it can block the intestines.

How much: PetMD’s serving sizes are one to two peanuts for an extra-small dog (2 to 20 lb), two to three for a small dog (21 to 30 lb), five to six for a medium dog (31 to 50 lb), a handful for a large dog (51 to 90 lb) and a large handful for an extra-large dog (91 lb and over). The AKC is more cautious: just a few peanuts, and not every day.

Watch for: After too many peanuts, PetMD lists decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, fever and lethargy, and says to contact your vet immediately. A true peanut allergy is extremely rare in dogs. PetMD says only one confirmed case has ever been reported.

Can dogs eat pecans?

No. A dropped pecan or two is unlikely to hurt a healthy dog, but pecans shouldn’t be fed on purpose, and moldy pecans are dangerous.

Why: The references agree on the advice and differ on the word “toxic”. Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s chief veterinarian, says pecans are considered toxic because they contain juglone, a compound that is harmful to dogs and can cause digestive upset. PetMD’s vet-reviewed guide says pecans are not toxic to dogs, but that they are hard to digest, high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis. Dogster’s vet-reviewed guide says it could find no scientific evidence for the juglone claim. The ASPCA lists pecans among the nuts whose oils and fats can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis.

They all agree about mold. The AKC says pecans are very susceptible to molds that produce toxins, and that dogs that eat them can have tremors, seizures and other neurological problems. PetMD gives the same warning about moldy pecans. Pecans can also carry aflatoxin, which the AKC says can cause illness or even death in dogs.

A Jack Russell terrier walking past a white bowl of pecans

Pecans to keep away from your dog: Old or moldy pecans, and pecans lying on the ground under a tree. Pecans in the shell: the AKC says the extremely hard shells can cause choking and blockages. Salted and candied pecans. Pecan pie, which PetMD says is not safe for dogs because of the sugar, corn syrup and butter. Sugar-free pecan desserts may contain xylitol.

If your dog ate pecans: PetMD says a small amount of pecan that falls to the floor generally won’t harm a dog. Dr. Klein says that after one or two pieces there should not be a major problem, although the AKC still recommends checking with a vet. Get veterinary care right away if the pecans were moldy, if your dog ate a large amount or swallowed a shell, or if your dog shows any signs of illness.

Watch for: PetMD lists vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, stumbling or lack of coordination, and tremors or seizures. Tremors, wobbling or seizures after any old or moldy nut are an emergency.

Can dogs eat pistachios?

Better not. Pistachios aren’t toxic to dogs, and a few plain, shelled ones won’t hurt a healthy dog, but they make a poor treat.

Why: The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says pistachios are not really toxic to animals, but that eating a large number is likely to cause stomach upset and possibly pancreatitis, and that pistachios eaten with the shell on can block the intestines. The AKC’s advice is to avoid feeding them. Its chief veterinarian, Dr. Jerry Klein, notes that the nut is high in fat and salt and can cause stomach problems in some dogs. PetMD’s vet-reviewed guide says pistachios are not toxic and that a dog that eats a few should be OK. It also lists the drawbacks: they are high in fat and calories, they are often salted, and they can choke a dog or cause a blockage with or without the shell.

Mold is the other risk. PetMD says aflatoxin can grow on pistachios and can be present even when no mold is visible. The AKC adds that pistachios contain urushiol, the compound found in poison ivy, and may cause an allergy-like reaction in some dogs. The other references we checked don’t mention this.

Pistachios to keep away from your dog: Pistachios in the shell, and the empty shells. The AKC says to put shells in a trash can your dog can’t get into. Salted and flavored pistachios. Old or moldy ones. Pistachio ice cream and desserts: PetMD calls pistachio ice cream very unhealthy for dogs and warns that some ice cream contains xylitol or chocolate.

If you do share: Treat PetMD’s serving sizes as upper limits: one pistachio for an extra-small dog (2 to 20 lb), two for a small dog (21 to 30 lb), three to four for a medium dog (31 to 50 lb), five to six for a large dog (51 to 90 lb) and a small handful for an extra-large dog (91 lb and over). They must be plain, unsalted and out of the shell.

Watch for: Vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, lethargy or loss of appetite. Call your vet if your dog ate a lot of pistachios, swallowed shells or shows any of these signs. PetMD says the signs of aflatoxin poisoning include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, yellow eyes or gums, and unexplained bruising or bleeding.

Can dogs eat sesame seeds?

Yes, a small sprinkle is fine. Sesame seeds aren’t toxic to dogs, but they don’t do much for them either.

Why: We found no ASPCA, AKC or PetMD guide to sesame seeds, so this section relies on two vet-reviewed guides. Dogster’s vet-verified guide says small amounts of sesame seeds are generally considered safe for dogs, that there is no evidence they are toxic, and that there is little to no research showing they benefit dogs. Hepper’s vet-approved guide says sesame seeds are not toxic, that they often pass through a dog undigested, and that they won’t help your dog in any significant way.

How to serve: Neither guide gives a measured amount. Both say small amounts, now and then. The seeds on a burger bun or bagel are nothing to worry about. As Hepper points out, the bread is the bigger issue. If you want to add sesame seeds to food, start with a pinch.

What to skip: Sesame oil. Dogster says there is no reason to offer it. Go easy on tahini (sesame paste) too. Dogster’s vet-verified guide says tahini isn’t toxic, but that it is very high in fat and calories and that store-bought tahini is salty. Hummus is usually made with garlic, which is toxic to dogs.

Watch for: Hepper says large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, gas and belly pain. It also notes that sesame seeds are high in fat, so they are best avoided for dogs with health problems such as a history of pancreatitis. Dogster says some dogs can develop an allergy to sesame or other seeds; see our guide to food allergies in dogs.

Other nuts and seeds at a glance

These foods don’t have their own section in this guide yet. Here is the short version from the references listed below. The five rules above apply to all of them.

FoodVerdictKey note
Macadamia nutsToxicEven a few can cause weakness (especially in the back legs), vomiting, tremors and a high temperature, usually within 12 hours. Most dogs recover within one to three days, but call your vet right away. See the list above.
Black walnutsToxicNever feed them. The ASPCA lists black walnut as toxic to dogs, and moldy nuts and hulls can cause tremors and seizures. Keep dogs away from walnuts lying under trees.
Walnuts (English)AvoidNot toxic when fresh, but fatty, a choking risk and quick to grow mold. The AKC says it is best to avoid them altogether. A moldy walnut is an emergency.
CashewsIn moderationNot toxic. PetMD allows one or two plain, unsalted cashews for a dog under 20 lb and 10 to 12 for a large dog. They are high in fat. Skip mixed nuts, which may contain macadamias.
HazelnutsAvoidNot toxic, but the AKC warns that the extremely hard shells can cause choking and blockages. Chocolate hazelnut spread is another matter: see Nutella.
Brazil nutsAvoidNot toxic, but Dogster’s vet-verified guide says they are high in calories and fat, higher in fat than many other nuts, and big enough to choke a dog.
Pine nutsIn moderationThe AKC says small amounts are safe, but pine nuts are high in fat, so keep it to a few.
Sunflower seedsIn moderationPlain, unsalted kernels only, never the shells. PetMD’s guide runs from ½ teaspoon for dogs under 10 lb to 2 tablespoons for dogs over 90 lb, two or three times a week.
Pumpkin seedsIn moderationSafe when plain. PetMD says the safest way to feed them is roasted, then ground. No salt or spices. See pumpkin.
Chia seedsIn moderationNot toxic. Hepper’s vet-approved guide says to soak them in water for 5 to 10 minutes first, because dry seeds can stick in a dog’s throat. Small amounts only.
FlaxseedIn moderationGround, processed flaxseed in small amounts. Dogster’s vet-verified guide says never to feed it raw or unprocessed. Ask your vet first, especially if your dog takes medication.
Trail mix and mixed nutsAvoidThe ASPCA warns that many trail-mix ingredients are toxic to pets, including raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts. If your dog ate some, check the bag and call your vet.

Which nut butters can dogs have?

Plain peanut butter is the usual choice. PetMD’s veterinarian-written guide to nuts says a lick of almond butter is also safe as a treat or for giving medication, as long as it has no harmful additives, and its cashew guide allows small amounts of plain cashew butter. Never give macadamia nut butter, and keep chocolate hazelnut spread away from dogs. Whichever jar you pick, the same rules apply: no xylitol, no chocolate, little or no added salt and sugar, and only a small amount, because every nut butter is high in fat.

Sources

We checked every verdict in this guide against these veterinary references in October 2026. This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your own veterinarian.

Wondering about other foods? See which fruits dogs can eat, with a chart of 28 fruits, which vegetables dogs can eat, with a chart of 29 vegetables, meat, fish and eggs for dogs, with a chart of 25 foods, bread, rice, pasta and other grains, with a chart of 22 foods, sweets and snacks, with a chart of 20 foods, and dairy, with a chart of 18 foods. For spices, drinks and everything else, start with our main guide to what dogs can and can’t eat.

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