Can dogs eat nuts? A few plain, unsalted peanuts are fine, but most nuts are a poor choice for dogs and some are dangerous. Macadamia nuts are toxic, moldy walnuts and pecans can cause tremors, and nearly all nuts are high in fat, often salted, and the right size to choke on. This chart shows which nuts are OK, risky or toxic, and what to do if your dog ate some.
Mostly better avoided. Plain, unsalted peanuts and xylitol-free peanut butter are the safest choices in small amounts. Macadamia nuts are toxic; black walnuts and moldy nuts are dangerous; almonds, pistachios, pecans and other tree nuts are best skipped. Mixed nuts and trail mix are a common emergency.
Table of Contents
Nut-by-Nut Safety Chart
| Nut | Verdict | Main concern | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peanuts (plain, unsalted) | OK in small amounts | Fat, salt if seasoned | Peanuts |
| Peanut butter (xylitol-free) | OK in small amounts | Xylitol in some brands | Peanut butter |
| Cashews (plain) | Rarely, 1 or 2 | Fat | Cashews |
| Chestnuts (cooked, peeled) | Small amounts | Size; horse chestnuts are toxic | Chestnuts |
| Almonds | Avoid | Hard to digest, choking | Almonds |
| Pistachios | Avoid | Shells, salt, mold | Pistachios |
| Walnuts | Avoid | Mold toxins, black walnuts | Walnuts |
| Pecans | Avoid | Mold toxins, fat | Pecans |
| Hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, pine nuts | Avoid | Choking, fat | – |
| Macadamia nuts | Toxic | Weakness, tremors, fever | Macadamia |
Why Most Nuts Are a Problem
- Fat: most nuts are 45% to 75% fat. Rich snacks can trigger vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
- Size and shape: whole nuts can lodge in a small dog's throat or intestines.
- Salt and seasoning: roasted and flavored nuts often contain lots of salt, garlic or chili.
- Mold: old or damp nuts, especially walnuts and pecans from the ground, can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures.
- Toxic nuts: macadamia nuts cause weakness, tremors and fever in dogs, according to the ASPCA.
The Calorie Problem
| Nut (10 pieces, approx.) | Calories | Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Peanuts | ~60 kcal | ~5 g |
| Almonds | ~70 kcal | ~6 g |
| Cashews | ~90 kcal | ~7 g |
| Pecan halves | ~140 kcal | ~14 g |
| Macadamia nuts | ~200 kcal | ~21 g |
Approximate values from USDA FoodData Central.
A small dog's whole daily treat budget can be about 35 calories. Ten pecan halves is four times that, almost all fat.
Mixed Nuts and Trail Mix
Trail mix is a double hazard. It often combines macadamia nuts with raisins, which can cause kidney failure, and chocolate, which is toxic. If your dog got into trail mix or mixed nuts, call your vet or a poison control line with the ingredient list and your dog's weight. See our raisins guide and dog ate chocolate.
My Dog Ate Nuts. What Now?
- A few plain peanuts or one almond: watch for an upset stomach. Most dogs are fine.
- Macadamia nuts, any amount: call your vet. Signs often start within 12 hours.
- Moldy nuts or nuts from the yard: call your vet now; tremors can start within hours.
- A large amount of any nut: call your vet, especially for small dogs or dogs with a history of pancreatitis.
- Shells: watch for gagging, vomiting or straining.
Don't make your dog vomit unless your vet tells you to. See our veterinary disclaimer.
Safer Crunchy Snacks
- Carrot coins
- Green beans, plain
- Apple slices without seeds
- Homemade peanut butter dog treats
Which nut causes the most problems? Macadamia nuts are toxic, and moldy walnuts or pecans from the yard cause serious tremors. Trail mix with raisins is another common emergency.
Is peanut butter OK? Yes, plain and xylitol-free, in small amounts. Always check the label.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
Nuts and Dogs: Quick Safety Guide
✕ Risky
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy nuts or nuts from the yard
- Trail mix and mixed nuts
- Salted, flavored or shelled nuts
✓ Better swaps
- Plain unsalted peanuts, a few
- Xylitol-free peanut butter
- Carrot coins
- Apple slices without seeds
Call your vet right away if your dog ate macadamias, moldy nuts or trail mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nuts are toxic to dogs?
Macadamia nuts are toxic, and moldy nuts and black walnuts can be dangerous.
What nuts can dogs eat safely?
Plain, unsalted peanuts and xylitol-free peanut butter in small amounts are the safest.
Can dogs eat nuts and seeds?
A few plain, unsalted seeds like pumpkin seeds are fine. Most nuts are best avoided.
Can dogs eat almonds?
It's best not to. They're hard to digest and a choking risk.
Can dogs have nut butters?
Plain, xylitol-free peanut butter is fine. Other nut butters are rich; small licks only.
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat nuts? Most are best skipped. Plain, unsalted peanuts and xylitol-free peanut butter are fine in small amounts, but macadamias are toxic, moldy walnuts and pecans are dangerous, and fat, salt and choking risk make other nuts poor treats. Call your vet if your dog ate macadamias, moldy nuts or trail mix. More answers in our Can Dogs Eat…? library.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- ASPCA — People foods avoid feeding your pets
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central