The only truly toxic nut to dogs is the macadamia nut, but nuts can pose a variety of other risks. For example, many types of nuts can grow molds or other toxins that can be a concern for dogs. Mycotoxins are a concern for walnuts, pecans and a few others like almonds.
Common toxic foods for dogs
Almonds are bad for dogs because they're difficult to digest and can cause stomach upset. Call a veterinarian immediately if your dog is choking, vomiting repeatedly, has severe diarrhea, or shows signs of stomach pain after eating almonds. Small dogs who have eaten multiple almonds face higher risks.
Cashews are not toxic to dogs but can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea if eaten in large amounts. Symptoms include stomach discomfort, lethargy, or allergic reactions like itching. Avoid feeding cashews regularly due to high fat content, which may lead to pancreatitis.
Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr. Klein.
Never, ever feed your dog any of these:
Key Takeaways. Dogs can eat plain, shelled, unsalted pistachios in very small amounts. Pistachios are not toxic but may cause digestive issues, especially if eaten with shells or seasonings. High fat content means pistachios should be an occasional treat, not a regular part of your dog's diet.
Which Nuts Are Safe for Dogs to Eat? Peanuts, which are technically in the legume family, are safe for dogs in very small quantities, as long as they are unsalted and unseasoned. Cashews are also reportedly safe in small quantities, but both cashews and peanuts are too high in fat to make regular treats.
There's no single "number one" food, but chocolate, grapes/raisins, and foods containing the artificial sweetener xylitol are among the most dangerous and common toxic items, causing issues from vomiting and seizures to kidney failure or death; other major threats include onions/garlic, alcohol, and fatty/cooked bones that can splinter. Always contact your vet immediately if your dog eats anything suspicious.
Chicken, beef, turkey, venison – the list goes on. They all contain proteins and vitamins, plus your pup will go head over paws for their flavours too. If you're giving a bit of meat as a treat, always offer it cooked, but avoid adding condiments or seasoning.
Yes, in small amounts, dogs can eat plain, raw—or dry roasted—peanuts that have been shelled. Make sure they don't have any salt or other seasonings, or coatings like chocolate, xylitol, or nutmeg—which are all toxic to dogs.
And the answer, according to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, is about a handful, approximately 1 oz or 20-23 almonds. The USDA says that 1 oz of almonds contain about 164 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 3.5 grams of dietary fiber.
The clinical signs seen vary based on the amount of chocolate ingested and the dog's size but may occur within 2-12 hours after ingestion. Clinical signs can last 12-36 hours, sometimes longer in severe toxicities. The signs of chocolate toxicity may include the following: Vomiting.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
Dogs should not eat grapes, raisins, currants (can cause kidney failure), avocados (persin toxin), cherries, plums, peaches, apricots (pits/seeds contain cyanide & are choking hazards), or citrus fruits like lemons/limes (cause stomach upset). Also avoid the green parts of tomatoes and wild berries, and be cautious with seeds/pits from many fruits due to cyanide and obstruction risks.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
Dogs should not eat onions, garlic, leeks, and chives (Allium family) as they cause anemia; avocados due to potential toxicity and blockage from pits; green parts of tomatoes and potatoes, and unripe tomatoes as they contain toxic solanine; and corn cobs which are a choking/blockage hazard, though cooked corn kernels are fine in moderation. Wild mushrooms are also a major risk, and some sources suggest limiting peas due to links with heart disease.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means that 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, chews, and table scraps, preventing weight gain and ensuring proper nutrition. This guideline helps owners manage treat portions, preventing unbalanced diets and health issues like obesity, joint problems, and diabetes, as treats can be surprisingly high in calories, even healthy ones.
Metaldehyde poisoning is extremely serious and is usually fatal without urgent treatment. Metaldehyde is the most common known cause of dog deaths in cases referred to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).
Three toxic types of meat for dogs include fatty, processed meats (like bacon, sausage, ham) due to salt/fat causing pancreatitis and sodium issues; seasoned meats with onions/garlic (allium) that damage red blood cells; and cooked bones, which splinter and cause internal damage or blockages, potentially requiring surgery. Raw meats can also carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
The only truly toxic nut to dogs is the macadamia nut, but nuts can pose a variety of other risks. For example, many types of nuts can grow molds or other toxins that can be a concern for dogs. Mycotoxins are a concern for walnuts, pecans and a few others like almonds.
It is characterized by vomiting, weakness, hyperthermia, and CNS depression. No specific treatment is typically required because clinical signs generally are mild and self-limiting; dogs with more severe clinical signs may benefit from administration of IV fluids, analgesics, or antipyretics.
Toxic food for dogs
Almonds are a great snack for humans. But, can dogs eat almonds? The answer is no. While almonds might not be as as toxic as some nuts, they are one of those foods that dogs can't easily digest.
Apart from the risk of stomach upset and intestinal obstruction, walnuts can be toxic to dogs. The high moisture content of walnuts makes them quite susceptible to developing mold and fungi. Some fungi that grow on walnuts produce toxins called mycotoxins, which can be carcinogenic or cause tremors and seizures.