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We love our dogs and like to pamper them. But there are certain foods that are not healthy for dogs or can even be dangerous.
Are nuts poisonous to dogs?
Nuts are usually a healthy snack alternative, but whether or not nuts are toxic to dogs depends on the type of nut. Before you feed your dog nuts, you should find out whether your dog is allergic to certain types of nuts. Try a small ground nut and see the reaction. If you do not observe any unusual changes in your dog’s behaviour, you can increase the amount of nuts next time.
If you want to feed your dog nuts, you should always use natural nuts - without salt, sugar and, above all, they need to be peeled. The amount also makes a difference: nuts should only be fed in moderation. Most nut varieties are very high in calories and can promote obesity. In addition, nuts generally have a high phosphorus content, which can be particularly harmful for animals with kidney disease.
Also make sure that the nut pieces are not too big, otherwise they will be excreted whole. It is best to grind the nuts for dogs before feeding them.
What kinds of nuts can dogs eat?
We have put together some nut varieties for you that healthy dogs can enjoy:
Peanuts, particularly rich in minerals
Peanuts are not poisonous for dogs, but they are very rich in fat and contain a lot of histamine, which in some cases can lead to allergies. The nutritious nut also contains minerals such as iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and the trace elements zinc, fluorine, copper and manganese.
However, peanuts should not be fed to dogs with heart or kidney disease. While the particularly high protein content has a negative effect on the kidneys, the fat and magnesium in the nuts also attack the heart.
The high-fat hazelnut
Hazelnuts are safe for dogs and provide your four-legged friend with plenty of protein, calcium, potassium and vitamins. Dogs are very fond of this popular nut and usually tolerate it well. However, hazelnuts are also one of the types of nuts that can cause allergies in dogs. In addition, it is particularly rich in calories and promotes obesity in four-legged friends. Therefore, dogs should only be fed high-fat nuts in moderation.
Almonds for dogs
Almonds are also very high in calories and should not be given to obese dogs as a snack alternative. As a rule, this nut has no negative effects on the health of your four-legged friend, but instead provides it with polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and folic acid. If you want to feed your dog almonds, make sure to only use sweet almonds, because bitter almonds are toxic to dogs. They can even be life-threatening for your four-legged friend, as they contain amygdalin, which is broken down into hydrogen cyanide during the digestive process.
Chestnuts for dogs
Chestnuts are not poisonous for dogs. On the contrary: they supply your darling with lots of important vitamin B (thiamine). This vitamin supports the nervous system and the psyche of your dog and is also essential for a vital coat and healthy skin. Chestnuts can be fed as a regular snack, but always peeled. If the four-legged friend accidentally swallows the nut and shell, it can lead to an intestinal obstruction.
For an additional supply of vitamin B, we recommend brewer's yeast for dogs. The natural product supports the general coat metabolism of dogs and contributes to a shiny and strong coat.
Calcium-rich brazil nuts
Brazil nuts for dogs are a tasty snack between meals. The nuts are not poisonous and contain up to 160 mg calcium per 100 g. Calcium is essential for bone formation, healthy teeth and also to support cell division. Brazil nuts also belong to the high-fat type of nut, so dogs should only consume them in moderation. If you want to meet your dog's calcium needs in a natural way, you can use eggshell powder for dogs. The purely natural powder is a proven calcium supplier and is part of a balanced diet for your dog.
Risk of fungus with walnuts
Walnuts are usually a safe treat for your dog and can be fed occasionally. Walnuts contain lots of polyunsaturated fatty acids, 47 g per 100 g. The popular nuts also provide dogs with potassium and many different vitamins.
But be careful: walnuts and black nuts (the North American relatives of the walnut) can be infected with a mold that develops the poison Roquefortin C. This poison can trigger allergic reactions in dogs and humans and also have a neurotoxic effect, which can lead to muscle cramps. Therefore, feed your dog only with ripe and dried nuts.
Pistachios
Pistachios are also prone to mold if stored for too long. The oily pistachio provides an ideal breeding ground for this powerful poison to develop. It is not easy to tell with the naked eye whether the nuts are infected with mold, so the pistachio harbors a certain danger for both dogs and humans. However, the ingredients in the nut are completely safe for dogs. They contain an extraordinary amount of vitamin B6 and are particularly rich in protein. As an occasional snack, pistachios should be peeled and fed ground.
Beware of macadamia and nutmeg!
Even a small dose of these types of nuts can be toxic to dogs. Consumption causes vomiting, fever and diarrhoea, but it can also affect the nervous system.
With macadamia nuts, as little as 2 g per kg / body weight can lead to symptoms of poisoning in dogs. Nutmeg is also dangerous for four-legged friends; these nuts contain hallucinogens that can lead to nausea, weakness, muscle tremors, disorientation and even death.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat nuts? The answer depends largely on the type of nut. While some nuts such as hazelnuts and brazil nuts can be eaten by dogs without any problems, other types of nuts are better avoided. But even with edible varieties for dogs, you should only feed small amounts to avoid promoting allergies.
