Can Dogs Eat Nuts? 30 Toxic & Safe Nuts List (Vet-Approved)

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat certain nuts in moderation, and some varieties can offer health benefits. However, before adding nuts to your pup’s diet, a few important factors must be considered. While plain, unsalted nuts like peanuts or cashews may be generally safe in small amounts, others, like macadamia nuts, are toxic to dogs. Additionally, many nut preparations—such as those roasted with salt, coated in chocolate, or mixed with xylitol—can be dangerous. What about nut shells or butters? Can too many nuts cause digestive issues or pancreatitis due to their high fat content? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate nuts into your dog’s diet.

Are Nuts Good For Dogs?

Peanuts can be a healthy and nutritious dog treat when given in moderation.

Always ensure you feed plain, unsalted, and unflavored nuts in small amounts. Avoid toxic varieties like macadamia nuts and processed nut mixes that may contain harmful additives or coatings. Also, steer clear of nut shells, which can be difficult to digest and pose a choking hazard.

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Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Nuts to Dogs

Feeding nuts to dogs is generally discouraged due to a range of health risks and safety concerns. While some nuts are less dangerous than others, even those considered “safe” should only be given in strict moderation and with careful preparation. Here are the key risks and considerations:

Are Dogs Allergic to Nuts?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to nuts.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Nuts

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining nuts or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Nuts to Dogs

When feeding nuts to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

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As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust. 

Best Nut-Based Dog Food

If you’re looking to incorporate nuts into your dog’s diet and take advantage of their protein, healthy fats, and micronutrient benefits, consider The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Grain Free Veggie, Nut & Seed Base Mix. This wholesome formula features a blend of nutritious ingredients like almonds, coconut, and flaxseed, along with vibrant vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach, and pumpkin. Designed to be mixed with your choice of protein, this base mix supports digestion, skin health, and overall vitality, making it an ideal choice for dogs on a grain-free, whole-food diet.

Best Nut Dog Treat

For those who want to offer the benefits of nuts in a tasty, wholesome form, Shameless Pets Soft-Baked Dog Treats, Pumpkin Nut Partay deliver a delicious and nutrient-packed snack. Made with real peanut butter and pumpkin, these soft-baked treats combine plant-based protein, healthy fats, and digestive-friendly fiber to support gut health, energy levels, and coat condition—perfect for dogs who love a nutty, flavorful bite.

How Much Nuts Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like dog-safe nuts. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning nuts based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	½–1 plain nut or a small amount of nut butter (½ tsp)	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	1–2 plain nuts or 1 tsp nut butter	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	2–3 plain nuts or up to 1½ tsp nut butter	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	3–4 plain nuts or 1–2 tsp nut butter	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	4–5 plain nuts or up to 1 tbsp nut butter	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Nuts?

Yes, puppies can eat dog-safe nuts (reference list above), but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a small piece of plain, unsalted nut or ¼ teaspoon of xylitol-free nut butter—to see how they react. Feeding too many nuts at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process the high-fat content and fiber. Additionally, nuts without added salt, sweeteners, or preservatives are the best option—avoid flavored, chocolate-covered, or spiced nuts, as these can harm puppies. When introducing nuts or any new food, avoid giving multiple new items on the same day so you can monitor for any food sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a very small portion of a plain, unsalted nut, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system reacts before considering offering more. Always avoid nut shells, which are difficult to digest and may pose a choking hazard.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to nuts that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Nuts can be a nutritious and tasty treat for dogs when offered responsibly. Rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins, certain dog-safe nuts—like peanuts, cashews, and hazelnuts—can support your pup’s overall health in moderation. However, not all nuts are safe, and some, such as macadamia nuts, can be toxic. Always serve nuts plain, unsalted, and in small, age-appropriate portions, especially for puppies or small breeds. By understanding the benefits and risks and following proper feeding guidelines, you can safely incorporate nuts into your dog’s diet as a healthy occasional treat.

Whether you’re introducing nuts or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. And if you’re seeking something more therapeutic to support anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other health concerns, explore the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats for a natural way to help your pup feel their best.

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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.