Updated 13/09/2024
Can dogs eat almonds?
No, dogs shouldn’t be eating almonds, but don’t panic if your pup managed to nab one or two plain nuts while your head was turned. While almonds aren’t toxic to dogs, our furry friends have a hard time digesting nuts. For dogs, eating almonds can result in gas, diarrhea, appetite loss and vomiting - not to mention the serious choking hazard they pose.
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Are almonds poisonous to dogs?
Almonds themselves don't contain any toxic compounds for dogs, unlike alliums and apricot pits. Despite this, mold can easily grow on almonds which can be serious for your pooch if they become exposed to the aflatoxins produced by it. For more on this, take a look below as we explore symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning in dogs.
Related article: Can dogs eat pecans?
Symptoms of aflatoxin toxicity
Raw almonds can grow a mold called Aspergillus, which can give off aflatoxins that cause very serious symptoms if your pooch is exposed. If your pup experiences any of these symptoms after ingesting almonds, call your veterinarian immediately:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Reduced appetite.
- Lethargy.
Aflatoxin can also cause jaundice and liver failure.
Related article:Can dogs eat blackberries?
Why are almonds bad for dogs?
Almonds are on the tougher side, which makes them difficult to digest for dogs. Due to their shape and hard texture, they pose a pretty serious choking hazard for dogs - our furry friends aren’t the most vigilant when it comes to chewing their food, after all!
Once they reach a dog’s gastrointestinal system, they're likely to cause gas, diarrhea, appetite loss, and vomiting as almonds can't be properly digested by your dog's stomach.
Another hazard caused by almonds for dogs is gastrointestinal obstruction - those hard morsels can easily get lodged in dogs’ intestinal systems, and the risk is even greater for smaller dogs.
Aside from the physical risks posed by almonds for dogs, they’re also super high in fat, so regular ingestion could cause weight gain and a whole host of other health problems.
Related article:Can dogs eat peas?
What to do if your dog eats almonds
If your pup somehow managed to eat one or two plain almonds, then there's no need to panic. If however, your dog has eaten a significant amount, you should contact your vet immediately for advice and potential treatment.
If your pup has eaten almonds and they’re displaying signs of gastrointestinal obstruction (vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, bloating, whining, constipation or nausea), get in touch with your vet.
Related article: Can dogs eat pickles?
Other nut products
Now that we're clear on the query - can dogs eat almonds - what about almonds for dogs if they're made into some sort of product? Take a look below as we explore a few common questions on dogs and almonds.
Can dogs eat almond butter?
Dogs can have almond butter as an occasional treat, but don’t make a habit of it. Almonds are hard for dogs to digest, and they’re super high in fat, so should never be a regular occurrence in your dog’s diet and when given, should only be in very small amounts.
Can dogs eat almond flour?
Unlike the nuts themselves, almond flour can be safe for dogs, and is sometimes an ingredient used in homemade dog treats. With that said though, dogs should never eat large quantities of almond flour.
Can dogs eat raw almonds?
Raw almonds can be harmful for dogs, as they’re prone to growing a mold which produces aflatoxins. So, steer clear of feeding dogs whole almonds altogether, and especially raw almonds.
Can dogs have almond extract?
Almonds can be hard for dogs to digest, so there’s no need to add any amount of almond extract into their food - your pooch certainly won’t be missing out.
Related article:Can dogs eat asparagus?
Meet our veterinary expert, Emma
This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.
Other foods that are not safe for dogs
So, now we know that almonds and dogs really don't mix, what other foods can't dogs eat? Take a look below to find out about other common foods unfit for canine consumption.
