Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?

Updated 24/04/2024

Packed with fiber and antioxidants and popular for their nutty aroma, it's no wonder macadamia nuts are so popular amongst us humans, especially in the baking world. And with curious, twitching snouts by your side, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat macadamia nuts? Or should the nutty morsels be avoided when it comes to canine snacking? Well sadly for your snack-hungry hound, macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs, and can cause a variety of nasty symptoms if ingested. In fact, your furry friend eating macadamia nuts is an emergency, so contact your vet immediately if you think they've managed to eat something they shouldn't have. Otherwise, read on to find out more on why macadamia nuts and dogs are bad news.

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Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?

So can dogs eat macadamia nuts at all, or are they straight-up toxic to dogs no matter how they're prepared? It's the latter, sadly. Eating even one macadamia nut can cause a variety of horrid (yet avoidable) symptoms in your pooch. So, if you suspect your pup has taken a nibble of a macadamia nut or three, contact your vet immediately for advice. When it comes to products seriously toxic to dogs, the sooner you seek medical help, the better. And aside from toxicity, macadamia nuts could easily lodge themselves in your pup's throat, so not only are the nuts seriously poisonous to dogs, they also pose a serious choking hazard. Macadamia products are also dangerous to dogs – watch out for them in baked goods and trail mixes.

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Why are macadamia nuts bad for dogs?

So now we've settled the question - can dogs have macadamia nuts - (it's a hard no), just why are they so bad for our furry friends? Well unlike many other foods toxic to dogs, the reason macadamia nuts are so bad for our canine pals is unknown. One thing we are sure of though, is that you'll need to keep your macadamia nut jar well out of paw's reach to avoid your pup suffering from the range of nasty symptoms associated with eating the nuts.

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What to do if your dog eats macadamia nuts

If somehow your furry friend managed to get their paws on your macadamia nut jar, don't wait for symptoms to arise before contacting your vet. If you can, try to find out how many macadamia nuts were eaten by your doggo and when. This will help your vet to decide on the severity of the toxicity and the treatment your pooch needs. If you're unsure, be sure to call them anyway and you'll be advised on the best course of action for your furry friend. 

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Symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning in dogs

So as we’ve mentioned, don’t wait for your pooch to display symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning before you contact your vet. Instead, contact them immediately and simply have an idea of the symptoms to look out for, just so that you’re a clued-up pet parent. 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Tremors
• Fever
• Shaking
• Ataxia
• Weakness
• Hyperthermia
• Depression 

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Other nuts

So, macadamia nuts and dogs certainly aren't friends. But what about other nuts? Are they safe for canine consumption? We advise taking it on a case by case basis, checking whether each nut is safe for your pooch. One thing to be aware of with all nuts though is that they pose a serious choking hazard to dogs, so always chop them small enough for swallowing. And if you're worried, instead opt for a peanut butter made especially for dogs - it'll get your pup's tail wagging for sure.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So now we've cleared up your query - can dogs have macadamia nuts - check out the other items on the list of foods dogs can't eat below.

• Pepperoni
• Lime
• Kale (in some cases)