Can dogs eat pecans?

Updated 29/04/2024

The ultimate topper to a sweet glazed tart or rich coffee cake, pecans certainly have their place in the world of baking and snacking. And as nutrient-dense little morsels for us humans, we wouldn't be surprised if you've been tempted to share a taste with your furry friend. But can dogs eat pecans? Or are pecans toxic to dogs? Well sadly, your pooch won't be sampling your famous pecan pie anytime soon. Pecans prepared in any form are highly toxic to dogs, so they should never feature in the canine diet. Take a look below to find out more about why pecans and dogs simply don't mix.

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Are pecans poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat pecans even in small amounts, or are pecans toxic to dogs full stop? Well it's the latter, unfortunately. Like their nutty cousins - walnuts - pecans contain a compound that's highly toxic to dogs called juglone. If ingested, it causes a nasty reaction in your pup's gastrointestinal system, quickly resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. And if you're wondering how many pecans are toxic to dogs, well it doesn't take a lot, so keep reading to find out what to do if you think your furry friend has eaten pecans.

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Why are pecans bad for dogs?

So now we've settled the question - can dogs eat pecans - let's take a closer look at why pecans are just so bad for dogs. As we've mentioned, the primary reason your pooch shouldn't be putting their paws anywhere near the pecan jar is due to the compound juglone that resides in the nuts. Eating as little as two pecans could cause a range of nasty gastrointestinal symptoms, depending on your dog's size, so always be careful with where you leave your pecans.

Aside from the fact that they contain a compound toxic to dogs, pecans (like many nuts) are prone to growing a mold that produces aflatoxins. These are highly toxic to dogs and can result in symptoms such as vomiting and jaundice. For a full list of the symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning in dogs, take a look below.

And as you'll probably already know, pecans are incredibly high in fat which, while standard in the world of nuts, is bad news for dogs. Consuming such a high fat product on a regular basis could lead to not only weight gain and obesity, but also a condition called pancreatitis. It's the inflammation of the pancreas caused by ingesting fatty foods and requires attention from a vet as soon as symptoms arise.

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What to do if your dog eats pecans

So, now you know that pecans are seriously bad news for dogs, you'll need to get clued-up on what to do if you find you pooch tucking into your stash. So are pecans safe for dogs in small amounts? Or should you still worry, even if one or two were ingested? Well while one pecan is unlikely to cause the breadth of nasty symptoms below, we still advise contacting your vet immediately for advice and potentially treatment if your pup has started having a reaction or simply taken a nibble.

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Symptoms of toxicity from eating pecans

As we’ve mentioned, pecans contain the compound juglone which is toxic to dogs, and they grow a mold that produces mycotoxins, which are also toxic to dogs. While your first port of call should always be your vet, take a look at the symptoms of pecan toxicity in dogs below, just so that you’re aware of the signs to look out for.

Symptoms of juglone poisoning in dogs

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and discomfort

Symptoms of mycotoxin poisoning in dogs

• Lack of energy
• Jaundice
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding

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Other pecan products

So can dogs eat pecans if they're cooked in a particular way? And are pecans good for dogs in any way, shape or form? Well sadly, the risks far outweigh any potential health benefits, so we don't advise feeding your pup pecans of any form, even in the smallest of amounts.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So, now we’ve cleared up the question - can dogs have pecans and we know that pecans and dogs are frankly a match made in pup hell, take a look below for more foods dogs can't eat.

• Tuna
• Lemons
• Pistachios

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.