Almonds are a tasty snack but can dogs eat almonds? In this comprehensive guide, we are covering everything you need to know about dogs and almonds.
Pet parents know the glaring star of a pup wanting their food. You can feel the looks from a mile away! Which, when is your dog ever a mile away from you when you have food (if you know you know)?
Dogs will follow you to the bathroom, watch TV when you do, and expect to have your food when you do. This is even true with foods you’re pretty sure your dog won’t like. Spinach, apples, almonds, if they see it, they want it. But, can dogs eat almonds?
In the end, it’s a nut, and most nuts aren’t recommended for dogs. Besides, they’re small, so they can be a choking hazard. But, let’s discuss more because there are some forms dogs can eat.
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat almonds. Generally, dogs’ digestive systems are much more sensitive than ours. While we can digest nuts and similar foods safely, we can’t say the same about dogs. Their digestive system doesn’t perform well with nuts.
Almonds can cause gastric intestinal distress, and it may result in stomach discomfort. Plus, this isn’t limited to salted nuts. Unsalted almonds can cause them distress, too, along with chocolate-covered, sugar-coated, and seasoned almonds.
Aside from the health risks, almonds are a choking hazard for dogs. Their small size can cause them to get stuck in the dog’s mouth. Their hard shell can also hurt the dogs’ throats. They’ll likely obstruct the digestive system, which can further complicate the condition.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Almonds?
Almonds are harmful to dogs because their digestive systems can’t digest them properly. They’ll cause diarrhea, gastric discomfort, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Some dogs also encounter lethargy.
Moreover, almonds are high in fat. Consuming large amounts of them can cause pancreatitis, which needs medical attention.
Flavored almonds, in particular, will irritate the dog’s stomach more because of the spices in them. Plus, the high content of salt can eventually lead to water retention.
All that said, the biggest risk associated with eating almonds remains obstruction. Their small size makes them prone to getting stuck in the dog’s system. They can clog up the windpipe, esophagus, or intestines. The risk becomes even higher in small breeds.
Needless to say, such obstructions can lead to fatal consequences, and they may need surgery.
Can Dogs Eat Almond Flour
Almond flour is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. It makes a great base for dog meatballs or homemade dog treats.
Other Nuts That Dogs Can’t Eat
Almonds aren’t the only nuts that your dog should avoid. There’s an array of other nuts that are unsafe, as well. Here’s an overview of the most common ones.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are similar to almonds in the sense that they cause choking and intestinal obstruction. Even if they’re uncoated and unsalted, they pose a health risk.
Hazelnuts are healthier than almonds, so they may not irritate the dog’s stomach when he devours a couple. However, their size still poses a risk, especially since dogs may eat them whole without chewing them.
Cashews
When raw, cashews contain some toxins—similar to the ones found in poison ivy. So, they’re not safe for dogs to eat, especially because they also contain a lot of fats. Of course, similarly to almonds and hazelnuts, their size makes them prone to getting stuck.
Conclusion
Nuts aren’t the best option for dogs. They’re too small, and dogs tend to eat them without chewing. So they can easily get stuck in their throats and intestines. It’s better to find healthier alternatives.