There is no denying that many humans consider almonds to be tasty, nutritious and filling. The reality is, however, that almonds are in many situations inappropriate foods for dogs. If you own a dog, then you should think things over prudently before ever giving your four-legged friend almonds.
Jump Ahead To
Can dogs eat almonds?
While almonds aren’t technically toxic to dogs, they should be avoided for several reasons. Dogs are unable to properly digest almonds, and this can cause gastrointestinal upset. Due to their high fat content, they can also cause pancreatitis, which is a dangerous condition. Due to their size, almonds are also a choking hazard for dogs and can cause obstruction anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Finally, almonds are often salted or flavored and those additional ingredients may be unsafe for your dog to consume.
Health Benefits of Almonds for Dogs
Although almonds can bring on gastrointestinal troubles in dogs, they’re also associated with numerous health advantages. Almonds are brimming with various nutrients and vitamins. Phosphorus, vitamin B2, magnesium, vitamin E and manganese are just numerous examples. These beloved nuts are also brimming with monounsaturated fat. This fat is thought to be one of the most beneficial varieties out there. Since almonds are linked to various possible health perks, there are some people who give them to their dogs in strict moderation. Single almonds tend to be sufficient. Talk to your veterinarian before ever feeding your dogs almonds or anything new and unfamiliar in general.
How to Feed Almonds to Dogs
If you’re thinking about feeding any almonds to your dog, you should do so with ample caution. It can be a smart idea to cut these nuts up into tiny bits beforehand. If you do this, then you can stop any almonds from becoming stuck in your pet’s throat. You can stop any nuts from negatively affecting the digestion process as well. Cutting up nuts is particularly critical for people who own dogs that are notably small. It’s particularly critical for owners who have dogs that aren’t exactly keen on thorough chewing, too.
Refrain from giving your dog almonds that are anything but plain. Nutritious almonds tend to be devoid of salt. Give your dog almonds that are raw and that are free of any sweeteners that are artificial.
Why Almonds Can Be Bad for Dogs
Dogs generally are not able to digest the specific proteins that are inside of almonds. That’s why feeding these nuts to dogs is often problematic. Dogs in many cases have issues eating nuts in general. There is another possible issue that’s connected to dogs and almonds. Almonds are like the majority of nuts out there in that they have substantial fat levels. That’s how they can make some canines vulnerable to pancreatitis, a health issue that calls for prompt veterinary care.
What Foods Can You Give Your Dog Instead of Almonds?
Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans and macadamias are all examples of nuts that often are problematic for dogs. There are different types of nuts, however, that may be better options for them. You may want to consider feeding your pooch peanuts, hazelnuts or cashews. Peanuts are actually legumes. Cashews tend to have softer textures. Hazelnuts that do not have coatings or salt tend to be suitable for many dogs. It isn’t uncommon for owners to give their pets natural peanut butter that’s totally plain, too. Try to look for a peanut butter that doesn’t have salt or sugar added.
Are Dogs Allergic to Almonds?
There are some dogs that may experience allergic reactions any time they consume almonds. Almonds are not considered to be toxic to canines. That’s precisely why people should get veterinary permission before giving almonds to their pets in any amounts. Many individuals opt to feed their dogs standard canine treats and meals exclusively.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Almonds
If you realize that your dog has eaten between one and two almonds in total, monitor him or her cautiously for indications of obstruction or intestinal woes. If you observe anything out of the ordinary, notify your veterinarian immediately. If your pet takes in substantial amounts of almonds, alert your veterinarian to that fact without a second of delay.
Conclusion
While almonds can bring on gastrointestinal difficulties in many canines, small amounts of them are sometimes acceptable. Talk to your veterinarian before making any decisions about almonds and your dog.