Walnuts or protein-packed legumes are considered suitable for humans, but that doesn’t mean they are ideal for dogs. Humans consume walnuts because they have many nutritional benefits as are a source of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals. Not just this, it assists with cholesterol, cardiac, and neurological disorders. But what about the dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Walnuts
Walnuts are safe in moderation, but other nuts, such as peanuts, are a better option. Walnuts are high in thiamine, folate, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. They are also high in fat which can cause obesity and pancreatitis. Due to their larger size, walnuts can be a choking hazard and can even cause an intestinal obstruction.
Never give moldy walnuts to your dog. Moldy walnuts contain a toxin that can cause neurological symptoms. Black walnuts are also toxic to dogs and can cause tremors and seizures. A dog may become sick chewing on branches from a black walnut tree. If you have a black walnut tree in your yard, keep your dog away from it.
Why Can Walnuts Be Bad For Dogs?
While walnuts are not strictly toxic to dogs, yet they can cause severe gastrointestinal problems including gastrointestinal distress and severe stomach obstructions. Walnuts take a more extended period in a dog’s stomach to break, which is why they might cause blockages. Furthermore, walnuts are pretty simple to choke on.
How to Feed Walnuts to Dogs?
The first thing is always to offer fresh walnuts without mold. Don’t feed walnuts as it is; open the shell and break into pieces, and then give it to your dog. Avoid feeding whole walnuts as it can cause choking. Serving English walnuts is the safest bet.
What Foods Can You Give to Your Dog instead of Walnuts?
There are plenty of other foods you can offer to your dogs instead of walnuts, such as peanut butter, peanuts, cashews, and almonds. You can try these nuts, but excessive amounts of everything are harmful so try to offer them in small quantities. Always consider what you veterinarians do before submitting anything because some dogs are allergic to nuts.
Are Dogs Allergic to Walnuts?
Dogs are generally not allergic to fresh walnuts, but some walnuts have higher water content and can thus begin to develop fungus at any point during their growth phase, from harvesting to store shelves. Some fungus that grows on walnuts contains carcinogenic mycotoxins and tremorgenic mycotoxins that can induce shakes and seizures.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Walnuts?
Keep a watch on the dog if they eat a few walnuts by mistake, do not be frightened. Walnuts, like other nuts, aren’t very beneficial for dogs, but a moderate quantity won’t hurt them. Contact your vet right away if your dog has consumed lots of walnuts, seems to has them stuck in their mouths, or has gastrointestinal problems after eating them.
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