Are macadamia nuts poisonous to dogs?

Yes, genuinely so. Even a small amount can cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting and a raised temperature within around twelve hours, and while it is rarely fatal, it is unpleasant and unpredictable enough that macadamia nuts should never be given to a dog on purpose.

Can dogs eat peanuts?

Plain, unsalted peanuts in small amounts are tolerated by most dogs, since peanuts are technically a legume rather than a tree nut. Avoid salted, flavoured or coated peanuts, and always check any peanut butter for xylitol before offering it.

Can dogs eat almonds or cashews?

They are not classed as toxic, but they are hard to digest, high in fat and a genuine choking hazard whole. A dog who eats a large handful is more at risk of an upset stomach or pancreatitis than any benefit the nuts provide, so they are best left off the menu.

What should I do if my dog eats nuts from the bin?

Work out roughly what and how much if you can, and ring your vet for advice, particularly if macadamia nuts were involved or your dog is small. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or abdominal discomfort over the next day or two either way.

Can dogs eat nuts?

As a rule, no — keep nuts away from your dog. Macadamia nuts are genuinely toxic and can make a dog seriously unwell, and most other nuts are not worth the risk either, between the fat content, added salt, choking hazard and the chance of mould. Plain peanuts, which are technically a legume rather than a tree nut, are the one exception most dogs tolerate in very small amounts.

The short answer, nut by nut

Macadamia nuts are the one to know by name. Even a small amount can cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting and a raised temperature in dogs, usually appearing within half a day of eating them. It is rarely fatal, but it is unpleasant enough, and unpredictable enough by dog and by amount, that macadamia nuts should never be offered on purpose.

Walnuts and pecans are not on the same level as macadamia, but they carry their own problem: they mould easily, and mouldy walnuts in particular can carry toxins that cause tremors and seizures in dogs. Black walnuts specifically are also linked to stomach upset and, less commonly, more serious reactions. Almonds, cashews and pistachios are not classed as toxic, but they are hard for a dog to digest, high in fat, and a genuine choking risk whole — the fat content alone can trigger pancreatitis in a dog who eats a large handful.

Peanuts, botanically a legume rather than a true nut, are the exception. Plain, unsalted and in small amounts, most dogs tolerate them without issue, which is why plain peanut butter — checked carefully for xylitol — is a more common treat than the nut on its own.

Why the risk outweighs the treat

Nuts as a group are calorie-dense and high in fat, and a dog's digestive system is not well suited to processing large amounts of fat in one go. Beyond the macadamia-specific danger, the more common problem with nuts generally is an upset stomach or, in a dog who eats a large quantity, pancreatitis brought on by the fat load.

Salted nuts add a second problem on top of the fat: too much salt in one sitting can cause excessive thirst and, in a small dog eating a large amount, more serious symptoms. Flavoured or coated nuts — honey roasted, chocolate covered, spiced — bring in ingredients that are separate hazards in their own right.

If your dog eats nuts

If you know or suspect your dog has eaten macadamia nuts, ring your vet straight away rather than waiting for symptoms to appear — they can advise whether your dog needs to be seen based on how many were eaten and your dog's size.

For other nuts, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or a painful, tense abdomen over the following day or two, particularly after a large or unknown quantity. Contact your vet if any of that develops, or sooner if your dog seems genuinely unwell.

What to feed instead

A shop-bought dog treat gives your dog the reward without the fat, salt and choking risk that comes with a handful of nuts, and it is far easier to keep portions consistent from one treat to the next.

Puzzle feeders and slow feeders work well for treat time generally, letting a small, safe treat last longer than a nut ever would, and they give a dog something constructive to do rather than hovering near a bowl of nuts left within reach.

Make treat time better

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Inflatable Herding Ball with Handles for Dogs

A large, tough inflatable herding ball that taps into your dog's natural chase-and-nudge instinct. Reinforced bite-resistant fabric and grab handles make it great for active outdoor play with medium and large breeds.

£29.99

Chicken-Wrapped Milk Stick Dog Treats

Chewy dog treats of soft milk sticks wrapped in real chicken for tasty, protein-rich rewarding.

From£12.99

Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat

An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.

From£13.99

Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat

A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.

£13.99

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Common questions

Are macadamia nuts poisonous to dogs?: Yes, genuinely so. Even a small amount can cause weakness, wobbliness, vomiting and a raised temperature within around twelve hours, and while it is rarely fatal, it is unpleasant and unpredictable enough that macadamia nuts should never be given to a dog on purpose.
Can dogs eat peanuts?: Plain, unsalted peanuts in small amounts are tolerated by most dogs, since peanuts are technically a legume rather than a tree nut. Avoid salted, flavoured or coated peanuts, and always check any peanut butter for xylitol before offering it.
Can dogs eat almonds or cashews?: They are not classed as toxic, but they are hard to digest, high in fat and a genuine choking hazard whole. A dog who eats a large handful is more at risk of an upset stomach or pancreatitis than any benefit the nuts provide, so they are best left off the menu.
What should I do if my dog eats nuts from the bin?: Work out roughly what and how much if you can, and ring your vet for advice, particularly if macadamia nuts were involved or your dog is small. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or abdominal discomfort over the next day or two either way.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.