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Almonds are a yummy, healthy snack for people and are popular in trail mix, granola, or on their own. Almond butter, milk, and flour are often ingredients in baked goods like cookies and bread. But what happens if your pup accidentally gets into a can of almonds you left on your desk or finds an almond dropped on the floor? Can dogs eat almonds and enjoy them in the same way humans can? The answer depends on the situation. Generally whole almonds should be avoided but some other products can be safe in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
Are almonds good for dogs? As a general rule, no. Dogs shouldn’t eat almonds in a nut form. As with most nuts, dogs should steer clear of almonds. While they may seem like a harmless snack, they can often cause health-related consequences in dogs.
Some common symptoms to look out for if your dog consumes almonds include:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Another reason dogs shouldn’t eat almonds? They’re often sharp and difficult to chew, which can cause choking or airway obstructions. Almonds are also high in salt and fat, which can cause water retention and weight gain. Over time, this could increase your dog’s chances of developing pancreatitis. Finally, almonds are high in phosphorus, which makes the formation of bladder stones more likely.
Are Almonds Toxic For Dogs?
No almonds are not toxic to dogs. Technically, the almonds themselves are not poisonous, but almonds coated in seasonings create additional health threats to dogs. Flavors like jalapeño, sweet chili, and Sriracha may be potentially life-threatening if consumed by dogs.
Additionally, some nuts can grow mold, including Aspergillus mold. Dogs can get sick simply from inhaling the mold. Mold spores can trigger infection and allergies. Dogs may experience nasal pain, sneezing, reverse sneezing, nasal discharge, and severe nosebleeds. This is another reason dogs should not eat almonds.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Almonds?
If you suspect your dog ate an almond, watch for the signs or symptoms we’ve listed above. But one or two unseasoned or lightly salted nuts shouldn’t be too much of a cause for concern. Just prevent them from eating almonds in the future to minimize long-term health risks.
If, on the other hand, your dog consumed a lot of almonds in a short period of time, you should call your vet immediately for advice.
If your dog ate many almonds within the last 30 minutes, they may advise you on how to induce vomiting. Can’t reach your vet? Contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 or use our “Ask A Vet” feature to chat with a veterinary professional and get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Almond Allergies In Dogs
There’s also a chance your dog could be allergic or sensitive to almonds. If your dog has an adverse reaction, he might notice sneezing, coughing, swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.
If you suspect your dog might be allergic to almonds, call your vet right away. If it’s not an emergency and you are curious, you can discover possible food and environmental allergies using an at-home dog allergy test.
Can Dogs Eat Almond Butter?
Almonds in the nut form aren’t a good idea, but is almond butter dog-safe? Yes, as long as your dog isn’t allergic. In fact, in moderation, almond butter is a healthy substitute for peanut butter as a snack or to put into toys like a Kong because it contains more minerals but less fat.
Almond butter is also good for your dog’s skin and coat because it’s rich in vitamin E and has fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. Large amounts of fats of any kind are not advisable, so give almond butter to your pup in moderation. And make sure you find a plain, natural almond butter. We recommend Spread The Love Unsalted Almond Butter because it has no added sugars or salt and is made in the USA.
Can Dogs Have Almond Milk?
Like almond butter, almond milk is safe in small quantities. But make sure to avoid sweetened almond milk because it contains unnecessary sugar that’s also high in fat and can lead to dental decay. Sweetened almond milk might also contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.
Can Dogs Have Almond Flour?
Almond flour is a dog-safe substitute for other types of flour. It’s higher in protein and has fewer carbohydrates. It also has many of the same benefits and vitamins as other types of almond products.
If your dog is allergic to wheat, you might try baking almond flour dog treats. Use the same ratio of flour (for example, substitute one cup of almond flour for one cup of regular flour). But you may need to use an extra egg to bind this more grainy substance to the other ingredients.
Almond Oil For Dogs
In addition to consuming almonds, there are many ways your dog can benefit from almonds as a topical treatment. As long as your dog is not allergic, you can use almond oil to treat dry, itchy skin and paws. You can also use it as a balm on your dog’s dry or cracked nose or gently massage it into his coat to help heal minor skin issues. Almond oil is great because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Almond oil can provide very moderate sun protection but is not a sufficient replacement for dog sunscreen, especially if your dog has a light-colored coat or bald spots.
Look for an unscented oil like NOW’s almond oil, which is 100% pure, non-GMO, and made in the USA. If your dog licks the almond oil off his body, it’s completely safe. But if he seems uncomfortable or you notice that the almond oil is not doing its job, you should discontinue using it. Learn more about essential oils for dogs.
Are Other Nuts Safe For Dogs To Have?
Many nuts are toxic to dogs. These include macadamia nuts, which can cause a severe reaction. Never give a dog macadamia nuts, as they are highly toxic for dogs. A dog eating one of these is an emergency. Pistachios, raw cashews, black walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts are among the nuts dogs should avoid eating.
Peanuts are safe as long as they are plain, unsalted and crushed up. Peanut butter is a favorite of many pups and is safe providing it does not contain xylitol. Plain pine nuts in small amounts are also safe. Nuts and nut products are often high in calories and fats and should only be an occasional treat.
What Other Foods Can Dogs Eat?
While most nuts are a no-no, most veggies and fruits are on the safe side and excellent sources of vitamins and nutrients for dogs. But do you know which are safe? Be sure to educate yourself on which foods are and aren’t safe for dogs to eat and drink and what to do if your dog has an upset stomach.
Tagged With: Food Safety
