Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

Dogs cannot eat almonds. Though they aren’t as toxic as other nuts, your dog should not ingest almonds in any amount.

You may have seen your dog eat an almond or two in the past and be just fine, but that doesn’t mean you should give your dog almonds.

While it’s not likely that almonds are so toxic that they kill, most dogs’ digestive systems don’t process the nut very well. They tend to cause obstructions and surgery is required in some cases.

If you’re looking for a new source of protein in your dog’s diet, there are many safer, better options than almonds.

Why are almonds bad for dogs?

Almonds are known to harbor Aspergillus mold, which contains Aflatoxin. This substance can poison your dog, and dogs are particularly affected by it.

Almonds are often covered in salt or seasonings that can be harmful to dogs. Too much salt may cause water retention, which is especially threatening for dogs with heart conditions. Seasonings may taste good to your dog, but they often lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Even without the mold, salt, and seasoning, a plain almond still poses danger. Almonds are high in phosphorus, which can cause bladder stones to form.

In the short term, the high-fat content may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Long term, conditions like obesity and pancreatitis can develop.

Dogs don’t process the protein in almonds very well. They often lead to gastrointestinal blockages.

What to do if your dog eats almonds?

One or two almonds most likely won’t impact your dog’s health, so long as your dog is not allergic. If your dog does swallow an almond, look for signs of choking or discomfort.

You should monitor your dog for signs of gastrointestinal blockage, diarrhea, or vomiting and call your veterinarian if you spot them.

If your dog is fine after several hours after eating the almonds, then there is probably no cause for concern.

However, if your dog manages to consume many almonds, it’s recommended that you call your veterinarian or poison control right away.

In most cases, they will guide you on how to induce vomiting. If your dog doesn’t discharge the almonds, you may need to bring them to your veterinarian for further treatment.