Pet ate something toxic? ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435
Tailwise

Nuts & seeds

Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?

No Toxic

Macadamia nuts cause weakness, wobbliness, fever and tremors in dogs. Signs are rarely fatal but can be very distressing, and chocolate-coated nuts are worse.

Why Unknown compound specific to macadamia nuts

By Maya HartReviewed by Dr Elin Rosen, DVM ·

If your dog ate some

  1. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline straight away, even if your pet seems fine.
  2. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, when, and your pet’s weight.
  3. Do not try to make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
  4. Most dogs recover within 48 hours with care.

Signs to watch for

  • Weakness, especially in the back legs
  • Wobbliness
  • Vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Raised temperature

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs Toxic

No. Macadamia nuts cause weakness, wobbliness, fever and tremors in dogs. Signs are rarely fatal but can be very distressing, and chocolate-coated nuts are worse.

Cats Toxic

No. Poisoning is reported mainly in dogs, but there is no known safe amount for cats either and the nuts are a choking risk.

Can cats eat macadamia nuts?

The details

As few as 2 grams per kilogram of body weight — around five nuts for a 10 kg dog — can cause signs within 12 hours. Cookies, cereal bars and nut mixes are common sources. If the nuts were chocolate-coated, use our chocolate calculator too.

Safer treats your dog can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?

No. Macadamia nuts cause weakness, wobbliness, fever and tremors in dogs. Signs are rarely fatal but can be very distressing, and chocolate-coated nuts are worse.

What makes macadamia nuts risky for dogs?

Unknown compound specific to macadamia nuts.

What are the signs to watch for in dogs?

weakness, especially in the back legs, wobbliness, vomiting, tremors, raised temperature.

What should I do if my dog ate macadamia nuts?

Call your vet or a pet poison helpline straight away, even if your pet seems fine. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, when, and your pet’s weight. Do not try to make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to. Most dogs recover within 48 hours with care.

Is macadamia nuts safe for cats too?

No. Poisoning is reported mainly in dogs, but there is no known safe amount for cats either and the nuts are a choking risk.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

More foods for dogs

One useful email a week

Seasonal safety alerts, one new guide and one quick answer. No spam, unsubscribe in a click.