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Tailwise

Nuts & seeds

Can dogs eat almonds?

A little In moderation

Not recommended. Almonds are not toxic like macadamias, but they are hard to digest, high in fat and a choking risk.

Why Fat; choking risk

Photo: USDAgov (public domain) via flickr

If your dog ate some

  1. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
  2. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Signs to watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

How much, how often

Avoid, or one plain almond.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

  • Never salted, flavoured or chocolate-coated almonds

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs In moderation

Not recommended. Almonds are not toxic like macadamias, but they are hard to digest, high in fat and a choking risk.

How much: Avoid, or one plain almond.

Cats In moderation

Not recommended. Almonds offer nothing to a cat and can cause stomach upset.

Can cats eat almonds?

Safer treats your dog can have instead

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat almonds?

Not recommended. Almonds are not toxic like macadamias, but they are hard to digest, high in fat and a choking risk.

How much almonds can a dog have?

Avoid, or one plain almond.

What makes almonds risky for dogs?

Fat; choking risk.

What are the signs to watch for in dogs?

vomiting, diarrhoea.

What should I do if my dog ate almonds?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Is almonds safe for cats too?

Not recommended. Almonds offer nothing to a cat and can cause stomach upset.

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

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