Can dogs or cats eat hazelnuts?

While hazelnuts aren’t labeled as toxic for our fluffy mates, they do come with a sneaky little bag of potential problems. First off, their small, round shape is a choking hazard, especially for our petite and curious kitties!

And then there’s the belly-ache saga! Hazelnuts might take our kitties on a not-so-fun adventure, causing an upset stomach or even a chaotic episode of diarrhea.

Let’s talk about the fat content in these nuts—it's high! While fats are essential in diets, too much can lead to pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. It’s as unpleasant as it sounds and can lead to other health issues if not addressed swiftly. Plus, allergies to nuts can be a thing for cats too, leading to all sorts of itchy and scratchy scenarios.

If your cat eats hazelnuts and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care as a result of eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.