Can dogs or cats eat walnuts?
Can dogs eat walnuts?
Whether your dog just nabbed your slice of banana-walnut bread or they're chewing on the walnuts off your tree, it's time to break that nutty habit.
One reason why walnuts are unsafe for dogs is due to their high fat content. Dogs have difficulty digesting large amounts of fat, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting. Over time, too much fat can increase your dog's risk of developing pancreatitis.
Another concern with feeding your dog walnuts is the possibility of choking or intestinal blockages. Walnut shells are hard and difficult to digest! Whether your dog eats them whole or just in large pieces, they could get stuck in their digestive tract and contribute to serious health issues like an intestinal block. (No fun!)
If your dog requires veterinary treatment due to eating walnuts (or any other unsafe food), pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
Can dogs eat...
See moreCan cats eat walnuts?
Cats don't generally go nuts for walnuts...but if yours does, can they have any?
In short, nope.
Walnuts contain quite a bit of fat, which may give your cat gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea and possibly even pancreatitis. Not fun for your cat (or you!).
Another reason why feeding walnuts to cats is unsafe?
Walnut shells and walnuts themselves can be choking hazards. Cats have small mouths and don't chew their food fully before swallowing, which increases the likelihood of walnut pieces getting stuck in their throat. Yikes.
If your cat requires veterinary treatment due to eating walnuts (or any other unsafe food), pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
Can cats eat...
See moreInformation Purposes Only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
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Food Safety Statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet