Wondering if dogs can eat walnuts?
Justified! Because among all the delicious nuts in this world, there are some that are absolutely taboo for your dog!
Did you know that some nuts are even poisonous to dogs?
What about the walnut is all about and whether you can feed it to your darling carefree, you will find out in this article!
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat walnuts?
Yes, dogs are only allowed to eat walnuts to a limited extent! If you want to be on the safe side, don’t feed your dog walnuts. This also applies to the walnut’s relative, the black walnut. If you want to feed your dog walnuts, then only shelled and ripe nuts. The hydrocyanic acid contained in almonds also poses a risk to your dog!
Can I feed my dog walnuts?
Yes, you can feed your dog walnuts if you follow the instructions below:
- only feed really ripe nuts
- Only feed shelled walnuts
- only give in small amounts
- Beware of overweight dogs, walnuts are high in calories
Good to know:
Unripe and unpeeled walnuts are at risk of fungal infestation. This cannot be seen with the naked eye. For your dog, however, this fungus can mean death!
Reading tip: You want to know if dogs can eat peanuts? In our article «Can dogs eat peanuts?» you can find out everything about the tolerance and potential benefits of this popular nut for your four-legged friend.
Fungus in walnuts
Unfortunately, there is a whole range of fungal diseases that our nut trees have to contend with.
It is important that you recognize whether the walnut you are about to feed is infested with a fungus or not.
This is how you can tell that your walnut is moldy:
- black wooden bowl
- blight
- white film or threads of mold
- dark discoloration inside the nut
- musty and musty smell
If you feed walnuts to your dog, always make sure they are fungus-free.
Of course, this also applies to your own consumption – of course!
Are walnuts toxic to dogs?
No, walnuts themselves are not toxic to dogs.
However, care should be taken with the shell of the walnut.
Especially in autumn, when the young fruits fall to the ground, you absolutely have to be faster than your dog.
If your dog cracks the shell of the nut, it can be serious indigestion to lead. Even if it’s not infested with a fungus!
Your dog should never chew on unripe walnut shells that are still green.
Walnut Mushroom Poisoning
Your dog was faster than you and chewed on a walnut with its shell?
Then you should now carefully monitor whether your dog is developing the following symptoms:
- nausea and vomiting
- increased salivation
- irregular breathing
- tachycardia
- Tremble
- nystagmus
- seizures
- epilepsy-like seizures
Responsible for the signs of intoxication is an intermediate product of the mold fungus Penicillium Roqueforti. It’s called Roquefortine Cyou may know it from making blue cheese.
Roquefortin C is harmless to humans. However, it can be deadly for dogs!
Danger:
Poisoning of any kind is not to be trifled with! If you suspect your dog has been poisoned by walnut fungus, you must take him to the vet immediately.
Nevertheless: walnuts are so healthy
Despite the high risk of fungus, the walnut is full of good ingredients.
Walnuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. These have a positive effect on metabolism and the cardiovascular system of your dog.
The walnut can score with these ingredients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1 & B3
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- potassium
- calcium
- magnesium
- iron
- phosphorus
- sulfur
- copper
- manganese
- fluorine
- zinc
Wow! A considerable list.
If fed in moderation and with care, your dog can benefit too!
Which dogs can eat walnuts?
Your senior loves the little nut? Or does your dog child roll the round nutshell through the house with joy and interest?
Unfortunately, you have to be the spoilsport here!
Fungal infestation of the walnut can mean death, especially for puppies or old and weakened dogs.
Only healthy dogs are allowed to eat walnuts. In general, however, you should rather use other nuts right away.
Can dogs eat walnut oil?
Oil should not be missing in your puppy’s feeding!
Choosing the right oil makes the difference here, because your dog does not tolerate every oil.
What about walnut oil now?
It looks great! Dogs are allowed to eat walnut oil.
It has an excellent ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids (1:4).
You can read about how to calculate the right amount of oil for your dog in this barf guide.
Which nuts are suitable for dogs?
Would you rather play it safe and feed a different nut than the walnut? That is a very good idea!
Here are some nuts you can safely feed:
Tip:
Some dogs are allergic to nuts. Peanuts in particular are very popular here. So always start with a small sample portion!
You want to feed your dog walnuts? You have to pay attention to that
You have now learned under what circumstances dogs are allowed to eat walnuts.
Here again the most important thing about “Can dogs eat walnuts?” summarized for you:
- definitely do not belong in the bowl every day
- as an occasional snack, only ripe and shelled walnuts are suitable
- always take a close look at the nuts you give your sweetheart
- if you suspect the nut might be infested with a fungus, throw it away and definitely don’t feed it to your dog
- Roquefortin C can be fatal to dogs
Are you unsure or do you still have a few questions about dogs and walnuts? Then just write us a comment under this article.