CAN DOGS EAT HAZELNUTS?
Hazelnuts are crunchy and delectable whether they are uncooked, toasted, or chocolate-covered. Even if these nuts are safe for dogs, you shouldn't give your canine companion a taste of your delicious treat in excess. The reason behind this is that dogs shouldn't eat hazelnuts in excess. They can be harmful to your health in the long run and in big numbers. However, if a few errant hazelnuts are picked up and eaten, there's no need to head straight to the hospital emergency room. In addition to discussing why and how hazelnuts are unhealthy for dogs to eat, this article will also provide some background information about the nut.
CAN DOGS EAT HAZELNUTS?
Yes, dogs can eat hazelnuts. Your dog won't have any issues even if they eat a handful of unsalted and unprotected hazelnuts because, in general, they are not poisonous to dogs because they don't contain any coatings or salts. As is the case with almonds, hazelnuts are just about the appropriate size to present a choke threat or induce a blockage in the intestinal tract. There is a risk of choking for puppies and smaller dogs when they consume hazelnuts, and bigger dogs have a tendency to gulp them down without chewing, therefore increases the risk of the hazelnuts becoming lodged in their bowels and creating serious health issues.
CAN DOGS EAT HAZELNUTS?
What are Hazelnuts
The hazel plant, from which hazelnuts are harvested, is indigenous to regions with temperate weather in the Arctic Regions of the world. And there is evidence that humans have been consuming them as early as 2,000 years ago! Hazelnuts, which are included in a wide variety of meals and beverages, are produced in the highest quantity in Turkish, which ranks first worldwide in this regard. Hazelnuts are not only the main component of praline, but they are also the primary component of the liquor Frangelico. Hazelnuts are most commonly combined with chocolates, such as in the spread Nutella. However, hazelnuts can also be baked, processed into composites, or squeezed to extract its robustly flavoured oil products.
Nutritional Benefits of Hazelnuts for Dogs
The majority of dogs can eat tiny amounts of hazelnuts without experiencing any negative effects, although there may be risks involved with giving your dog hazelnuts. Although these nuts provide important micronutrients, older and smaller dogs may have trouble digesting them, which could lead to a suffocation hazard or obstruction. Hazelnuts include omega-3 fatty acids, which may assist to strengthen a dog's cardiovascular system and aid to strengthen a dog's immune system when added to conventional dog feed or as an upgrade to your dog 's meals. Nevertheless, if your dog consumes a lot of them, the saturated calorie level in hazelnuts may lead to obesity and other medical conditions.
It is not advisable to give your dog access to or include hazelnuts in their meal in excess, as we covered above. But even if your dog mistakenly consumes a few hazelnuts, it probably won't harm them. There are also a few unintended dietary advantages. The rich, full protein found in hazelnuts. They are also abundant in saturated fats, which promote the appearance of the skin, fur, and bones. A crucial ingredient for fluid preservation, bladder wellness, and osteoarthritis prevention, magnesium is also abundant in these small chunks. Hazelnuts are delicious and nutritious for humans, but for dogs, the drawbacks far surpass the advantages. Though you needn't fret if they sneak a handful of your snacks bowl, it's recommended that you keep hazelnuts out of their diets.
Risks Of Feeding Hazelnuts to Dogs
Although hazelnuts do provide some vital mineral nutrients that a dog's system craves, there are a number of hazards associated with eating them that eventually exceed any distinct advantages. Find out the typical dangers of giving your pet hazelnuts, and if condition persists for more than some few hours, consult your dog's veterinarian.
- Allergen sensitivity: Dogs may develop an allergic response to any human meal, but nuts are much more prone to result in serious adverse reactions. Skin irritation, inflammation, and digestive issues are typical adverse reactions to nut allergies.
- Obesity: Hazelnuts are extremely high in fat, to most nuts. Obesity or bulk gain can result from eating too many fats, whether they are beneficial or harmful. Your dog's activity levels might be impacted by extra weight, which can also make them more susceptible to hypoglycemia and joint stiffness.
- Constipation: Hazelnuts' bulky shells can be a serious choke threat. Furthermore, the hazelnut's hard shells and exterior covering will be difficult for your dog to chew if it consumes one whole. Unprocessed hazelnuts may cause an intestinal obstruction in your pet. A small intestinal blockage will usually be passed by a dog, but a larger blockage may cause severe diarrhoea, that could result in exhaustion and other problems for your dog.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: Regular risks of giving nuts to your dog include gastric discomfort and stomach problems. The three most typical signs of stomach ache are uneasiness, vomit, and diarrhoea.
- Gastrointestinal Occlusion: The volume and roughness of hazelnuts is yet another factor that makes them a poor choice for a treat. These nuts can travel through the stomach without being completely dissolved by the stomach's enzymes in some dogs who don't eat their food completely. Something getting stuck in the intestines might cause gastrointestinal obstruction. Your dog's chances of not having digestive issues depends on their breed and the quantity of hazelnuts they consume. Small dogs and pups are more likely to get clogged up because their bowels are so small.
- Pancreatitis: Eating a lot of hazelnuts or other rich nuts, such Brazil nuts, will cause your dog to consume more calories than they need. Over time, your dog can become obese, which could put additional strain on their bones and pancreas.
CONCLUDING WORDS
Overall, eating a few hazelnuts here and there won't put your dog in immediate risk. Huge quantities or frequent consumption over an extended period of time make these nuts most hazardous. Although theoretically non-toxic, it is not a smart option to let your dog to consume a lot of hazelnuts. The most frequent complications are far more likely to be choking and intestinal blockage. Additionally, it's ideal to avoid foods with dubious nutritious worth as a growing dog and to stick to diets that are nutritionally balanced. All the negative effects on a dog's health would probably be more pronounced for a growing gastrointestinal tract.
