CAN DOGS EAT WALNUTS?
Although nuts are a healthy and nutrient-dense snack for humans, the protein-packed legumes may not be the best option for a reward for canines due to the potential for gastrointestinal upset. It may be difficult to overlook the wistfulness eyes of our four-legged companion while you nosh on nuts such as walnuts, but it is in your finest interest to retain this particular treat all to yourself. The risks associated with eating walnuts by dogs’ scope from bowel obstructions and gastrointestinal discomfort to more serious medical conditions such as pancreatitis. Because eating an excessive number of walnuts could be just as damaging to your pet as giving it a bar of chocolate, walnuts present a unique risk to our animal companions.
CAN DOGS EAT WALNUTS?
No, dogs cannot eat walnut. Walnuts are not a good option for a treat for your dog, even though some varieties of nuts can be consumed by canines. Although there is no reason to panic if your dog consumes a walnut that you have accidentally fallen on the floor, it is not a good idea to give walnuts to your dog on a routine basis as a reward. Walnuts provide a number of health risks for dogs, ranging from the relatively minor risks of suffocation, bowel obstructions, and gastrointestinal distress to the more significant threats of pancreatitis and disease caused by black mould, all of which can develop on walnuts and are potentially harmful to dogs. Why put yourself through all of that, right?
Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?
It's most likely not going to injure your dog if he stumbles to grab a walnut that dropped off your kitchen worktop. But walnuts ought not be given to your dog since they are prone to a particular kind of black mould that is particularly harmful to dogs. Walnuts that have been picked from plants in the open without protection from the weather are not suitable for dogs, however it is unlikely to happen in high-quality walnut that you may get at the food store. Nevertheless, due to their high moisture levels, walnuts can begin to develop fungus at any point during their developmental phase, from harvesting to the supermarket shelf (regardless of whether they've been shelled or not). Mycotoxins are compounding that certain fungus which could thrive on walnuts generate, some of which are thought to be oncogenic, while others create tremorgenic aflatoxins, that could result in tremor and convulsions. Although walnuts can be boiled and carefully dried to get rid of any prospective mould, it could not be worth the hassle for dogs. The black walnut is a special variety of walnut that is especially harmful to dogs. These nuts are indigenous to the Northeast USA and Canada, and both equine and canines should avoid eating them.
What Could Result if Your Dog Eats Walnuts
If your dog does unintentionally consume black walnuts or a mouldy walnut, look out for nausea, trembling, and convulsions. You should also call your veterinarian right away since this situation could be catastrophic if left unchecked. Generally, high-fat human meals like walnuts could disturb your dog's tummy and cause the typical gastrointestinal issues signs, such as severe diarrhoea. In more severe situations, eating walnuts might cause the emergence of more dangerous illnesses including diarrhoea or gastritis. While gastroenteritis results from an irritation of the digestive tract, mainly the stomachs and bowels, pancreatitis is an irritation of the pancreas which could either be acute or chronic. Pre-packaged walnuts may have spices like salts or other preservatives that are bad for our pets in addition to their high saturated fat.
Plain, store-bought walnuts by itself aren't inherently dangerous to your dog in tiny amounts, provided they don't possess any black mould. They are among the bigger nuts’ species, though, so they may not only be challenging for Dogs to process but also pose a major risk of gastrointestinal obstructions, especially in petite dogs. These obstructions need to be surgically removed and, if left untreated, could be catastrophic. Furthermore, there is a greater likelihood that the shell will result in an obstruction if your dog eats shelled walnuts.
Does Walnuts Have Medicinal Benefits for Dogs?
Unsaturated fats, proteins, fibre, minerals, and ions found in nuts like walnuts have been shown to do everything from increase cholesterol levels and blood glucose to lower cardiovascular pressures in people. Particularly fresh walnuts are a powerhouse of proteins, anti-oxidants, and essential fats. Can our canine companions get the same advantages, though? According to scientists, our dog companions are unable to fully benefit from walnuts' nutritional benefits.
The other problem is that even if dogs could profit from some of walnuts' medical advantages, their substantial fatty level would still have a negative effect.
For comparison, a 30-pound dog should consume nearly 10 grammes of fat altogether per day, while a pound of walnut has nearly 24 grammes of fat. The hazards associated with walnuts exceed any possible advantages when paired with the potential for any type of fungus.
Can Dogs Eat Other Nuts?
Veterinarians generally advise against giving any nuts to dogs, but the only ones that are thought to be slightly less dangerous are peanuts, groundnuts, hazelnuts, and cashews. All of these nuts provide benefits like dietary fibre, but there is still a chance that they could upset your gastrointestinal or clog the intestines. You should be extra cautious with any nuts that have flavourings like spice. Pistachio nuts are never recommended for dogs as they are thought to be extremely hazardous to them.
Concluding Words
In more extreme situations, eating high-fat meals like walnuts might cause the onset of more severe illnesses including pancreatitis or gastroenteritis. Because of the fat content and potential for fungal infection, it is not advised for dogs to consume walnut.
Veterinarians advise avoiding nuts and substituting other kinds of dog treats in replacement of them, even though tiny quantities of some nuts, including peanuts, groundnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts, are typically acceptable for dogs without inherent medical or food problems. In speaking, treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's meal.
