Can Dogs Eat Nuts and Seeds?

Treats can account for up to 10% of a dog’s daily calories. From packaged snacks to select human foods, there are a lot of options to treat your pet. Practiced veterinarians, Dr. Marty Becker and Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, share their expertise on nuts and seeds as a compliment to a balanced pet food formula. 

Can Dogs Eat Nuts and Seeds?

“Nuts and seeds are high in fat and calories and that can lead to inflammation of the pancreas (or pancreatitis), which is a painful condition that causes vomiting and diarrhea,” shares Dr. Lobos.

Commonly found in cookies or candy, macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, and hyperthermia in dogs. “Macadamia nuts are the only known nut that is toxic to the dog. The dog usually recovers in a few days, but it can be very scary for the pet and owner.  Nuts that fall from the trees (like pecans, acorns, etc.) are also subject to mold, which can also be harmful to the dog,” says Dr. Lobos.

Can Dogs Eat Legumes?

“Peanut butter is safe for dogs, however very high in fat and calories and should be fed in moderation,” says Dr. Becker. “If peanut butter is on the menu, make sure to read the label – it’s sometimes sweetened with Xylitol, which can be dangerous for dogs and cause serious harm.”  Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in lots of sugar-free products like gum and candy. If your dog eats something with xylitol, it can lead to liver failure.

Can Dogs Eat Soy?

“Yes!” says Dr. Lobos, “Soy is a safe protein that provides essential amino acids, or building blocks for proteins in the dog’s body.  It is an ingredient that has been used in a variety of dog foods for many years.

Dog treats and snacks can be a safe alternative to human foods or table scraps. Click here to find a safe snack your dog will love. 

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