Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?

There are several serious risks associated with feeding walnuts to dogs: 1. Toxic Mold: This is the most significant danger. Walnuts are highly susceptible to growing a type of black mold that produces mycotoxins. These toxins are tremorgenic, meaning they can cause tremors and seizures. This is especially common in walnuts that have fallen from a tree and are moist. 2. High Fat Content: Like most nuts, walnuts are very high in fat. This can cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea) and can also trigger a painful and serious condition called pancreatitis. 3. Choking and Blockage: Walnuts are large and difficult to digest, making them a serious choking and obstruction hazard, particularly for smaller dogs. 4. Toxicity of Black Walnuts: Black walnuts, a different species from the common English walnut, are considered toxic to dogs and can cause neurological symptoms.

If your dog eats a single, clean English walnut from the store, they may be fine. However, you should monitor them for any signs of digestive upset. If your dog eats a moldy walnut from the ground, or if you suspect they have eaten a black walnut, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Be on the lookout for symptoms like vomiting, tremors, or seizures.

Due to the risk of toxic mold, pancreatitis, and intestinal blockage, walnuts are not a safe treat for dogs. It is best to avoid them entirely.