Why dogs should not have it
Fresh walnuts are not as poisonous to dogs as macadamia nuts, but they are large, hard and very fatty. The fat can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some dogs, inflammation of the pancreas. In a small dog a walnut can block the gut.
The biggest risk is mould. Mouldy walnuts, including those that have fallen under the tree in autumn, can carry mould toxins that cause tremors and seizures. If your dog ate walnuts and then has tremors, seizures or repeated vomiting, contact a vet straight away.
What to watch out for
- A lot of fat can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and inflammation of the pancreas.
- A large hard nut or a piece of shell can get stuck in the throat or block the gut.
- Mouldy or fallen walnuts can cause tremors and seizures.
- Salted, sugared or chocolate-coated walnuts do even more harm.
- If tremors, seizures, repeated vomiting or a painful belly appear, contact a vet straight away.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Shelled walnut
Not safeEven a fresh shelled walnut is too fatty and hard to digest for a dog.
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Shell
Not safeThe hard shell can injure the mouth or block the gut.
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Mouldy or fallen walnuts
DangerousMould toxins can cause tremors and seizures, so if a dog ate such walnuts it needs a vet urgently.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
What to give instead
Foods that are safer to give.
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
- Apples Yes, apples are fine for dogs: give small pieces without the core and seeds, as an occasional treat. Safe
- Blueberries Yes, blueberries and bilberries are fine for dogs: give a few washed, unsweetened berries as an occasional treat. Safe