For humans, nuts are a nutrient-dense snack that is beneficial for you, but these sweet, protein-rich snacks aren't the best option for your dog. Even though it's challenging to ignore a four-legged friend's longing eyes when you're munching on nuts like walnuts, the risks of giving walnuts to dogs range from intestinal blockages and GI discomfort to serious diseases like pancreatitis. As a result, it's better to keep this particular snack to yourself. Walnuts are possibly particularly dangerous to dogs because consuming a lot of them may be just as deadly to your pet as eating a chocolate bar.
Is it okay for dogs to eat walnuts?
Is it okay for dogs to eat walnuts?
Contrary to almonds or cashews, which dogs can safely eat in very small amounts, walnuts are best avoided entirely. The good thing is that your dog is unlikely to experience any negative consequences if they mistakenly swallow a few walnuts.
Do walnuts have health benefits for dogs?
The healthful fats, protein, fiber, and mineral and vitamin content found in tree nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, have been shown to do anything from reduce cholesterol or blood sugar to lower blood pressure in people. Walnuts are a concentrated source of protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, especially when they are fresh. But are these advantages also offered to our canine companions? According to specialists, dogs are unable to fully benefit from nuts' health advantages. Their digestive systems can't process nuts as well as ours can.
Even if Rover did gain some health benefits from walnuts, those benefits would be outweighed by the negative effects of the nuts' high fat content. For comparison, a single ounce of walnuts contains around eighteen grams of fat, while a 30-pound dog should consume 14 grams of fat on a daily basis. The hazards associated with walnuts outweigh any potential advantages when paired with the potential for any type of fungus.
Are walnuts harmful to dogs?
It depends on the kind of walnut, whether mold is present, and how much is ingested. The English walnut is the kind that you usually find in the produce section of the supermarket. Even though these walnuts aren't inherently poisonous to dogs, it's best not to give them to your pet.
1 - Black Walnuts
The black walnut, Juglans nigra, is another kind and is a species that is indigenous to North America. Black walnuts are particularly toxic to dogs, even though people don't typically consume this kind of walnut; they might also contain a deadly substance called juglone, like pecans.
Juglone can make dogs (and horses) experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If untreated, GI symptoms in your dog may persist for a few hours or get worse, depending on how much they consume. Because a dog's condition might quickly worsen and because juglone ingestion can sometimes be fatal, it is crucial to seek veterinarian assistance right away.
2 - Moldy Walnut
Walnuts, like all tree nuts, are prone to mold because of moisture exposure and high temperatures during harvest and storage. On the outer layer, or kernel, mold may develop. The fact that walnuts can grow a mold called Aspergillus flavus is a particular issue when it comes to serving walnuts to dogs. As a result, aflatoxin is produced, a natural toxin that can also harm peanuts, maize, and rice.
Aflatoxin poisoning in dogs can result in vomiting, decreased appetite, and even death. Additionally, the mycotoxin penitrem A, which can cause muscle tremors, convulsions, and vomiting, may be present in moldy walnuts. In the event that your dog accidentally consumes a black walnut or a moldy walnut, be sure to call your veterinarian right away.
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