Are All Nuts Good For Your Dog? Not Even Close!

by Mary Simpson

Published: March 13th, 2026

(photo credit: Hanna Carl / shutterstock.com)

As humans, we’re all about eating healthy, right? Okay, at least whenever we can. And nuts are a great source of healthy protein and good fats that support everything from a healthier sleep and better brain health to antioxidant delivery and anti-inflammatory benefits.

But while all nuts are healthy, they do come with a few caveats. And you might be surprised to learn that it’s not just the obvious pancreatitis-triggering fat content. That’s why, while nuts can be a great treat for dogs, they need to be given in moderation and with a few considerations at play. Such as the type of nut and the format.

For example, unsalted, unseasoned, and without added oils is the only way to go. For some nuts, such as almonds, a butter format is better than feeding your dog the whole nut due to the possible choking hazard.

So, let’s talk about which nuts are safe for your pet and which should be avoided at all costs.

If dogs can have a small number of peanuts or cashews, then they can also have the butter format, right? Yes, but only if it does not contain xylitol.

Good Nuts for Your Dog

Peanuts: Shelled peanuts – raw or roasted – are a great treat for dogs. When we say treat, we’re talking three or four nuts a couple of times a day. Remember, no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Peanut protein is ideal for muscle development, the fat promotes healthy skin and a lustrous coat, with Vitamin E antioxidants and biotin supporting enhanced immune health. If you choose to go the peanut butter route, double-check your options to ensure they do not include the sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to pets. Go the organic route if you’re not sure.

Cashews: Similar to peanuts, cashews deliver a bounty of antioxidants and Omega-3s as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and that all-important fibre every pooch needs. Whether served whole or in pieces, these nuts boost muscle tissue development, heart health, and promote skin and coat health. Choose to offer them in the whole nut format or a non-sweetened cashew butter that can be dobbed into his favourite Kong or puzzle toy.

Almonds: Due to the size, shape, and firmness of this nut, you’ll want to be careful when doling them out. Dogs tend to gobble and can easily choke if they don’t chew properly. And if scarfed down whole, an almond can become lodged in his intestine, creating a blockage. That said, the nutritional benefits of this nut are numerous and worth exploring. Rich in Vitamin E (in the form of tocopherols and tocotrienols), antioxidants that promote heart, brain, and skin health. Check out an almond butter format that can add zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium to the mix.

Bad Nuts for Your Dog

Pistachios: While nutritionally rich, these nuts are extremely high in fat and calories as well as phosphorus, which can strain the kidneys and, potentially cause mold. Yes, mold. When pistachios are not properly dried or are stored in humid conditions, they can develop Aspergillus mould, which can produce carcinogenic toxins called aflatoxins.

Macadamia nuts: Super high in fat, these nuts can easily trigger a serious bout of pancreatitis in dogs that will require medical attention. But there’s more, because a condition known as macadamia nut toxicity is also at play. While it’s uncertain what causes this level of toxicity, within a matter of hours of your pet consuming even a small portion (single nut), they can experience vomiting, tremors and weakness.

Walnuts: The walnut tree and similar species, such as the pecan and hickory, produce a natural toxin called Juglone that permeates the tree roots, leaves, bark, and nuts. Guess what? When your dog consumes these nut meats, they can produce seizures and neurological disorders. Now, similar to pistachios, these nuts can be prone to mould and toxins that can prove fatal to your pet.

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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