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Can dogs eat walnuts?
Last updated 2026-05-08 · Sourced from ASPCA & Merck Veterinary Manual
Sometimes — with caution
English walnuts are fatty but not acutely toxic. BLACK walnuts and moldy walnuts are toxic — moldy ones contain tremorgenic mycotoxins.
The short answer
Sometimes — with caution — dogs should only have small amounts of walnuts. Not great; black walnuts toxic Wrinkly tree nuts in halves.
Why be careful
English walnuts are fatty but not acutely toxic. BLACK walnuts and moldy walnuts are toxic — moldy ones contain tremorgenic mycotoxins.
Symptoms to watch for
Tremors, seizures from moldy/black walnuts.
What every dog owner should know
- Avoid as a treat
- NEVER walnuts found on the ground (mold)
- Walnut shells are also obstruction risk
What to do if your dog ate walnuts
- Stay calm and assess how much was eaten and when.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 (consultation fee may apply).
- Alternatively, Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661.
- Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a vet.
- Have product packaging or the food itself ready to describe to the vet.
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Puppy safety
Generally avoid feeding walnuts to puppies. Their digestive systems are still developing and they're more sensitive to changes in diet, fat, sodium, and lactose than adults. If you've already given some, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy and contact your vet if any appear.
What to do if your dog ate walnuts
- Note how much was eaten and when. A small amount is rarely an emergency, but a large quantity may need vet attention.
- Watch for symptoms over the next 12–24 hours: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in drinking/urination.
- Provide fresh water and skip the next meal if your pet seems unsettled — let their stomach calm down.
- Call your vet if symptoms appear or persist beyond 24 hours, or if the amount eaten was significant.
Better alternatives
If your dog likes walnuts, they may also enjoy these safe options:
Frequently asked questions
Is walnuts toxic to dogs?
Not strictly toxic, but english walnuts are fatty but not acutely toxic. black walnuts and moldy walnuts are toxic — moldy ones contain tremorgenic mycotoxins.
How much walnuts is too much?
Any amount carries some risk. If you choose to feed walnuts, keep it to a tiny taste — not a regular treat.
Can puppies eat walnuts?
Avoid giving walnuts to puppies. Their digestive systems are still developing.
What are the symptoms of walnuts poisoning in dogs?
Tremors, seizures from moldy/black walnuts.
What should I do if my dog ate walnuts?
Watch for symptoms over the next 24 hours and contact your vet if anything concerning develops.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat walnuts?
Sometimes — with caution. English walnuts are fatty but not acutely toxic. BLACK walnuts and moldy walnuts are toxic — moldy ones contain tremorgenic mycotoxins.
What happens if a dog eats walnuts?
Tremors, seizures from moldy/black walnuts.
Is walnuts toxic to dogs?
Walnuts carries some risk for dogs. English walnuts are fatty but not acutely toxic. BLACK walnuts and moldy walnuts are toxic — moldy ones contain tremorgenic mycotoxins.