Can Dogs Have Nuts

Nuts are healthy and filling snacks. Nuts are good sources of vitamins, minerals and protein and also contain high amounts of unsaturated fats. Nuts also have high fiber content. Nuts are definitely tasty but humans love eating nuts because it lowers cholesterol levels. It is not uncommon for people to have nuts in their bags or in their desk as nuts are no mess foods that can instantly alleviate hunger anywhere and anytime.

With a woeful expression on the face, a dog would beg to have a bite of the food the master is eating. A bite of the food will be tossed to the pet because dog owner finds it hard to refuse the pet. However, nuts are not for dogs. Dog owners have to be aware that nuts are unsafe foods for dogs. If the dog has to be rewarded, the owner has to choose other treats as nuts are definitely not for dogs. Nuts are proven to have varying effects on dogs thus almonds, macadamia, pistachio, pecan, and walnuts must be kept away from the dog's reach.

Stomach upset is the most common effect of nut ingestion. Nuts are not easy to digest. Chewing the food aids in the digestive process. However, dogs have the habit of wolfing the food unchewed. Processing unchewed nuts would be difficult for the dog's digestive system. This is the reason why nuts would cause the dog stomach upset. An obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract is one of the possible outcomes if dogs are allowed to eat nuts. To remove the obstruction, the dog may need to undergo a surgical procedure.

Nuts contain high levels of phosphorous. Dogs that regularly ingest nuts would not only suffer from stomach upset but may also develop bladder stones. Pancreatitis is another health concern that can develop if the pet is allowed to eat nuts because of its high fat content. Excessively fatty foods must not be included in the dog's diet as this four legged friend that cannot tolerate fats can suffer from pancreatitis

Macadamia nuts have the most serious effect in dogs. A few kernels of this nut can make a dog suffer from severe stomach upset because of the nut's high fat content. Pancreatitis and gall bladder stones are the possible health concern of a dog that eats macadamia nuts because like other kinds of nuts macadamia is also high in phosphorous. The most serious effect of eating macadamia nuts is temporary paralysis which is caused by an unknown toxic compound found in this nut. The dog would develop tremors and have swollen hindquarters because the unknown toxic compound that macadamia nut contains affects the skeletal muscles. This immensely painful condition would hamper the dog's mobility. Fortunately, this painful condition is not permanent as dogs would recover from the toxicity.