Can Dogs Eat Brazil Nuts?

 

What happens when a dog eats a brazil nut? It could go several ways. Nuts aren't toxic to dogs, and one or two might not hurt your dog (unless they cause intestinal blockage); however, there are a few reasons to avoid feeding your dog these nuts as a treat. 

Firstly, nuts are high in fat and salt. All fatty food is difficult for dogs to digest, so be aware of how much you're feeding them. 

Apart from potentially causing vomiting or diarrhoea, in the long term, too much fat in your dog's diet is dangerous.

It can have various consequences on your dog's health, such as obesity. Therefore, avoid letting your dog eat nuts if they already have underlying health conditions.

Risks of brazil nuts:

  • Obesity - With such a high-fat content, brazil nuts aren't good for dogs to be regularly eating. It can contribute to later health conditions which are life-threatening.
  • A Choking Hazard - It's always a risk with something so small and weirdly shaped. Since dogs don't chew their food, there is a real risk of choking, intestinal blockages or obstruction in the oesophagus or intestines. 
  • Gastroenteritis - Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea. A common reason dogs get gastroenteritis is food sensitivity, intolerance or an allergy. Therefore, any new food, like brazil nuts, runs the risk of causing stomach upset. 
  • Pancreatitis - A result of high-fat diets, pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed. It's incredibly painful and dangerous for dogs.
can dogs eat brazil nuts

Symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Choking
  • Diarrhoea
  • High temperature
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Stomach upset
  • Vomiting

Top Tips:

  • Small amounts of nuts are safe, to an extent, but be careful and stop giving your dog nuts if they have any symptoms. 
  • I recommend options like peanut butter if you really want to give your dog something nutty. The risk of choking is significantly less, making it relatively safe for dogs to eat. 
  • What can you feed your dog instead then? If you choose to give your dog human food, vegetables can be a great alternative. As long as you don't overdo it, peppers, for example, can be a tasty, healthy choice. 

Treatment Plan

If your dog has an upset stomach, most vets will suggest withholding their food for a couple of days and give them lots of water. If you want to feed them, then the best option is as bland as possible. 

When in doubt, contact your vet for their advice. If any symptoms arise after your dog has eaten brazil nuts, then it's essential to check it hasn't triggered a more severe problem.