Our Mornin’ Routine is Lovey walks around on Mom as soon as the sun starts coming up and politely meows near her ear to see if she’s awake. You know, it’s time for morning cookies, right? If that doesn’t work, she works her way over to the pup side of the bed and says good morning to us – while firmly grounded on Mom – her security blankie 🙂 Then, we head downstairs and Mom lets us out fur morning potty and Lovey heads to her catio so Mom can open the door fur her to have her cat grass while enjoying all the birds singing in the background. THEN, we all head to the kitchen fur Breakfast! Woohoo! Mom adds extra veggies, cilantro, broccoli sprouts, eggs or whatever dog friendly leftovers are in the fridge. Then, she enjoys her decaf espresso, blueberries and walnuts while we all have brekkie as a family! Ella needs to put on a little weight so Mom considered adding some walnuts to her bowl but, can Dogs eat Walnuts?
Are Walnuts Bad for Dogs?
While Walnuts have many health benefits for humans…antioxidants, fiber and omega 3, walnuts can have many detrimental concerns for your dog:
- Salt
- Toxic Mold
- Choking Hazard
- Variety Specific Toxic Chemicals related to Walnuts and Pecans
Walnuts are particularly susceptible to toxic molds as opposed to other nuts. Humans can typically taste “issues” with walnuts immediately but our pups may not be so lucky. If your pup is like Ella, she will have already ingested them with lightening speed! Issues for dogs from walnuts can vary from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe toxicity and health issues.
Can Dogs Eat Black Walnuts?
English Walnuts, California Walnuts, Chandler Walnuts and Black Walnuts are the typical Walnut varieties to name a few. While all Walnut varieties pose health and toxic mold issues that can be very serious for our pups, Black Walnuts are the most toxic to Dogs. Black Walnuts belong to the Juglans nigra variety and may contain a toxic chemical called juglone. Black Walnuts in particular are the worst of the Walnuts for your Dog to ingest.
Can Dogs Eat Walnut Shells?
No! Please NEVER allow your dogs to eat walnut shells. Not only are they choking hazards but they can also get stuck in the intestinal tract creating very serious and even deadly blockages.
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Walnuts
In a “Nutshell” 🤓 Stay Clear of Walnuts for your Dogs! Although one or two pieces of “accidental” walnut pieces may not create a serious health issue with your dog, it’s just not worth the risk. The “wrong” walnut or wrong amount can create GI issues for your pup such as vomiting and diarrhea. Walnuts can also cause more severe toxicity issues such as seizures, pancreatitis and possible death. In fact, Certain Dog Breeds as well as some middle age, senior, overweight and even female dogs may susceptible to Pancreatitis.
Our bestie Willow who is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever had a severe bout with Pancreatitis last year that was such an emergency that she had to spend a week at her uncle’s veterinarian clinic – she was very close to death! That was scary!!! Needless to say, Willow is on now on a very fresh, human grade, pawrent created diet – which she is WUVS to supervise!
Do you want to learn how to provide the best Nutrition for Dogs? Find out how in our Blog!
Can Dogs Eat Walnuts Safely?
Most of us are not able to identify exactly what type of walnut is in our kitchen, meal, premade foods or market. Do you know how to tell the difference between English, California, Chandler and Black Walnuts? Mom sure doesn’t! So, while humans can thoroughly feel free to enjoy the nutrient, antioxidant and fiber benefits of Walnuts as snacks, in their salads and meals, keep walnuts away from your dog! It’s just not worth the risk!
If your dog has eaten walnuts accidentally, contact your vet immediately for guidance. RUSH them the the vet if they are showing any early toxicity symptoms.
