Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
The good news is that almonds are not toxic to dogs. But dogs shouldn’t eat almonds because they are hard to digest. If your dog ate some almonds by accident, don’t worry; they’ll be fine. However, you shouldn’t generally give your dog nuts as they are high in fat and calories, and some nuts can be toxic to dogs.
Some nuts are really toxic to dogs, like macadamia nuts. Some are slightly dangerous, like pecans, while others are fine but not super healthy, like walnuts, chestnuts, cashews, and peanuts. These three are okay in the sense that they are not dangerous or toxic to dogs, but they are still high in fat and hard to chew and digest, which makes me worry about potential choking. But unlike peanuts, almonds are very hard to digest.
Are almonds safe for dogs?
Almonds are not toxic to dogs, but they are very hard to digest. While dogs can eat raw almonds, the skin, size, and fiber content make them hard to chew and swallow.
Dogs can’t digest almonds very well
Almonds are full of complex proteins that are hard to break down, and they contain phytic acid, which can bind to minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, making them less absorbable. This is why you shouldn’t eat too many almonds, as that can lead to mineral deficiencies (tell that to your almond mom!).
The first issue is that almonds are pretty high in protein (21g of protein per 100g serving). However, the proteins in almonds are not as easy to digest as simple animal proteins.
Almonds are harder to digest than peanuts
When we compare almonds to peanuts, we are actually comparing two different types of “nuts.” Almonds are real nuts, while peanuts are technically legumes. Peanuts are easier to digest because they have less fiber, which acts as a barrier and makes it hard to digest food.
Can dogs eat raw almonds?
Maybe. Dogs can technically eat raw almonds, as they are not toxic to dogs. Raw almonds are safe for dogs in small amounts, but they are not something you should use as a treat. The best approach is not to give your dog any almonds, as they don’t need them in their diet.
The main issue with raw almonds is the choking risk and obstructions, especially for small dogs, as they are so hard to chew and swallow.
The other risk is the one shared by all nuts, not just almonds, as nuts are high in fat, and too much fat can cause pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
If a dog eats too many almonds—whether they sneak a bag or you give them too many as a treat—it can overwhelm their digestive system and lead to stomach issues like bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Not to mention that there’s a risk of long-term health problems related to eating foods high in fat.
Can dogs eat roasted almonds?
Roasted almonds are also somewhat safe for dogs, as they are not toxic, but there’s another problem with roasted almonds—and that’s salt and seasonings. Many roasted almonds have additional flavors, like honey-roasted almonds, wasabi almonds, and more. Lots of salt can lead to dehydration and, in severe cases, sodium poisoning (which probably won’t happen from a bag of roasted almonds).
Another reason why honey-roasted almonds are bad for dogs is that they are coated with sugar, which can further upset their stomach.
Why is almond butter okay for dogs, but almonds are not
I wrote in detail about how dogs can eat almond butter and mentioned that, although almond butter is high in fat—just like peanut butter—it’s safe for dogs because it’s easier to digest. It’s a good way to keep them occupied, like spreading it on their licking mats or using it to give them a pill when they need to take medication. Even though peanut butter is more popular for dogs, almond butter is also okay!
While almonds are not toxic to dogs, they are among dog owners’ least favored nuts.
When it comes to sharing snacks with your dog, there are safer and healthier options to choose from!
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs eat smoked almonds?
No, dogs should not eat smoked almonds. Even though smoked almonds are not toxic to dogs, they contain a lot of added salt and sometimes artificial smoke flavoring, so they are really not good for dogs.
Can dogs eat almond meal?
Dogs can technically eat almond meal in small amounts, but it really depends on what you make with it. If you use it for baking or something similar, I would be more concerned about other ingredients, like sugar. However, almond meal itself is not toxic to dogs, so you don’t have to worry about that. Almond meal is just ground almonds, so it’s still high in fat, which is bad for dogs.
Will one almond hurt my dog?
No, one almond won’t hurt your dog, but you’re a responsible dog owner, and it’s good that you’re asking yourself this. Too many almonds can cause issues, but just one almond won’t make any difference. Just make sure your dog chews it well, as almonds are really hard to break down and chew.