So, can dogs eat pecans? Even though nuts are a healthy, protein-rich snack for people, they aren’t always the best treatment for dogs. If you have pecans, it’s best not to give them to your dog. Pecans are toxic to dogs because they can grow mould, which can cause GI problems, intestinal blockages, and other serious symptoms like seizures.
Are Pecans Safe for Dogs? Can Dogs Eat Pecans?
The pecan tree’s natural range includes the Americas and Mexico. You’ll find them in baked goods like pies, cakes, and muffins. Since they include healthy unsaturated fats and at least 19 different vitamins and minerals, they are also delicious when eaten on their own as a snack.
If your dog picks up a pecan that fell on the floor by accident, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But you should never give your dog pecans as a treat because these nuts may contain a poison namely juglone1, which can hurt your pet (juglone is also severely toxic to horses).
Pecans, like walnuts, are susceptible to mould. Mould produces tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause tremors, seizures, and even damage to a dog’s nervous system. Aflatoxin, a naturally occurring poison, is present in pecans and other types of tree nuts. This poison is made by a mould namely Aspergillus that grows on pecans.
If your dog eats a mouldy pecan, which can happen quickly and easily on the shells, it could have symptoms like seizures and other neurological problems. Pecans are safe for people who don’t have nut allergies, but dogs’ digestive systems aren’t strong enough to handle the toxins that may be hiding on the outside of these nuts.
What If Your Dog Eats Pecans?
So, can dog eat pecans? If your dog eats a mouldy pecan by accident or gets a hold of a lot of pecans (like a handful or more), the first things you should look out for are vomiting and diarrhoea. These conditions can sometimes disappear within a few hours, but in more serious cases, your dog will start throwing up and having diarrhoea a lot, and you’ll need to take him to the vet right away because if you don’t, his condition could kill him.
When dogs eat pecans, look for signs or symptoms. If your dog is throwing up, peeing, or going to the bathroom more often than usual, your vet will probably have to give your dog medicine, fluids, and blood work. Prepackaged processed pecans can also have extras like salt or other seasonings that are bad for our pets and can hurt their livers and kidneys. Taking your dog to the doctor immediately is the best course of action if you see any signs of pain or unusual behaviour after the ingestion of pecans.
So, can dogs eat pecans safely? High-fat nuts like pecans can upset your dog’s stomach and cause common GI problems like diarrhoea. Pecans and other nuts can also cause serious illnesses like pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, and gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the dog’s stomach or intestines.
Pecans are hard for dogs to digest, like many other nuts, and their size and texture can cause serious (and even life-threatening) blockages in the intestines, especially in smaller breeds. Often, surgery is needed to fix these blockages.
Why Pecans are Toxic for Dogs
So, now you know, can a dog eat pecans? Pecans have a chemical called juglone, which is also found in walnuts and is bad for dogs and horses. Juglone can make your stomach hurt, which usually makes you throw up. Aspergillus, a type of mould, can also grow on pecans. This mould makes aflatoxin. If your dog eats a rotten pecan, it can cause him to shake and have seizures.
Other nuts that can make dogs sick:
- Black walnuts can cause problems with the nerves and muscles.
- Macadamia nuts can make your muscles weak, make you throw up, and give you diarrhoea.
If your dog ate one of these nuts and you see any of these signs, it may have:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Seizures
- Weakness in Muscles
- Tremors
Contact your local animal hospital immediately. These are signs of more serious problems with the nerves and muscles. To help your dog, your vet may give it more fluids, give it medicine, or check its blood to figure out how bad the poisoning is.
Do Pecans Have Any Positive Effects on a Dog’s Health?
Pecans and other nuts are full of healthy fats, protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Pecans can also lower bad cholesterol levels. They have a naturally sweet taste and are full of antioxidants. Most dogs would go crazy for them.
But unfortunately, your dog would have to eat a lot of pecans to get the same health benefits as humans, and doing so would put them at risk for serious health problems. Because of this, our canine friends shouldn’t eat these nuts.
Related: CAN DOGS EAT MARSHMALLOWS?
What Other Nuts Can Dogs Not Eat?
Now, you know, can dogs eat peacans? Most veterinarians don’t recommend giving dogs nuts. Some, like peanuts, cashews, and almonds, are less dangerous. But even though all of these nuts have good things for you, like fibre and protein. But they can cause choking, upset stomachs, or blockages in the intestines. Moreover, they contain salt and other flavourings that can be harmful.
Macadamia nuts and hickory nuts are both poisonous to dogs, so you should never give them to your dog. People also know that black walnuts and pistachio nuts are very bad for our pets. If your pet accidentally eats more than a few, you should call a vet right away.
Other Snack Options
Most vets won’t tell you to give your dog nuts because they can cause stomach problems or blockages. You can help your dog take medicine with peanut butter, but you shouldn’t feed them nuts too often because the high-fat content can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.
Most dogs will eat anything you give them, so you need to be careful about what snacks you give them. You might feed your dog healthier, more wholesome foods as an alternative to nuts.
FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Pecans?
What Happens If A Dog Eats A Pecan?
Your dog’s digestive system can clog up by these nuts, and can also be poisonous. When dogs eat too many pecans, they may get sick, have diarrhoea, get yellow eyes or gums, and have other problems. If your dog eats pecans, pecan shells, or any food containing this ingredient, you should call your vet immediately.
How Much Pecan Can A Dog Eat?
In addition, they contain antioxidants, which have many positive health effects. Unfortunately, your dog would have to eat too many pecans to get any health benefits from them. So give your dog only one or two pecans won’t do much for his or her health.
Can Dogs Eat Pecans Or Walnuts?
Pecans are in the same family as walnuts, another potentially harmful nut, and should not be given to your dog. They have mycotoxins in them, which are also known to hurt a dog’s liver.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
