Can My Dog Eat Almonds
Almonds have long been a favorite nut. They're good as a snack, a dessert ingredient, or even as an added crunch to a savory dish. And over the years, the almond has definitely increased its popularity as it has become a beloved plant-based milk. All these are not surprising, seeing as almonds contain a multitude of health benefits.
Without question, it can be concluded that almonds are beneficial to the human diet. They could also appear to be a fantastic treat for your dog, but you'll have to rethink before giving your dog almond nibbles.
Quick Answer:
No! Although almonds are not toxic to dogs, the possible harm of feeding your dog almonds outweighs the benefits they offer. Almonds are not a good choice for a dog snack. They come with risks, and you don't want your dog to suffer from the health issues these nuts may induce.
Almonds are packed with nutrients, which may be beneficial for your dog. Still, they don't contain anything that dogs require to survive or can't obtain from safer food sources.
Can My Dog Eat Almonds?
The American Kennel Club strongly suggests not to give your pooch tidbits of almonds. They are not severely toxic like other nuts, but dogs have difficulty digesting them. This makes almonds an unsuitable food for your dog. Also, since almonds are tough and large, it is difficult for dogs to chew and swallow them. They pose a choking hazard, especially when ingested without your supervision.
While there are no known toxic effects of almonds on dogs, these nuts should not be a regular part of your dog's diet. Just like any human food, large consumption of almonds is not advisable for your canine.
Are Almonds Good for Dogs?
Dogs may like almonds. These tasty nuts are crunchy and flavorful, so they can be appealing to your furry friend. In truth, almonds have vitamins that are good for your dog. They contain vitamin B3 to support their skin and fur and vitamin E, which is an excellent antioxidant. The calcium contained in almonds also promotes bone and joint health.
Considering these benefits, almonds can be good for dogs. Still, these nuts can also bring harm to your dog's health. If your dog eats too many almonds, they can experience issues like vomiting and diarrhea. If you really want to feed this nut to your pup, you should only give them a small amount on rare occasions.
Almonds can seem like a lovely treat for your dog, but the dangers of almonds are worth considering. Despite their great taste, tossing your dog almonds may not be worth the risk.
Why Almonds Are Bad for Dogs
Consuming large amounts of almonds can bring distress to your dog's digestive tract. The American Kennel Club has listed symptoms that you need to watch out for in case your dog has consumed almonds. Over-indulging in almonds can lead to:
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Vomiting
- Loose bowel movement
- Flatulence
- Decreased appetite (which can lead to lower energy)
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General discomfort
Eating almonds can also bring more severe problems. According to PetMD, dogs may experience the following when they consume large quantities of almonds.
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Your dog may choke from almonds. Dogs are known to eat their food swiftly without chewing properly. Swallowing an almond whole can lead to obstruction in your dog's esophagus, intestines, or windpipe. This risk is even greater for smaller dog breeds.
- Your dog may experience severe gastrointestinal issues. Almonds contain high amounts of fat that your dog cannot efficiently process. This indigestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
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Your dog may suffer from water retention. Almonds are often heavily salted, especially those that are packaged and ready to eat. The volume of salt an almond contains can induce water retention in your dog. If you choose to feed your dog almonds, ensure they are unsalted and don't have any other flavors or additives.
On a more serious note, the American Kennel Club reports that massive consumption of almonds can increase the risk of pancreatitis for your pup. This condition can be fatal, so guidance from a veterinarian is required.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Almonds
Dogs can be sneaky, and they like to eat whatever food is on the floor. It would be unfortunate for them if almonds are left lying around the house. If your dog only consumes a piece or two, it should a cause for concern. Still, it's best to check your dog for signs of obstruction or distress in the gastrointestinal area.
In case your dog ingests handfuls of almonds, PetMD has featured a solution from Dr. Maritza Perez, a veterinarian from West Orange Animal Hospital. You can induce vomiting for almond ingestions that occurred within the past half hour. You must do this with the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure the safety of the procedure.
A vet should treat serious illnesses that arise from almond consumption. If you notice your dog is showing symptoms of almond poisoning, immediately bring them to the nearest clinic.
Almonds are indeed a delightful snack for us. Unfortunately, your dog cannot enjoy almonds as much as we do. Though they are not entirely toxic for your dog, remember the negative effects that almonds can have on their health. Think again the next time your dog begs for a bit of almond. Depriving your dog of almonds can be hard to do, but their safety should be the top priority.