Almonds are a healthy snack, a delicious milk alternative, and even a popular product in the beauty industry. But, can dogs eat almonds?
If you’ve been thinking of using almond butter in your dog’s puzzle toys or tossing Fido a few almonds on your next outing, the truth is, you could be doing more harm than good. While almonds aren’t necessarily toxic or poisonous to dogs, there are a few key reasons why they don’t make a good snack for our furry friends.
In this article, we’re cracking open the truth on almonds for dogs and offering some healthier alter-nut-ives.
Are almonds good for dogs? The experts say no
When it comes to humans, almonds are basically a superfood! They’re packed with protein, vitamin E, potassium and magnesium. As such, they’re an excellent source of energy while keeping our hair, nails, and skin healthy and glowing.
So, it’s reasonable to wonder, “Are almonds good for dogs, too?” Well, maybe they would be if your dog could properly digest them! But, because almonds are so high in fat, they can’t be appropriately broken down, leading to inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis.
In mild cases, you might notice that your dog experiences stomach upset. But, if they’ve ingested a large portion of almonds, they may start showing signs of pancreatitis such as vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, sensitivity and pain around the abdomen, fever, and exhaustion.
And it isn’t only the high fat content that you have to worry about when it comes to almonds. The way that they’re processed may also be a problem for dogs. Salted almonds or flavoured almonds, for instance, could expose your dog to additional health risks such as garlic toxicity or dehydration.
Finally, there’s the risk of choking. Small dogs and puppies are at especially high risk of obstruction, but any dog can be in danger from eating too many almonds at once.
Can dogs eat almonds at all? How many almonds can dogs tolerate?
Now, if your dog managed to scoop up one or two almonds off the floor, you probably don’t need to panic. Healthy, adult dogs should be able to deal with a couple of almonds at a time. Just make sure to monitor their symptoms and be ready to call the vet if need be.
If your dog made their way to the large bag of almonds in your kitchen cabinet, on the other hand, you might be facing an emergency situation. In these cases, a vet will likely opt to induce vomiting before the almonds have had a chance to do too much damage in the digestive system. They may also administer IV fluids to prevent dehydration and keep your dog for observation.
Exactly how many almonds your dog can tolerate before needing medical intervention will depend on a variety of factors, including age, size, and medical history. It’s always a good idea to stay on the safe side and call your vet for advice if your dog has eaten more than a few almonds.
Almond for dogs is off the table, but here are a few alternatives
The good news is, if you’re looking for something with all the healthy benefits of almonds, there are plenty of dog-friendly options. Here are a few alternatives that pack a nutritious punch:
- Hemp seed. Hemp seed is a good source of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids as well as Vitamin E, potassium, manganese, calcium, iron, zinc and more. And, like almonds, they’re a brilliant source of protein
- Peanuts. Technically not a nut but rather a legume, peanuts are a dog-friendly alternative to members of the nut family. All-natural peanut butter is a great ingredient to add to your dog’s puzzle toys and DIY dog treats and it offers folic acid, healthy fats and protein
- Chia seeds. Like hemp seeds, chia seeds are a great source of many health-boosting minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. These seeds are also very water-absorbent, which can help your dog feel more satisfied after eating them
- Flaxseed. You might have heard about the benefits of flaxseed for your dog’s skin, nails, and fur. This healthy seed also helps to lower blood pressure and encourage healthy digestion.
As you can see, there are plenty of nut alternatives that can still offer all of the nutrition benefits of almonds. That said, you might have already noticed one drawback: seeds and peanut butter aren’t quite as convenient as tossing your dog a handful of almonds while you’re snacking.
If you really want to give your dog the benefit of these seeds, it’s a good idea to opt for a dog food that lists them as an ingredient. Whether you give them a crunchy bowl of quality kibble with hemp seed and chia seed or a gently cooked meal with flaxseed oil, your pupper will enjoy the health boost without any extra work on your part! And, when you give your dog high quality food that keeps them happy and satisfied, you certainly won’t feel bad about keeping all of the almonds to yourself!
Overall, can dogs have almonds? No, but they’re not missing out!
At the end of the day, even though almonds for dogs is a bad idea, your pupper won’t really miss this crunchy snack. With dog-friendly treats and hearty meals that will keep them feeling full, you can eat your almonds around your dog without feeling the need to share.
