What about almond butter and other treats made with almonds, are they safe for dogs to eat? To what extent do dogs share in the benefits of the high nutrient density that makes almonds a “superfood” for humans? Read on to find out the ins and outs of giving your dog almonds as a treat.
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
If you’re wondering, “Can my dog eat almonds?” you’re in the right place. No, that’s not the case. Almonds, like many other nuts, contain many toxins that aren’t harmful to people but can be particularly detrimental to dogs when consumed in large quantities.
Dogs are most at risk from eating raw bitter almonds, with as few as seven of them being fatal. The most common type of almonds eaten as a snack are processed almonds, which are also much safer to eat.
The effects of your dog’s paws touching them may not be fatal, but they could still be harmful.
Take your dog to the vet or emergency clinic and contact pet poison control if he or she has eaten almonds and developed an allergy.
Are Almonds Bad for Dogs?
Almonds are toxic to dogs, so you shouldn’t give them to yours. Here are some potential risks that could arise from your dog eating an almond.
Obstruction Hazard
Dogs, in contrast to humans, do not chew their food thoroughly before swallowing. Goldstein warns that small breed dogs can die from aspirating a whole almond because of the risk of obstruction to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or even the windpipe.
Potential Severe Gastro-Intestinal Upset
Almonds, due to their high fat content, can bring on an attack of pancreatitis in some dogs, as stated by Dr. Perez. Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue are all symptoms of pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis often mimics less serious digestive issues at first, but can rapidly progress into a life-threatening condition. Your veterinarian should make a definitive diagnosis of pancreatitis and treat it aggressively if it is suspected.
Possible Water Retention
Almonds, like many packaged nuts, are often heavily salted, and this intake of salt can cause increased water retention in dogs, which is particularly dangerous in dogs with heart disease, as explained by Perez.
Can Dogs Eat Almond Butter?
According to Organic Facts, making almonds into almond butter improves the digestibility and nutrient availability for canine companions. As a result, you need not worry so much about giving your dog almond butter because he or she will develop gastrointestinal problems less frequently.
Nonetheless, there are still a number of other dangers. Like many other foods commonly consumed by humans, eating too much almond butter can cause pancreatitis. In addition, many varieties of almond butter include salt and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.
If your dog licks some almond butter off the floor, they are probably safe. Natural peanut butter is a better option because it is safe and healthy for dogs when given in moderation.
Always consult your vet before giving your dog any food that wasn’t created specifically for canines, and keep in mind that natural peanut butter has a high fat content and its own inherent health risks.
And remember that treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your daily calorie intake.
Can Dogs Drink Almond Milk?
In a cup of almond milk, the amount of almonds is extremely low because the milk is a byproduct of the almond processing, as stated by Dog Health Coach.
Almond milk, like almond butter, is gentle on the digestive system, so giving your dog a little bit of plain, unsweetened almond milk is probably not going to cause any problems.
Almond milk is high in calories but provides zero nutritional value for dogs.
Also, almond milk with added flavoring and sugar may be laced with artificial sweeteners and other unhealthy additives. Overall, you should probably just keep your dog away from almond milk.
What To Do if Your Dog Eats Almonds
The effects of a single dose of nuts on animals of varying sizes can be quite different.
In the absence of obvious symptoms, you need not worry if your Saint Bernard consumes a few almonds. However, things change if your dog is a Yorkie, known for its intrepid appetite.
According to Perez, “the most effective treatment is to induce vomiting if the ingestion occurred within the previous 30 minutes” if you suspect your pet has recently consumed the five-pound bag of almonds you left by the sofa. Your dog needs to go to the vet right away so they can keep an eye on everything as it happens.
The only thing you can do if you don’t know when the nuts were eaten is keep an eye out for symptoms of illness. As soon as you notice that your pet is sick, contact your vet to schedule an appointment. Warning indicators may include:
- Choking
- Bloating
- Gagging
- Vomiting
- Discomfort
Dr. Richard Goldstein says that if your dog shows no signs of distress after eating a small amount of almonds, it is likely fine and can be monitored at home.