- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Many people consider pecans a tasty snack or essential ingredient in certain baked goods, like pecan pie, but you won’t want to share these nuts with your dog! Experts say dogs can’t eat pecans safely.
“While pecans aren’t inherently toxic to dogs, they’re difficult for dogs to digest, and consuming large amounts can lead to serious health problems,” says Dr. Lisa Lippman, Director of Virtual Medicine at Bond Vet.
Eating a single pecan or two probably won’t make your dog sick, but it’s important to keep pecans away from dogs in order to keep them safe. Read on to learn more about why dogs shouldn’t eat pecans and get ideas for pup-safe nuts and other treats.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Pecans?
Pecans are a no-go for dogs for a few different reasons:
- Toxicity: Pecans contain juglone, a compound found in many nuts that can be toxic to dogs. Juglone commonly causes spontaneous vomiting in dogs when ingested, according to research on black walnuts, which also contain juglone.
- Choking hazard: When left whole, pecans can also pose a choking hazard. If your pup manages to eat lots of pecans, this can also lead to blockages in their digestive system.
- Mold risk: Moldy pecans can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause severe symptoms like tremors and seizures in dogs. Mycotoxins can be present even when the pecans don’t look moldy, and they’re toxic even in small amounts.
- High fat content: Pecans contain a lot of fat. While some fat is important for your dog’s diet, eating too much fat can lead to stomach problems or other health issues.
Again, eating a single pecan probably won’t require a visit to your vet, especially for a medium or large dog.
That said, eating too many pecans can cause serious health issues for dogs, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. Your dog can enjoy a small amount of other types of nuts with fewer risks to their health.
Can Pecans Cause Pancreatitis In Dogs?
A dog’s pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion by releasing enzymes that break down food, including fats. This process allows nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
If a dog eats too much fat, the pancreas has to go into overdrive to break down this excess amount. Over time, this can cause health problems like pancreatitis.
“Pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas,” Dr. Lippman says.
A few pecans likely won’t lead to a full-blown case of pancreatitis. That said, the high fat content in pecans can easily upset your dog’s stomach and may also lead to pancreatitis, Dr. Lippman says.
Many cases of pancreatitis have an unknown cause, and some experts believe certain dogs may have a genetic predisposition to this disease.
Breeds most often diagnosed with pancreatitis include:
Avoiding pecans and other high-fat foods entirely can help lower your dog’s risk of pancreatitis. This becomes especially important if your vet has recommended your dog eat a low-fat diet due to an increased risk of pancreatitis.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Pecans
If your dog gobbled a pecan or two off the floor before you could stop them, you probably don’t need to worry—but it’s still essential to pay close attention to their behavior over the next several hours for any signs of illness or distress.
Whether your dog ate one pecan or five, Dr. Lippman recommends paying attention for symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Bloating
- Excessive panting
You’ll want to take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms or other unusual behavior or signs of illness—or if your dog has eaten more than a few pecans.
“Even if no symptoms are immediately evident, it’s still wise to consult a veterinarian, as some issues, like intestinal blockages, can develop over time and require prompt medical intervention,” Dr. Lippman advises.
Keeping your pecans and other forbidden-to-pups snacks out of reach can help keep your dog from sneaking things they shouldn’t eat!
What Nuts Can Dogs Eat Safely?
Dogs don’t need to eat nuts as part of their diet, but you can safely share certain types of nuts with your dog as an occasional treat.
Dr. Lippman says some dog-safe nuts include:
Avoid sharing macadamia nuts with dogs, since these are also unsafe.
Because dogs don’t do well with lots of salt, opt for choose unsalted nuts and spreads. You’ll also want to avoid sharing any nuts with additional seasonings that could make them sick, like garlic or artificial sweeteners.
Keep in mind that since most nuts are high in fat, vets recommend feeding them only in moderation to prevent stomach upset, pancreatitis, and other health problems. Any treat or snack you give your dog should only make up about 10% of their daily calories!
