Can Dogs Eat Acorns and Other Tree Nuts? – American Kennel Club (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Acorns and Other Tree Nuts? – American Kennel Club? ›

Acorns are nuts from oak trees. They contain compounds called tannins that are harmful to dogs.

Acorns, like conkers, are poisonous to dogs if eaten. They can cause an upset tummy, and because they are hard and sometimes spikey, they can cause damage or a blockage in the stomach. In rare cases it has led to liver and kidney failure, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings when walking your dog.

Maybe. There are some tree nuts that are safe for your dog in small amounts such as almonds, pine nuts, or coconuts. However, nuts may give your dog an upset stomach or put your dog at risk for an intestinal obstruction that can lead to serious digestive issues.

So oak tree berries can be toxic to our dogs causing severe gastrointestinal upset and sometimes even kidney and liver damage.

If a dog eats small amounts consistently, say one acorn a day every day, over time the tannins can cause kidney and liver damage, Dr. Miosek says. Or, if a dog eats a larger number of acorns at once, they may take in enough tannins at once to get sick right away. Acorns' hard shells pose another danger, she adds.

They can be a temptation for your dog, who may be sniffing around outside. Acorns can cover vast amounts of ground space during autumn and winter, providing us with that familiar autumnal scene. Dogs have an inquisitive nature and they love to explore the world through their nose and mouth.

Not all seeds are safe for dogs. Stick to seeds that are known to be safe, such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds. Avoid seeds like apple seeds, which contain cyanide, and avoid any seeds that are heavily seasoned or salted.

Acorns are also commonly used in fall decorations and contain high concentration of tannins. Tannins can be irritating to a pet's digestive system, so vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort can develop with one-time exposures.

Good news: Your pooch can eat watermelon. However, this does come with precautions, according to the American Kennel Club. First, the watermelon must be seedless or you should remove the seeds before giving it to your pet. The seeds could lead to an intestinal blockage, so be sure that you pick a seedless watermelon.

' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products. Xylitol is the only ingredient in peanut butter that's bad for dogs.

Can dogs have bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

Many berries (such as holly and yew) are extremely toxic to dogs if your pup tries to taste them. The pits of fruits such as apricots, cherries, and peaches often contain high concentrations of cyanide, which is why it's important dogs don't snack on them in your backyard.

Stay away from cherries, holly berries, juniper berries, baneberries, poke berries, and mistletoe berries. These contain pits and/or chemicals that can be health hazards for your dog. And remember to feed your dogs limited quantities because too much can be bad news!

In addition, several parts of the cherry include chemicals which are toxic to dogs, including the stem and the leaves. Several other berries have similar risks related to pits and/or chemicals that are toxic to dogs, including holly berries, juniper berries, baneberries, poke berries and mistletoe berries.

Acorns and oak leaves contain a combination of gallic acid and tannic acid which can be harmful to pets. If a dog has eaten an acorn, symptoms can include stomach discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea. More severe poisoning may occur in smaller dogs or dogs who have eaten a larger quantity of acorns.

Maple seeds are not considered toxic, however they can cause gastrointestinal upset that would just need to be treated symptomatically. If a very large amount of them were ingested, there is a low risk for the seeds clumping up and obstructing the gastrointestinal tract.

In conclusion, dogs may eat grass for various reasons, including to soothe an upset stomach or simply because they find it tasty. While eating grass is generally not harmful, it can cause vomiting and other digestive issues in some dogs.