Dog Care
Can Dogs Eat Almonds? What to Do If Your Dog Ate Some
No, dogs should not eat almonds. Almonds are not among the most toxic nuts, but dogs struggle to digest them, they are high in fat, and whole almonds can cause choking or a blockage, especially in small dogs. Salted, flavoured and chocolate-covered almonds add more risk. One plain almond is unlikely to cause harm in a large dog, but there is no reason to feed them.
Why almonds are bad for dogs
- Hard to digest. Dogs don't chew nuts thoroughly, and almond pieces can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or gas.
- High in fat. Rich, fatty foods can trigger stomach upset and, in some dogs, pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.
- Choking and blockage risk. A whole almond is the right size to lodge in the throat or intestines of a small dog.
- Seasonings. Salted, smoked, spicy or flavoured almonds can irritate the gut, and some seasonings contain garlic or onion powder.
- Chocolate coatings. Chocolate-covered almonds bring chocolate toxicity on top of the nut risks.
The American Kennel Club advises against feeding almonds and suggests calling your vet if your dog eats more than a few.
My dog ate almonds: what should I do?
- Work out what and how many. Plain or flavoured? Chocolate-coated? Did the packet or anything else get eaten too?
- One or two plain almonds in a medium or large dog: usually just watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling or tummy pain over the next 24–48 hours.
- More than a few, a small dog, or any chocolate, xylitol or seasoned almonds: call your vet or an animal poison control line now.
- Go to the vet urgently if you see repeated vomiting, a swollen or painful belly, straining without passing stool, lethargy or choking.
Don't try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Almond butter, almond milk and almond flour
| Product | OK for dogs? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Almond butter (plain, xylitol-free) | A small lick only | No choking risk, but very fatty. Always check the label for xylitol, also called birch sugar. |
| Almond milk (unsweetened) | Not needed | A small lap is unlikely to harm, but sweetened and flavoured versions can contain sugar or xylitol. |
| Almond flour in treats | Small amounts | Fine in a homemade treat with dog-safe ingredients. |
| Almond extract | No | Contains alcohol. |
| Chocolate-covered or salted almonds | No | Chocolate toxicity, salt and the nut risks combined. |
Which nuts are dangerous for dogs?
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors and fever, according to the ASPCA. Walnuts and pecans are high in fat and can carry moulds, so they are best avoided too. Plain, unsalted peanuts and xylitol-free peanut butter are the safer choice in small amounts. Check any nut quickly with our can my dog eat this? food checker.
Safer crunchy treats to give instead
- Raw carrot sticks
- Apple slices with the core and seeds removed
- Green beans, plain
- Frozen blueberries
- A small piece of plain cooked chicken
Frequently asked questions
Are almonds toxic to dogs?
Almonds are not considered highly toxic like macadamia nuts, but they are hard to digest, high in fat and can cause choking or blockages, so dogs should not eat them.
My dog ate one almond. Will he be okay?
One plain almond is unlikely to harm a medium or large dog. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea or discomfort, and call your vet if your dog is small or shows any symptoms.
Can dogs eat almond butter?
A small lick of plain, xylitol-free almond butter is unlikely to cause harm, but it is very high in fat. Always check the label for xylitol.
Can dogs drink almond milk?
Plain unsweetened almond milk isn't toxic in small amounts, but dogs don't need it. Avoid sweetened or flavoured almond milk.
Can cats eat almonds?
No. Cats can't digest almonds well and they offer no benefit to a carnivore.
Sources
Guidance follows the American Kennel Club and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
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