Pecans are a delicious treat used in many common human foods, from indulgent pecan pie to healthy breakfast muesli, but can you share pecans with your dog? Are pecans safe for dogs? The answer is no. While the odd pecan or two hastily scooped up off the floor by an observant pooch is unlikely to do any harm, too many can be toxic for dogs.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the reasons that they are potentially harmful and what to do if your dog does eat pecans.
What exactly are pecans?
Pecans are native to northern Mexico and the southern United States and are a species of hickory tree. Pecans are one of the most recently domesticated crops, and the southern U.S. and Mexico produce almost half the world’s total. While pecans are commonly referred to as “nuts,” they are actually a type of drupe, a fruit with a single pit surrounded by a husk. They are popular among health enthusiasts due to their antioxidant benefits, healthy fats, and fiber content.
Why shouldn’t your dog eat pecans?
One of the main reasons you should keep pecans away from your pooch is that they, along with walnuts, contain a toxin known as juglone. According to a 2016 study, this toxin caused some significant physical distress for the dogs involved. Even though the study was conducted with walnuts, pecans also contain this toxin, so your pooch will likely have similar symptoms if they ingest them.
Pecans are also susceptible to a mold that contains aflatoxins and other tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can have serious side effects on canines. It is known to cause tremors, seizures, fever, and even liver failure in high doses. Dogs can have these symptoms for up to a week, and in serious cases, it can be fatal.
Pecans are also fairly large and may cause gastrointestinal blockages when swallowed, especially in smaller breeds. The hard husks can damage your dog’s gums and palate if they are chewed on whole, and prepackaged pecans may contain salt or other spices that can cause further gastrointestinal upset.
What to do if your dog has eaten pecans
While pecans can be dangerous, if your dog has accidentally ingested a few, there is usually no reason to panic. If they managed to eat a handful or more, they may show symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, but this doesn’t usually last long. Of course, this depends on your dog and on the number of pecans they’ve eaten, and symptoms may be more severe. If these symptoms worsen or do not stop, you’ll need to take your pooch to the vet immediately, as this can be fatal.
Unless your dog eats a large number of pecans, which is unlikely, they will usually be perfectly fine. If they are displaying any mild symptoms, you may consider giving them activated charcoal and plenty of fresh water. Even if you do need to make a trip to the vet, most dogs recover fully from ingesting pecans.
Are there any benefits?
Pecans are loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are highly beneficial for both dogs and humans. This is why your dog is likely to eat them, in addition to the irresistibly sweet, nutty flavor! The issue is that your dog would have to eat a high number of pecans to gain any real benefits from them, and eating this many is likely to put them at risk for health issues. Plus, they can easily get these beneficial nutrients from a healthy balanced diet.
Are there any nuts safe for dogs?
Most vets advise against giving your dog any nuts at all, as they are often salted or flavored and pose the risk of intestinal blockages if consumed whole. That said, peanuts, almonds, and cashews are generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts.
Macadamia nuts, black walnuts, brazil nuts, and pistachios are all considered harmful for dogs.
Final Thoughts
Pecan nuts may be a tasty treat for humans, but they should never be given to your pooch, even in small amounts. If your dog manages to find a few pecans lying on the floor, though, there is usually no reason to panic. Just keep an eye on them, and watch for any symptoms, like nausea or vomiting. If these symptoms are present but mild, activated charcoal may do the trick, though if they persist, a trip to the vet may be necessary. Even so, it is rare that a dog would consume enough pecans to cause a fatal reaction, and most of the time, your pooch will be just fine!
Read more How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Odor
Featured Image Credit: tseiu, Pixabay
— Update: 17-04-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Can Dogs Eat Pecans? Here’s What to Know from the website blog.roguepetscience.com for the keyword my dog ate 2 pecans.
Many dog owners give their pets nuts as a treat. Watching a dog lick peanut butter can be very entertaining. But most nuts aren’t good for dogs and some can be dangerous. In fact, 95-98% of all reported animal cases are potential poisonings because pets accidentally eat something they shouldn’t.
Pecans are one of these offenders that seem harmless but are actually toxic for dogs. We’ll explain why pecans are poisonous and what to do if your dog accidentally eats some.
Why Pecans are Toxic for Dogs
Pecans contain juglone, a compound found in walnuts and pecans that is harmful to dogs and horses. Juglone can cause digestive issues, which usually results in vomiting. Pecans can also get a mold that contains aflatoxin called aspergillus. If your dog eats a moldy pecan, it can cause seizures and tremors.
Other nuts that are toxic for dogs:
- Black Walnuts: Can cause neurologic and musculoskeletal problems.
- Macadamia Nuts: Can cause muscle weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If your dog has eaten one of these toxic nuts and you notice these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Muscle Weakness
- Tremors
- Fever
- Seizures
Contact your veterinarian immediately. These are signs of more serious neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. To treat your dog, your vet may increase fluids, prescribe medication, or perform blood work to get an accurate assessment of the toxicity.
Related Link: Active Nutrition for Your Dog: Rogue’s Approach to Pet Nutrition and Performance
Do Pecans Provide any Health Benefits for Dogs?
Pecans are full of healthy fiber, vitamins, protein, and good fats. They also contain antioxidants, which can be very beneficial. Unfortunately, for your dog to get the benefits from pecans, it would need to consume toxic levels of pecans. So feeding your dog only one or two pecans doesn’t have any significant health benefits.
What Happens if a Dog Eats a Pecan?
If your dog only eats a couple pecans, they should be okay. Smaller dogs may need to be monitored for symptoms. But if your dog eats a moldy pecan or eats several pecans, you should watch for these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Urinating
- Tremors
- Fever
- Seizures
- Blood in the stool
If your dog shows any of these severe signs, you should contact your veterinarian. If there is blood in the stool, call immediately because it could be life-threatening.
If you have a pecan tree in your yard, you will need to be vigilant about picking up any fallen nuts before letting your dog into the yard. Also, be careful when walking your dog in neighborhoods with pecan trees to keep them from snatching up a bad pecan.
Can One Nut Kill a Dog?
No. One or two nuts will not kill your dog, but they can get very sick depending on their size. If your dog accidentally eats a pecan, you’ll want to watch them closely for signs of distress. If your dog shows signs and doesn’t improve, you’ll want to call your vet for further assessment.
Are Other Nuts Safe for Dogs?
While pecans are not safe, these nuts are safe for your dog to eat:
- Cashews
- Peanuts
- Pistachios
- Almonds
Cashews and peanuts are the safest nuts and don’t contain any toxins. You can also give your dog cashew butter or peanut butter without worrying about side effects. But be aware these nuts are high in fat and calories.
Be Aware of Pistachios and Almonds
While pistachios and almonds are not toxic for dogs, they can be choking hazards because of their shape. If you have a dog that gulps its food, you need to keep pistachios and almonds out of reach.
Risks of Using Nuts for Treats
Some dog owners use nuts for treats, but nuts do have some risks you should note before offering them to your dog as a snack:
Nuts are High in Fat
Nuts have a high-fat content that can create gastrointestinal indigestion if your dog has a sensitive stomach. The high fat can also aggravate and inflame the pancreas, which can lead to pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
If you notice these symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian for further assessment.
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Related Link: Dietary Fats for Pets
Nuts are High in Calories
Because nuts are high in calories, you should not give your dog nuts if they are overweight. Treats should be less than 10% of their daily calories. That’s why nuts and nut spreads should be given sparingly or only as a delivery device to help a dog take a pill (by covering it in peanut butter).
Nuts can Have Dangerous Coatings
You need to be mindful of the coating on the nuts you want to share with your dog. Some coatings can be harmful or toxic for dogs, such as:
- Cocoa
- Garlic
- Pepper
- Onion
- High Salt
Before giving your dog a nut, you should read the label for the nuts to ensure there is nothing toxic. Even though the coating is thin, it can still give your dog digestion issues. And nuts that are too salty can cause high blood pressure or urinary stones.
Read more My Dog Ate Pecans Will He Get Sick?
Finding Better Snack Options
Veterinarians generally don’t recommend giving your dog nuts because they can cause gastrointestinal issues or blockage. You can use peanut butter to help your dog take medication, but you don’t want to feed them nuts very often because the high-fat content can cause obesity and pancreatitis.
Unfortunately, most dogs will eat anything you offer them, so you need to be aware of the snacks you are feeding to your dog. Instead of nuts, you may want to provide healthy snacks that have more nutrition and benefit your dog’s overall health.
Rogue Pet Science utilizes science and nutrition to make the best natural, immune-boosting pet treats and supplements. Rogue Pet Science’s high-quality supplements strengthen your dog’s health and quality of life.
Want an all-natural dog supplement? Rogue Pet Science’s supplements and treats are rich in Omega-3s and essential vitamins to fortify your dog’s immune system.
Related Link: 5 Reasons Why Whole Fish is Good For Your Dog
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2984110/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/juglone
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26720086/
- https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/aspergillosis/causes.html
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/black-walnut
- https://www.aspca.org/news/animal-poison-control-alert-macadamia-nuts-are-toxic-dogs
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_dog-owners-guide-to-nuts-and-seeds
— Update: 24-04-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article My Dog Ate Pecans Will He Get Sick? from the website ourfitpets.com for the keyword my dog ate 2 pecans.
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Many people love pecans! You can find them in a wide variety of dishes and desserts. These nuts are extremely popular! While that’s the case, you may want to not give your dog foods that contain pecans.
First, what is a pecan? A pecan is a small nut with a hard shell and soft inside. They are actually the fruit of a hickory tree. The nuts are harvested from the tree when they have turned from green to brown, and then they are dried out on screens to remove the husks.
There are two types of pecans, white and black. The white ones are more common than the black ones because it is easier to pick them up off the ground when they have fallen from the tree. They are also smaller and easier to process.
It is strongly recommended to contact a Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian.
Pecans are high in fat, fiber, and protein. They are also a good source of copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E. They are rich in flavonoids, beta-sitosterol, and phytosterols.
Pecans are usually eaten as a snack, in the form of a pie or on a cookie. They are used in baking and candies, and they are often used in recipes that call for pecans.
It is not uncommon to find them on the menu of a restaurant or to find them in the produce section of a grocery store. You can also buy them fresh at the market or you can get them canned in a can.
Many people buy pecans and store them in their kitchen to use as a snack. However, it is important to remember that it is not safe to eat raw pecans. The nuts can also be roasted and ground into a powder for use in baking or for use in other recipes.
But, can’t dogs have pecans?
Pecans are Toxic for Dogs
No, dogs can’t have pecans because these yummy nuts are poisonous to dogs. While pecans contain some healthy nutrients such as omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants, along with other vitamins and minerals, they contain a substance that’s toxic for dogs.
Why are Pecans Bad for Dogs?
Pecans contain a substance called juglone. If a dog eats pecans in large enough quantities, they can become very sick. In fact, they could either develop gastric upset or a blocked intestine.
Intestinal blockage can be life-threatening. The symptoms of pecan toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Also, if your dog ingests too much pecan you may have to perform surgery to remove the nuts from their stomach.
A dog with pecan toxicity may have a number of other symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and excessive drooling. If your dog has these symptoms it’s best to take them to the vet immediately.
Pancreatitis is another potential complication of pecan toxicity. This can be fatal. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is responsible for making insulin. If a pooch eats enough pecans, they can develop pancreatitis.
Gastrointestinal upset is also potential complication of pecan toxicity. Dogs that eat too many pecans can develop vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain.
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What about pecan nuts and pecan pie?
Well, pecan pie is not necessarily a dog food, and it does contain pecans and other nuts. If you’re concerned about your dog eating pecans, you can make a pie without them. Just replace the pecans with pumpkin or another type of nut. You could also just leave out the pecans or don’t give your dog human foods altogether.
Symptoms of Pecan Poisoning in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten pecans:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Urine with an orange-color
- Blood in the urine
- Blackened or bloody stools
- Seizures
- Other neurological symptoms
Symptoms of Mycotoxicosis in Dogs
If the pecans were moldy, then that’s also a problem. The reason is that moldy pecans contain high levels of aflatoxin and other tremorgenic mycotoxins. These can all be extremely dangerous for your dog, and possibly lead to death.
Symptoms of mycotoxicosis can include:
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
Treatment of Pecan Poisoning
If you believe your canine companion has eaten a bunch of pecans, then call the vet right away. They may ask you to bring the dog in for an exam and possible treatment. Treatment may include inducing vomiting with activated charcoal or even gastric lavage.
If your dog’s symptoms are severe, the vet may also treat your fur baby with medications to control symptoms and an IV to treat the liver and avoid liver failure.
In case your dog has eaten a few pecans, they may even be able to stop the symptoms with a little extra effort. However, if the pecan poisoning is severe, then they may need some IV treatment and possibly an induced vomiting.
A vet will determine whether or not your dog has consumed a sufficient amount of pecans to warrant treatment. This depends on the amount that was eaten, and how long ago it was eaten.
Keep Pecans Away from Your Dog
It’s much easier to keep pecans away from your dog, then dealing with pecan poisoning. For this reason, be sure to keep all pecans out your dog’s reach. And don’t give him food that contains pecans.
And if you have a pecan tree, then be sure to pick up all nuts to keep your dog from eating them. Remember, not only do the nuts contain toxins, but if left to mold, they will contain even more toxic substances that can cause death in dogs.
Never let your dog eat pecans. This is the best way to keep him from becoming very ill or even dying. Rather than giving him pecans (or other nuts), find a healthy snack he can enjoy with you! You’ll be be happier in the long run!
Other Food Poisoning Causes: Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
Artificial sweetener, artificial coloring, coffee, caffeine, onion, garlic, grapefruit, nuts and citrus fruits can also be toxic to dogs. A dog eating one of these foods could develop the same symptoms as a dog that ate pecans. There are other common foods that can be toxic to dogs. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Black Walnuts
Black walnuts are usually safe for dogs to eat. However, in some parts of the country, they may contain a toxin called mycobacteria that can be very dangerous to dogs.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. The reason is that they contain a toxin called cardol. This can be very dangerous to dogs, causing kidney failure and even death.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is usually safe for dogs to eat, but it’s not recommended for small dogs because they may choke on it. Also, some brands of peanut butter contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Pistachios
Pistachios are a great snack for dogs, but they should be kept away from dogs with diabetes. Pistachios have high fat content, which can cause digestive upset in dogs with diabetes. A large amount of pistachios can cause obesity and diarrhea in dogs.
Cashews
Cashews are not toxic to dogs, but they are high in fat. If a dog eats a large amount of cashews, they can affect the dog’s digestive system. They could develop gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or even a swollen stomach.
Hickory Nuts
The nuts contain a toxin called juglone, which can also give dogs an upset stomach. If a dog eats enough of these nuts, they could develop severe gastrointestinal upset and vomiting.
Final Thoughts
In order to prevent a dog from getting sick, dog owners should make sure that their dog doesn’t eat pecans in large quantities. A dog’s diet should contain only natural foods, not man-made products. People foods are generally not good for dogs.
The dog’s health should be monitored regularly. If a dog starts showing signs of illness, the owner should take the dog to the vet as soon as possible. Health issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea can be life-threatening. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) can help with these issues.
In addition, choking hazard is a serious problem. If a dog eats something that they can’t swallow, they may end up choking. While most dogs will only choke on dry food, it’s possible for a dog to choke on a pecan. Legumes, such as pecans, are known to cause choking in dogs.
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