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There are many foods that we as humans can safely eat but really shouldn’t. Foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt aren’t necessarily toxic, they’re just something we should enjoy in moderation at best. Our dog’s diets are no different. There are many foods that aren’t toxic, yet really aren’t something your dog should eat. Almonds are one of these foods. Almonds aren’t necessarily toxic to dogs, but they can cause some real issues if eaten in large amounts. Let’s see what that means.
Almonds’ Effect on Dogs
We’ve all been coached that almonds, and other nuts, contain healthy fats, fiber and protein. These are some beneficial nutrients that dogs can get from them as well. But the issue with dogs eating almonds is the amount that they consume. You see, healthy fat can still wreak havoc on the body if a dog eats a lot of it. This goes for all nuts. Can dogs have pistachios? This is a similar story to almonds.
Digestive upset
Eating high amounts of fat and fiber can lead to high amounts of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. If a pup gobbles too many almonds, they may spend a few days with these issues.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas produces enzymes that are used for digesting fats, so if a lot of fats are eaten, it can inflame the pancreas causing abdominal pain, possibly a fever, and more.
Weight gain
This one is obvious and something that can happen with long-term consumption of a lot of fat. Dogs can gain weight if given almonds frequently. That weight gain can lead to obesity which can lead to other bad things like diabetes and joint issues.
That just deals with the fats found in almonds. Now, let’s get to some other potential issues that almonds can bring about.
Aspergillus mold
So, I know I said almonds aren’t toxic to dogs, but here’s a little side note. Almonds can be contaminated with a type of mold that produces aflatoxins which can be dangerous to dogs. Better processing practices are helping to reduce the incidence of contamination.
Choking hazard
Almonds are firm and crunchy and adequately sized to become lodged in a dog’s throat if they’re swallowed whole. While most dogs will enjoy the satisfying crunch, others may prefer to gulp their almonds which may cause them to choke.
Seasonal additives
Plain almonds are delicious in their own right, but we often reach for the ones with a little more flavor. These added seasonings can be dangerous for dogs as high amounts of salt and things like garlic, onion or chocolate can be toxic.
Bitter Almonds and Cyanide Toxicity
Here I go correcting myself again. Sweet almonds aren’t toxic to dogs, but bitter almonds are. Bitter almonds are a close relative to the sweet almonds that we’re used to eating. Bitter almonds contain varying amounts of amygdalin which breaks down into cyanide when ingested. Eating as little as seven bitter almonds can be lethal for some dogs. The good news is, these aren’t the almonds we’re normally snacking on, so your pup has a lower chance of being around them. Bitter almonds may be more of an issue if you have a grove of old almond trees near you as some may be of the bitter variety.
Signs and Diagnosis of Almond-Related Issues in Dogs
An almond here and there, especially if properly chewed, is unlikely to cause your dog any real, lasting problems. When dogs and almonds become an issue is when they get more than their fair share. Eating a few handfuls of plain almonds or fewer seasoned almonds can make a pup downright sick.
Mild illness may have your dog blowing up with vomiting, diarrhea, and a reduced appetite for a couple of days, but more severe cases will need veterinary care. This is especially true if the almonds your dog ate contain aflatoxin.
Aflatoxin poisoning can damage the liver. So, along with signs of digestive upset, dogs may also become lethargic and have yellowing of the skin and eyes. Aflatoxin has also caused sudden death in pets that didn’t show any previous signs.
Diagnosing Aflatoxin Poisoning
If your pup becomes really sick after eating almonds, see your vet as soon as possible. They will perform an exam and likely bloodwork to check liver function. From there, further tests like x-rays may be done. Your vet may even test your dog’s vomit looking for aflatoxins.
Treatment and Recovery for Dogs Affected by Almonds
Again, most dogs that eat a few almonds and experience digestive issues will likely get better within a few days without much intervention. However, those that become severely sick may require hospitalization.
Aflatoxin poisoning is treated through supportive care since there is no specific antidote. Instead, a vet will give a dog fluids to keep them hydrated, medications to help decrease vomiting and diarrhea, and supplements to help the liver heal. This can be a long process that will require repeat visits to check how well a pup is recovering.
The Financial Burden of Unexpected Pet Illness
Even though almonds aren't inherently toxic, the potential consequences of dogs eating almonds can be expensive to treat. Vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage caused by aflatoxin poisoning all require veterinary intervention. Depending on the severity, hospitalization and ongoing medications might be necessary. This is where getting the best dog insurance comes in. You want your pup covered with a comprehensive plan that can help with unexpected vet bills caused by ingesting almonds (or the plethora of other dangerous foods and foreign objects that are so tempting to dogs!).
Prevention and Monitoring of Almond-Related Illness in Dogs
Here’s the main takeaway: dogs don’t need almonds in their diet. They should be getting all of their required nutrition from a high-quality dog food, so feeding almonds just isn’t necessary. Though eating one or two almonds is likely safe for most dogs, it’s better not to get in the habit of sharing nuts with your canine companions. If you insist on offering your dog a human food treat, look for other options of what can dogs eat.
If your pup does help themselves to almonds, monitor them closely for signs of digestive upset and take them to a veterinarian if those signs become severe or last for longer than a couple of days.