Are Pecans Safe For Dogs To Eat?

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Humans love using pecans in their diets. We eat them as snacks or bake pies, and many dog owners wonder, “Can dogs eat pecans?” They are packed with healthy fats and protein, so they have to be good for our dogs, right? Well, the answer to the question, “Can dogs have pecans?” is - no. Here is why you should avoid giving your dog pecans as treats or as a part of their usual meal.

Are pecans bad for dogs?

Pecans are indigenous to North America and Mexico, so chances are you can run in them even in the wild. We put pecans in all sorts of pastries, from muffins to pies, and we absolutely love them. They are packed with healthy, unsaturated fats and contain 19 vitamins and minerals. However, one thing that makes them unsafe for dogs is juglone.

What is juglone?

Juglone is actually a toxin that pecans contain. It can’t do anything to us because our digestive system is much tougher than a dog’s. Dogs are susceptible to it, which can cause them all sorts of digestive issues. If your dog accidentally eats a pecan that fell on the floor, they will most likely be completely fine, but you shouldn’t give pecans to your dog as a treat.

In large amounts, juglone can be very toxic to dogs. Juglone is not the only thing that can cause pecan toxicity; some pecans can contain aflatoxins.

What are aflatoxins?

Aflatoxins are found in the mold that can be found on pecans. That mold is called aspergillus, and if pecans contain it and your dog eats it, chances are they will get very sick. Some of the symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning are tremors, seizures, and damage to the neurological system.

What if my dog eats pecans?

As we already said, if your dog accidentally picks up a pecan that fell on the ground, they will most likely be fine. However, if your dog grabs a whole pack of pecans while you are not close to stopping them, they can experience health issues. The first symptoms will probably be diarrhea and vomiting.

Mild reactions will be over in a few hours, but you should call your vet if these symptoms aren’t passing. If you are unsure how many pecans your dog ate, you should contact your vet immediately.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Never allow your dog to eat pecans you found on the ground. They most likely have mold growing on them, and mold produces aflatoxins.

Suppose the symptoms become really bad, and your dog is defecating, urinating, and vomiting at an alarming rate. In that case, the vet will probably have to administer meds. The next thing the vet will likely do is get an IV started and check the blood work. If they notice blood in your dog’s stool, there is a good chance the liver is affected. Plus, consuming foods that are so high in fats can cause pancreatitis.

Giving your dog pecans is not a good idea. Pecans can offer us some benefits, but dogs would have to consume many pecans to feel the benefits, and they would most likely feel the harmful consequences first. You shouldn’t take a chance and risk your dog’s health.

Can dogs eat other nuts?

Some nuts can be safe for dogs, but pecans are not one of them. It would be best if you avoided giving pecans to your dog. Keep them for yourself, and you can treat your dog with healthy fruits or veggies. If you want to know more about which nuts are safe for dogs, check out this article - Which of these nuts are safe for dogs?

World Dog Finder team