No, dogs cannot eat almonds due to their fat and sodium content. In addition, sweet almonds and bitter almonds (rarely found in the U.S.A.) are toxic for dogs. As a responsible pet parent, it is best to skip almonds. Here’s why you should not feed almonds to dogs.
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What Are Almonds?
Almonds are native to Iran and neighboring countries, but it is commonly planted worldwide. This tree’s tasty and extensively cultivated seed is known as almond. Within the genus Prunus, it belongs to the subgenus Amygdalus.
Almonds are indigenous to Iran and the surrounding region. It was first carried by men along the Mediterranean coasts into Northern Africa and Southern Europe in ancient times. It was afterward transferred to the other areas of the world, most notably California, in the United States. The wild version of the cultivated almond flourishes in portions of the Levant.
Are Almonds Safe for Dogs?
No, almonds are not safe for dogs to eat. Any kind of nuts like macadamia nuts are harmful to dogs.
Raw almonds: Consuming almonds can choke your dog and make him obese. He will also be dehydrated more often. Apart from these, other severe health risks are mentioned below, which would call for the need for medical attention.
Seasoned almonds: Seasoned almonds with elements like garlic and onion powder, ginger, paprika, chili powder, tastemakers, and salt are poisonous for dogs to consume.
Sweetened almonds: Sweetened almonds are dangerous for dogs as they have preservatives, xylitol, corn syrup, and added flavors. These components are hazardous to dogs.
Why Are Almonds Bad for Dogs?
Almonds are bad for dogs in various ways. First, the high fat and salt content significantly damage your dog’s health resulting in Almond poisoning. Let us see how almonds affect the dog:
High Fat: Almonds are high in fat. Excessive fat can cause severe health issues in dogs such as:
Gastrointestinal issues
Pancreatitis
Kidney damage
Bloating
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
Gagging
Weight gain
Obesity
Cardiovascular issues
Joint problems
Sodium: Almonds contain excessive sodium in them, causing sodium ion poisoning. The consequences of sodium ion poisoning are:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration
High temperature
Lack of appetite
Seizures
Gastrointestinal issues
Muscle tremors
Pancreatitis
Kidney failure
Coma
Death
Sweetened almonds: Sweet-coated almonds are sold commercially in the markets. Sweetened almonds contain elements like xylitol and corn syrup. These elements are harmful to dogs, resulting in:
Diabetes
Obesity
Weight gain
Cardiovascular issues
Joint issues
Disorientation
Seizures
Muscle tremors
Lethargy
Coma
Death
Preservatives: Sweetened almonds have preservatives. It can trigger all other health issues discussed earlier.
Aflatoxin poisoning: Almonds are abundant throughout the Mediterranean. Molds are caused by the fungus Aspergillus. Aflatoxin generated by this mold is highly toxic to dogs, and exposure can result in significant health problems for your pet:
Choking hazard: Dogs cannot break down almonds properly. Hence, swallowing it results in choking. Almonds can create blockages in the esophagus and the intestinal tract. The consequences of consuming almonds are:
Throat injury
Intestinal injury
Choking
Coughing
Whining
Throat ache
Abdominal pain
Digestive issues
Allergic reactions: Dogs can be allergic to almonds. Seldom, this can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition of severe allergic reactions in your pet. Symptoms include:
Sneezing
Difficulty in breathing
Coughing
Swelling
Hives
How Many Almonds To Feed Your Dog?
As already said, almonds are unsafe for dogs to eat. Hence, it is not a wise idea to feed your dog. Furthermore, minimally providing your dog almonds can also take a toll on his health.
What If My Dog Ate Almonds?
If your dog accidentally ate almonds, he would show the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Disorientation
Dehydration
Convulsions
Whining
Panting
Frequent urination
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Then, follow as the vet prescribes and keep almonds out of your dog’s reach.
Alternatives to Almonds
Always opt for the healthiest alternatives for your dog. The health of your dog must be a priority. Here are the healthy options for almonds:
No, dogs cannot eat almond butter as it is fat concentrated and sodium concentrated. Both fat and sodium are not recommended for dogs to consume. Although almond butter doesn’t risk choking, there are still high chances of getting bloated, having gastrointestinal issues, and pancreatitis.
Can dogs drink almond milk?
No, dogs cannot drink almond milk as it does not provide any nutritional benefit. Also, it has a higher concentration of fat.
Can dogs eat bitter almonds?
Bitter almonds, until processed, are toxic. This is because they are added to various foods as an extract. Hence, dogs should not consume bitter almonds.
Can dogs eat almond flour?
No, dogs should not eat almond flour. It poses the same risks as processed almonds.
Can dogs eat almond protein powder?
No, dogs should not eat almond protein powder. It poses severe health risks to your pet.
Can dogs eat almond-based treats?
No, dogs should not eat treats made of almonds such as almond bark, granola bars, and baked goods containing almonds. This is because all these treats might contain ingredients like chocolate, raisins, and artificial sweeteners poisonous to dogs.
Can puppies eat almonds?
No, puppies cannot eat almonds as they are more vulnerable than adult dogs. In addition, puppies can face havoc if they consume almonds. From diarrhea to death, the journey would be difficult!
Final Thoughts
By the end, we can easily comprehend that almonds are not a safe choice for dogs to eat. It is always best to opt for healthy alternatives. Almonds can be havoc on dogs, even resulting in death. Ensure a healthy and happy life for your dog.
