Can dogs eat walnuts?
UnsafeNo — walnuts are best avoided. Black walnuts are toxic to dogs, and any walnut that has gone moldy can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures. Even fresh English walnuts are very high in fat and a choking risk, so it's safest to keep all walnuts away from dogs.
Walnuts are riskier than most nuts. Between the outright toxicity of black walnuts and the mold toxins that develop on fallen or stored nuts, they're a clear "keep away" for dogs.
Watch out for
- Black walnuts — toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and neurological signs.
- Moldy walnuts — can carry tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures; fallen and stored nuts are especially risky.
- High fat — a pancreatitis trigger, especially in prone breeds and overweight dogs.
- Choking and blockage — whole walnuts and shells can lodge in the throat or gut.
- Aflatoxin — like other nuts, walnuts can carry mold toxins harmful to the liver.
Frequently asked
My dog ate walnuts — what should I do?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) with your dog's size and how many were eaten. Watch closely for tremors, twitching, seizures, vomiting, or unsteadiness — signs of mold toxins — and seek care urgently if any appear.
Are all walnuts toxic to dogs?
Black walnuts are directly toxic. English (regular) walnuts aren't toxic in the same way, but they're very high in fat and frequently carry mold toxins once fallen or stored. Because it's hard to be sure, it's safest to treat all walnuts as off-limits.
Why are moldy walnuts so dangerous?
Mold on nuts can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, which cause muscle tremors, twitching, and seizures in dogs. Walnuts that have fallen on the ground or been stored a while are the most likely to be affected.
What are the symptoms of walnut poisoning?
Look for vomiting, tremors, twitching, weakness, unsteadiness, or seizures, sometimes with a raised temperature. These signs need urgent veterinary care — don't wait to see if they pass.
Which nuts are safe for dogs?
Most nuts are best avoided due to their fat content, and some — like macadamia nuts and black walnuts — are toxic. A small amount of plain, xylitol-free peanut butter is the usual safe exception. Ask your vet before offering any nut.
Primary sources
This guide draws on the following authorities. Specific clinical decisions for your pet should always be made with your vet.
- AKC — Can Dogs Eat Walnuts? · American Kennel Club
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets · ASPCA
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology (clinician textbook) · Merck
More food guides
Check our toxic-food tool for quick answers, or ask CRO about your specific dog.
This guide is educational and based on US veterinary sources. Individual dogs react differently — introduce any new food slowly, and speak to your vet if your dog has medical conditions like pancreatitis, diabetes, or allergies.