Written by

Tara Farmer

April 10, 2025

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Can dogs have almonds?

Almonds are nutritious for humans, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. But what about our canine companions? The short answer: No, dogs should not eat almonds. While not toxic in the way that foods like chocolate or grapes are, almonds pose several risks to your pup's health and well-being.

Let's explore why almonds aren't recommended for dogs and what you should do if your four-legged friend happens to snack on some.

Why are almonds bad for dogs?

Almonds might seem harmless, but they can cause several problems for your canine companion. Here's why you should keep these nuts away from your dog's food bowl.

Choking hazard

Almonds are small, hard nuts that dogs often don't chew properly before swallowing. This creates a significant choking or obstruction risk, especially for smaller breeds.

Even large dogs may gulp down almonds whole, which can become lodged in their throat or digestive tract. The shape and size of almonds make them particularly dangerous compared to other foods.

Always monitor what your dog is eating, and keep almonds safely out of reach.

Difficult to digest

Dogs' digestive systems aren't designed to process nuts efficiently. Unlike humans, dogs don't produce the necessary enzymes to break down nuts properly. This difficulty in digestion can lead to uncomfortable gastrointestinal issues for your pup, including:

• Upset stomach

• Gas and bloating

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

These symptoms may appear within hours of consuming almonds and can last for several days.

Potentially toxic seasonings

Plain almonds are concerning enough, but flavored varieties pose additional dangers. Many commercially available almonds contain salt and seasonings that are toxic to dogs. Garlic and onion powder, in particular, can damage your dog's red blood cells and lead to anemia.

The high sodium content found in many packages of almonds can lead to sodium ion poisoning in dogs, causing excessive thirst, urination, and even seizures in severe cases.

Pancreatitis risk

Almonds are high in fat, which can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. This painful inflammation of the pancreas requires immediate veterinary attention and can be life-threatening. Even a small amount of high-fat foods like almonds can trigger this condition in susceptible dogs.

Aflatoxin risk

Almonds can sometimes contain aflatoxins, which are toxins produced by certain fungi. These naturally occurring toxins can cause liver damage in dogs when consumed. While strict quality control measures limit aflatoxins in human food, even small amounts can affect your dog's health. The risk simply isn't worth it when there are many safe treat alternatives available.

What to do if your dog eats almonds

Accidents happen. If your dog manages to sneak a few almonds, don't panic, but do take appropriate action. For a single almond consumed by a medium or large dog, monitor them closely for any signs of distress. Watch for choking, digestive upset, or unusual behavior.

If your dog eats multiple almonds, especially if they're a small breed, contact your veterinarian right away. The same applies to flavored or salted almonds.

Look for these warning signs that require immediate veterinary attention:

• Difficulty breathing

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

• Lethargy or weakness

• Signs of abdominal pain

• Excessive drooling

• Rapid breathing

Your vet might recommend bringing your dog in for examination or suggest monitoring at home, depending on the situation.

Can dogs have almond butter?

Plain, unsalted almond butter in very small amounts is less dangerous than whole almonds, as it eliminates the choking hazard. However, it's still not recommended. Almond butter contains the same fat content that can trigger pancreatitis. Additionally, many commercial brands contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.

For an occasional treat or to hide medicine, plain unsalted peanut butter is generally safer for dogs as long as it does not contain xylitol.

Can dogs have almond flour?

Almond flour poses less risk than whole almonds but still isn't ideal for dogs. While the choking hazard is eliminated, the digestive and fat content concerns remain.

If a recipe contains a small amount of almond flour, it's unlikely to cause serious issues. However, regularly feeding your dog foods containing almond flour isn't recommended when there are better alternatives available.

Alternative healthy treats for dogs

Instead of almonds, treat your pup to dog-friendly foods that provide nutrition without the risks. Some options include:

• Blueberries

• Watermelon (seedless)

• Banana pieces

• Carrot sticks

• Green beans

• Sweet potato (cooked)

• Training treats made specifically for dogs

• Frozen plain yogurt drops (xylitol-free)

• Dehydrated chicken or turkey strips

Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to ensure they don't upset your dog's stomach. Your careful attention to your dog's diet helps ensure many happy, healthy years together!