Can Dogs Eat Brazil Nuts? Vet-Reviewed Health Risks & Safety Guide
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Brazil nuts come from the South American Brazil Nut tree, one of the largest and longest-lived trees in the Amazon rainforest! They are a great on-the-go treat; a tasty, healthy snack with a ton of health benefits for humans. They are widely used in nut milk, muesli, and trail mixes, and have touted health benefits for humans that include supporting brain function, anti-inflammatory properties, and improving heart health.
But can dogs eat Brazil nuts? Are Brazil nuts safe for dogs? The answer is no and you should not feed your dog Brazil nuts. While Brazil nuts are not toxic for your pooch, they do have some potential health concerns that make it better to avoid including them in your dog’s diet.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the potential health concerns to be aware of with feeding your dog Brazil nuts, and why it’s better to avoid them altogether.
Potential Risks of Feeding Dogs Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are non-toxic to dogs, and if they steal a few off of your table there is usually no reason to rush them off to the vet!
- Brazil nuts, and most other nuts, contain a large amount of fat. They contain about 66 grams of fat per 100-gram serving, and around 85% of their calories are made up of fat. Considering that a dog needs a daily intake of around 25–30% fat in their diet, a 100-pound dog will need about 25–30 grams of fat per day to stay healthy. A 50-gram serving of Brazil nuts will amount to around 33 grams of fat, and already be past the recommended daily fat allowance for your pooch.
- Choking hazard. Brazil nuts are large and oddly shaped, presenting a real choking hazard for your pooch. Even small dogs often do not properly chew their food, and Brazil nuts can easily be swallowed whole. This can cause potential choking issues or they may even get lodged in their intestine and cause digestive issues.
- Brazil nuts are frequently seasoned with salt or other flavorings, and too much salt is not good for your canine. Artificial flavorings and additives can be harmful to your dog, and some may even cause a toxic reaction.
- Nuts are known to mold easily, and this mold is not often visible to the naked eye. These molds can produce toxins called aflatoxins which can cause liver damage. While they are usually in levels that are usually safe for humans, they can be potentially harmful to your pooch.
Brazil nuts may have some health benefits for humans, but these benefits, such as the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can easily be obtained elsewhere for dogs, so it’s best to avoid giving them to your dog altogether.
Are There Any Other Nuts That Are Safe for Dogs?
Most vets agree that all nuts are best left off the menu of your dog’s diet, but there are some varieties that are fine to give your pooch occasionally. These include:
- Peanuts
- Peanut butter
- Roasted chestnuts
- Cashews
There are some nuts that can cause some serious health issues in dogs and should never be given to them at all.
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Macadamia Nuts
Final Thoughts
Brazil nuts are non-toxic for your beloved pooch and if they manage to steal a few of the table they will likely be fine. However, they should not be given to them as a regular part of their diet as they can pose some health issues.
Brazil nuts contain a high amount of fat which can cause them to gain extra weight, present a real choking hazard for your dog as well as potentially blocking their digestive tract, and may contain high amounts of salt and flavorings. Plus, all the touted benefits of Brazil nuts can be easily obtained in your dog’s regular food.
While there is likely no reason to rush your dog to the vet if they eat a few Brazil nuts, it’s better to keep these nuts off the menu altogether.
Featured Image Credit: (L) 3194556, Pixabay /Â (R) Gadini, Pixabay
