Nuts
Can dogs and cats eat walnuts?
Quick verdict for Walnuts: see below the answer for dogs and for cats, the symptoms of poisoning (when applicable), and what to do if your pet ate it anyway.
Dangerous
Dangerous
Why is this the verdict?
Common walnuts (English walnuts) aren't on the ASPCA's classic list of 'toxic' foods the way macadamia nuts are, but they carry real, documented risks: when moldy, they can contain penitrem A and other tremorgenic mycotoxins, which cause intense tremors and seizures in dogs — a condition called neuromycotoxicosis. Walnuts stored for a long time or in a humid environment have a higher risk of mold.
Besides the mold risk, walnuts are high in fat (pancreatitis risk) and have hard, irregular shells that can cause intestinal obstruction or choking. Given this combination of risks, the safest approach is simply not to offer walnuts to dogs or cats.
Symptoms to watch for
Watch for these signs
- Intense muscle tremors
- Loss of coordination (ataxia)
- Vomiting
- High fever
- Seizures
- Elevated heart rate
What to do if your pet ate it anyway
See a veterinarian immediately, especially if the walnuts eaten looked old, damp, or moldy. Neuromycotoxicosis can start between 15 minutes and a few hours after ingestion and requires prompt treatment, but generally has a good prognosis with early care.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat walnuts?
Not recommended: even without being a classic poison, walnuts carries a real physical risk (obstruction, pancreatitis, or another serious problem) for dogs.
Can cats eat walnuts?
Not recommended: even without being a classic poison, walnuts carries a real physical risk (obstruction, pancreatitis, or another serious problem) for cats.
What should I do if my pet ate walnuts?
See a veterinarian immediately, especially if the walnuts eaten looked old, damp, or moldy. Neuromycotoxicosis can start between 15 minutes and a few hours after ingestion and requires prompt treatment, but generally has a good prognosis with early care.
Important notice
This content is educational and does not replace a veterinary evaluation. Every animal reacts differently depending on weight, age, breed, and health history — when in doubt, consult a veterinarian or an animal poison control center.