My Dog Ate Mixed Nuts

The Short Answer is:

Nuts provide dogs with a lot of nutrition, but they can be dangerous as they pose a choking hazard and a risk of pancreatitis.

The purpose of this article is to explain “My Dog Ate Mixed Nuts“.

Depending on the brand a mixed nuts container can contain a wide variety of nuts. 

Often peanuts are also included which are legumes. Walnuts Brazil nuts cashews almonds hazelnuts and pecans usually make up the majority. 

Depending on whats in them nuts can be raw roasted/salted or honey roasted.

There are some that are honey roasted which adds an entirely new dimension to the debate over whether dogs should be allowed to eat them. 

Peanuts are rarely found in raw nuts because they are not good to eat raw.

Are any of these nuts toxic for dogs?

Black walnuts and pecans are toxic to dogs. 

Black walnuts however are not usually included in mixed nuts. 

The ingredients should be checked carefully to ensure that they are English walnuts since they are not toxic. 

If there are macadamia nuts in the container of mixed nuts those are also toxic to dogs.

What are the common side effects of a dog eating too many mixed nuts?

Side effects depend on the nuts blended any additives and the amount given per kilogram of body weight. Despite skipping toxic nuts and not adding any additives there is still the possibility of problems.

The condition of pancreatitis can range from mild to life-threatening. The severity of the attack will determine the severity of the condition.

The condition could become chronic after repeated occurrences requiring treatment on a regular basis. Nuts are primarily responsible for this.

The fat content in the food can lead to an overweight dog regardless of the additives.

Among the many problems caused by obesity are joint problems mobility problems and chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Some dogs may also develop diabetes as a result of pancreatitis..

Additives to mixed nuts can include salt cocoa powder sugar and just about anything else.

If it is a trail mix type of mixed nuts it may even contain raisins. Three of these additives are harmful to dogs and two are downright poisonous.

Dogs with high blood pressure may suffer from too much salt.

The illness is just as deadly for dogs as it is for humans causing kidney disease heart disease and other health problems.

For dogs even sea salt is too much though it is marginally better for humans.

Dogs can die quickly if they eat raisins or grapes.

A small dog only needs eight stitches before it becomes a veterinary emergency. Thats expensive at best and potentially lethal at worst.

Grapes raisins and grape-containing products should never be given to dogs.

Dogs can also be poisoned by chocolate and cocoa.

Vet tech friends often tell stories of dogs brought in who got into chocolate especially around Christmas and Easter when there is a lot of it on the ground.

Theobromine is a toxic property and it too can kill your dog.

How else might mixed nuts be dangerous for a dog? 

There is a tendency for nuts to be on the small side.

Especially for small dogs they are a choking hazard. The dog may need to go to the vet and undergo an emergency endoscopy if it aspirates the nut.

How nutritious are nuts? 

It is true that the occasional nutty treat does have some nutritional value for your dog. Different nuts have different nutritional profiles.

The following are raw and unsalted as they provide the most nutrition with the least harm.

Almonds

There are 579 calories in an ounce of almonds 21 points in two grams of protein and 21 points in six grams of carbs.

Four-point four of the carbs come from sugar. Besides sugar they also contain iron calcium and potassium. They also contain trace amounts of several other nutrients. 

Brazil nuts

There are six to eight nuts in an ounce of Brazil nuts.

One hundred eighty-seven calories nineteen grams of fat and three grams of carbs are in that.

You should check the selenium content of Brazil nuts before giving them to your dog. One ounce of the mineral provides one thousand percent of the RDA to humans.

Some dogs may not be able to handle that much.

Calcium magnesium phosphorus potassium zinc and vitamin E are also present in these nuts.

The amounts of each of these do not pose a problem. Small dogs may benefit from avoiding Brazil nuts.

Cashews

The nutritional profile of raw cashews is impressive.

The nuts have one hundred fifty-five calories per ounce and twelve and a half grams of fat per ounce.

They are also rich in potassium calcium iron magnesium phosphorus zinc copper and selenium as well as various B vitamins and vitamin C.

Walnuts

One hundred eighty-five calories and four and a half grams of protein are found in fourteen English walnut halves.

There are eighteen and five grams of fat in the calorie count.

The nuts also contain copper folic acid phosphorus manganese B6 and vitamin E.

Are there safer and cheaper treats for dogs to eat? 

Nuts provide dogs with a lot of nutrition but they can be dangerous as they pose a choking hazard and a risk of pancreatitis. There are many other safer and cheaper alternatives to human food.

Many fruits and vegetables we eat can be eaten by dogs and some of them are even enjoyed by them. In addition to eggs and most meats they can also eat bread and crackers.

There are occasions when dog treats are needed especially in the desert Southwest.

There are dog versions of ice cream rather than giving a dog-human ice cream.

What other foods have similar nutrients? 

As an alternative to nuts legumes are a good choice.

Canines can eat the same beans as humans with a few exceptions.

You should never feed your dog fava beans raw kidney beans or coffee beans (technically not a bean). Additionally canned beans contain far too much fat.

Refried beans baked beans and chili beans are also off the menu.

Olive oil and canola oil are good alternatives to the oils found in beans.

Plainly cooked chickpeas are also excellent although hummus might not be the best idea if there are a lot of additives including salt.

How dangerous are salted mixed nuts? 

The size of the dog plays a role in the degree of danger.

With just a few salted nuts a small dog would be in a lot of danger. Larger dogs might get away with it occasionally.

Salt does all kinds of things in humans including raising blood pressure and damaging the kidneys.

So my dog ate mixed nuts is that okay?

Check to see whats in a bag of mixed nuts that your dog got into.

The dog may need a visit to the veterinarian if there are pecans or macadamia nuts in the food. The same goes if its a small dog and Brazil nuts are included.

As long as they are given occasionally and in small quantities most nuts are healthy and nutritious for dogs.

As a matter of fact nut butter are often used to administer medication to dogs… especially when pill pockets do not work. Be sure that the butter does not contain any additives.

Humans and pets alike benefit from raw unsalted nuts.

Usually these contain nothing but the nuts themselves.

The added sugar or extra oils are no longer a concern as well as too much salt.

It is important to watch trail mixes that contain mixed nuts.

There are certain things in most trail mixes that are toxic for dogs such as raisins. Chocolate may also be present in some of them.

Immediately contact your vet if your dog ingests trail mixed nuts.

Additives to nuts such as honey roasted chili and salt are bad for your dog.

Pancreatitis can be caused by eating too much sugar.

Chili may cause digestive problems for your dog and make him very uncomfortable.

Since the digestive problem usually occurs at night if its an indoor dog that “goes out” it will also make you unhappy.

Dogs as well as humans are adversely affected by added salt.

Small dogs and older dogs who may already have health issues are especially at risk. If at all possible treat them sparingly.

Dogs would be better off eating other human foods as snacks.

Our dogs have always loved corn and beans in our family. They have even enjoyed carrots and raw broccoli from time to time.

Check with your veterinarian before adding anything to your dogs diet even treats.

Your dogs specific needs can be determined by that.

In addition to knowing any health issues your pet may have the vet will be able to provide you with adequate amounts based on the breed and size of the dog.

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.