Can dogs or cats eat hazelnuts?

October 4, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat hazelnuts?

Is your pup begging for some hazelnuts? Just say hazel-nope.

Despite not being toxic per se, hazelnuts pose several health risks to dogs! To start, their small, round shape makes them a choking hazard, especially for smaller breeds.

Dogs may also struggle to digest hazelnuts, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Hazelnuts are also high in fat. Excessive fat intake in dogs can lead to pancreatitis, which is not only painful for your pet but can also lead to other serious health issues if not addressed promptly.

So, what do we do if our mischievous furball manages to snag a hazelnut when we’re not looking? Keep those peepers peeled for any signs of discomfort, and if you spot something amiss, call the vet ASAP!

If your dog eats hazelnuts and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care as a result of eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat hazelnuts?

While hazelnuts aren’t labeled as toxic for our fluffy mates, they do come with a sneaky little bag of potential problems. First off, their small, round shape is a choking hazard, especially for our petite and curious kitties!

And then there’s the belly-ache saga! Hazelnuts might take our kitties on a not-so-fun adventure, causing an upset stomach or even a chaotic episode of diarrhea.

Let’s talk about the fat content in these nuts—it's high! While fats are essential in diets, too much can lead to pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. It’s as unpleasant as it sounds and can lead to other health issues if not addressed swiftly. Plus, allergies to nuts can be a thing for cats too, leading to all sorts of itchy and scratchy scenarios.

If your cat eats hazelnuts and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care as a result of eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet