Mary Allen
Because of their unique, creamy, and delicious taste, macadamia nuts are one of the most popular nuts in the world – and also the most expensive!
Can dogs also eat macadamia nuts or is the “queen of nuts” even harmful to dogs?
In this article we will explain whether macadamia nuts are suitable for feeding your dog or whether it is better for them to keep their paws off.
Have fun reading and learning!
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat macadamia nuts?
No, dogs are not allowed to eat macadamia nuts! Macadamia and nutmeg consumption can be deadly for dogs. Even a small amount of these nuts can be toxic to dogs. Macadamia nut poisoning is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, fever and diarrhea. The nervous system can also be severely damaged by the toxicity.
Are Macadamia Nuts (For Dogs) Healthy?
One look at the nutrients in macadamia makes you nod your head benevolently. The round nut is full of B vitamins and vitamin E. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron also make macadamia a healthy source of nutrients – for us humans!
But not for the dog!
Unfortunately, dogs cannot do anything with the positive ingredients of the macadamia nut, because it is highly toxic for our four-legged friends even in the smallest amounts!
What are macadamia nuts anyway?
Sometimes it’s not that easy with the nuts. Many are called nuts and aren’t, like peanuts, for example, while others don’t have a nut in their name, but they are, see pistachio…
First of all someone should understand that!
So that we don’t have to die stupid, the macadamia briefly explains:
- It is also called “The Queen of Nuts” and is one of the most expensive nuts in the world.
- The tree on which this little rarity grows has high demands on its environment and is therefore difficult to grow.
- The macadamia comes from the rainforests of Australia.
- “Hard shell, soft core” – that suits her well.
- Creamy, mild, pleasantly nutty aroma
Paws off the macadamia nut
What exactly makes the delicious macadamia so toxic for dogs is unfortunately not known.
The fact is, however, that it has a toxic effect from a quantity of 2 grams per kilogram of body weight!
This means that for a dog weighing 10 kilograms, two to three nuts are sufficient to cause severe symptoms of poisoning and nerve damage.
Symptoms of poisoning appear as follows:
- Signs of paralysis, stiff hind legs
- epileptic seizures
- seizures
- muscle tremors
- weakness
- lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Tip:
If you have observed your dog eating macadamia nuts, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian under any circumstances! Symptoms of poisoning usually appear within less than 24 hours.
Neurotoxin in macadamia nut
Although it is not known exactly which toxin is in the macadamia nut, the symptoms indicate that it is a neurotoxin.
Therapy and prognosis
If your dog accidentally ate macadamia nuts, it’s a race against time.
Up to two hours after the first symptoms of poisoning have appeared, your veterinarian can try to force vomiting with the help of the so-called puke injection.
The administration of activated charcoal tablets can also help to bind the toxins in the intestine so that the dog can simply excrete them.
The chances of recovery are good if your dog is treated in time.
Attention danger!
If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, you should definitely contact your veterinarian and – if you know – tell him what exactly your dog has eaten.
Prevent Macadamia Nut Poisoning
Thats is quite easy!
You always keep your macadamia nuts and other nuts or nut mixtures out of your dog’s reach!
Better safe than sorry!
Can dogs eat macadamia nuts? Here is the most important thing at a glance
No, dogs are not allowed to eat macadamia nuts!
Even the smallest amounts of macadamias are highly toxic to dogs!
It has not been researched exactly which toxin is in the macadamia. Based on the symptoms, however, it can be concluded that it is a neurotoxin.
Please make sure that your nut supplies are always out of your dog’s reach to avoid life-threatening poisoning!
Do you have any questions about dogs and macadamia? Then please write us a comment under this article.