Can Dogs Eat Pecan? Risks and Safety Tips

Whether you accidentally dropped some on the floor or are currently snacking on nuts and want to share, you may be wondering: can dogs eat pecans? While one or two dropped pecans might not hurt your pup (unless they’re moldy), pecans are toxic for dogs and shouldn’t be given to them.

Here’s everything you need to know about pecans and their toxicity for dogs.

Understanding Nut Toxicity: Are Pecans Bad for Dogs?

Pecans are doubly toxic for dogs, because not only do pecans themselves contain toxic juglone, but pecans are also highly prone to a mold that contains aspergillus, an aflatoxin that can trigger aspergillosis in dogs. As a result, you should avoid giving your dog any pecans.

Are Pecans Bad for Dogs Nutritionally?

In addition to being toxic for dogs, pecans (like other nuts) are very high in fat, which is another reason they don’t make a good snack for dogs. Diets that are too high in fat can trigger pancreatitis in dogs.

Consequences of Dogs Eating Pecans

A dog that eats pecans could experience vomiting or diarrhea or more serious symptoms such as tremors, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, fever, loss of appetite, increased urination, or seizures. If your dog eats pecans, you might want to contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661, even if your pup isn’t displaying any symptoms yet. Treatment is often most effective before a dog starts showing signs of toxicity.

Precautions for Dog Owners

Try to avoid dropping any pecans when you are eating or baking with them, and keep your dog away from pecan trees. If you have a pecan tree in your yard, you should always check your yard for pecans before letting out your dog or supervise them in the yard and discourage them from eating any fallen pecans.

The Impact of a Single Nut on Dogs

A single moldy pecan could be enough to make your dog sick, especially if you have a small breed. However, most dogs won’t get sick from a single pecan that isn’t moldy. It’s still better to be safe than sorry and prevent your pup from accessing any pecans or other toxic nuts like walnuts and macadamia nuts.

Safe Nuts and Seeds for Dogs

While pecans, black walnuts, and macadamia nuts are all harmful to dogs, almonds, pistachios, peanuts, and cashews are relatively safe to share with your pup. Having said that, all nuts are fairly high in fat, so they should be an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your dog’s diet.

Harmful Nut Coatings: Are Pecans Toxic to Dogs When Flavored?

In addition to pecans themselves being toxic for dogs, they may be coated in ingredients that are harmful for dogs, such as cocoa powder, onion, pepper, or high salt levels, making it especially important to keep this tasty human snack away from your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Pecans if They Are Present in Foods?

No, dogs should not eat any foods that contain pecans. Pecan pie and other foods that contain the nut frequently have high levels of sugar and other ingredients that are problematic for dogs.

Alternative Snack Options for Dogs

Luckily, there are plenty of other foods you may have in your kitchen that you can share with your pup, including zucchini, sardines, pumpkin, phytoplankton, tuna, anchovies, shrimp, bone broth, eggs, plain yogurt, strawberries, kefir, blueberries, and bananas.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can dogs have pecans?

No, dogs should not have pecans. The nuts themselves contain a toxin called juglone. Pecans are also highly prone to an aflatoxin-containing mold called aspergillus. If your dog eats some pecans, you should contact your vet to find out what you should do.

Are pecans bad for dogs?

Yes, pecans are bad for dogs. In addition to being very high in fat, pecans contain a toxin called juglone and may harbor an aflatoxin-containing mold, both of which can make dogs sick.

Are pecans toxic to dogs?

Yes, pecans are toxic to dogs. Pecans contain juglone, a toxin that’s also found in black walnuts. The nuts are also prone to a mold that contains the aflatoxin aspergillus.

Can a dog have pecans?

No, a dog can not have pecans. Pecans are high in fat, contain a toxin called juglone, and frequently carry an aflatoxin called aspergillus. Contact a veterinarian if your dog eats pecans.

Can dogs eat pecans?

No, dogs can not eat pecans because the nuts contain a toxin called juglone and may also be carrying aspergillus, an aflatoxin. 

How many pecans are toxic to dogs?

If it’s moldy, as little as a single pecan could potentially be toxic to a dog. Most dogs may be able to tolerate one or two non-moldy pecans, but it’s best not to take your chances. Avoid giving your dog any pecans and contact a veterinarian if your dog eats some.

Are pecans OK for dogs?

No, pecans are not OK for dogs. Pecans are known for getting a mold that contains an aflatoxin called aspergillus, and the nuts also contain a toxin called juglone. 

Are pecans harmful to dogs?

Yes, pecans can be harmful to dogs thanks to their propensity for carrying an aflatoxin called aspergillus as well as containing a toxin called juglone. In addition to the problematic toxins, pecans are very high in fat and could potentially trigger pancreatitis.