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Pantry & Oils

Can dogs and cats eat walnuts?

Compare the dog and cat answers together, then open the full guide for the pet you are asking about.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

Dogs and cats both have a caution verdict.

The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Compare the bottom line and signs to watch below, then use the full guide for your pet.

  • Bottom line differs
  • Signs to watch differs
Caution

Walnuts safety for dogs

Plain walnuts in small amounts are not acutely toxic, but they are high in fat and moldy walnuts contain a mycotoxin that causes tremors and seizures, so they should be avoided or fed with extreme caution.

Toxic principle: Tremorgenic mycotoxin (penitrem A) in moldy walnuts

Watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Muscle tremors
  • Loss of coordination (ataxia)
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Seizures with moldy walnut ingestion
Open the complete dogs guide
Caution

Walnuts safety for cats

Walnuts are not classified as toxic to cats, but they are high in fat, a choking hazard, and prone to mold that can cause tremors or seizures, so they should be avoided.

Toxic principle: Tremorgenic mycotoxin (penitrem A) in moldy walnuts

Watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Tremors
  • Seizures with moldy walnut ingestion
Open the complete cats guide

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

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Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.