Pantry & Oils
Can dogs and cats eat walnuts?
Short answer on walnuts: safe only with care for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
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. Check the bottom line and signs to watch for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
- Signs to watch differs
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
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
Questions owners ask about walnuts
Can dogs eat walnuts?
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.
Is walnuts safe for every dog?
Not necessarily. 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. Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
What symptoms should I watch for with walnuts and dogs?
Vomiting, Muscle tremors, Loss of coordination (ataxia), Elevated heart rate, Seizures with moldy walnut ingestion. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat walnuts?
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.
Is walnuts safe for every cat?
Not necessarily. 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. Ask your veterinarian first if your cat has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
What symptoms should I watch for with walnuts and cats?
Vomiting, Diarrhea, Tremors, Seizures with moldy walnut ingestion. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
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.