PupkeeperCaution
Can dogs eat walnuts? Caution
Caution. Walnuts are high in fat and can upset the stomach, and moldy walnuts can cause tremors and seizures. Don't feed them.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Walnuts and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Caution · Call your vet or a poison line
- What it can do
- Vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, weakness and muscle tremors. All 6
- How fast
- Tremors from moldy nuts can start within 1-2 hours
- How to serve
- Not recommended as a treat. Choose a safer snack instead.
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- AKC, Merck Veterinary Manual, ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate walnuts?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
- Tell the vet if the walnuts looked old or moldy, or might be black walnuts.
- Watch for vomiting, belly pain, trembling or wobbliness.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
How to give it safely
Not recommended as a treat. Choose a safer snack instead.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain
- Weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
When signs appear: Tremors from moldy nuts can start within 1-2 hours
Why
Walnuts are not toxic in themselves, but their fat can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis and shells can cause choking or blockages. Mold on walnuts can make toxins that cause tremors and seizures.
Sources
- AKC: Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Tremorgenic Neuromycotoxicosis in Dogs
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.