What happens if my dog eats a pecan?

While pecans are the basis for the most comforting of comfort foods, there are a number of issues with the tasty legumes that make them a problematic option for your pet.

Raw pecans, roasted pecans, lightly salted pecans, pecan pie! Pecans are a delicious nut option for all kinds of people. But when it comes to the family dog, it's best to look in a different direction.

Can Dogs Eat Pecans Safely?

As anyone who has given their pooch a taste of peanut butter can attest, there are some nuts that are not only safe for dogs to eat, but that can quickly become Fido-favorites. Unfortunately, pecans don't make that list for a couple of different reasons. 

First off, there's the matter of natural toxins. Much like walnuts, pecans can be prone to molding, which can create both juglone and aflatoxin. The former is highly toxic to horses and in dogs can cause seizures and nerve damage. Meanwhile, aflatoxin can cause liver disease in high enough doses.

Lew Robertson / Life On White / Getty / Yeji Kim

"It's also good to be wary of most nuts because they contain a large amount of oil and fat," added Kaci Angelone, DVM, MS based in Denver, Colo. "When you give dogs foods that contain even small amounts, that can lead to pancreatitis, which can be painful and expensive to treat."

The good news is that a single pecan or walnut that falls on the floor isn't likely to cause your dog any kind of distress. If, however, they manage to consume more than a small handful at a time, you'll want to keep an eye on them for any signs of intestinal distress. Vomiting, or an increase in trips outside to potty are signs to give your vet a call.

Are There Any Safe Alternatives to Pecans?

The most well-known example of nuts that are non-toxic for dogs is peanuts. However, while there are nutty options that are technically safe for Fido to eat, Angelone cautions against more than the smallest amounts of any of them.

"The risk of pancreatitis from the oils is just too great," she said. "There are better, healthier options out there for snacks and pancreatitis is a very painful condition."

"But from a toxin standpoint, definitely avoid pecans, walnuts, almonds," she continued. "Macadamia nuts are even more toxic than pecans and the like. They can cause vomiting, hypothermia, diarrhea."

RELATED: 10 Toxic Human Foods Dogs & Cats Should Never Eat

So, in a (ahem) nutshell: while things like peanuts and chestnuts won't be toxic for your dog, the fat and oil content in most nuts is high enough to make most of them poor options for dog treats. Xylitol-free peanut butter can be used as a tasty incentive in small quantities, but make sure that you're checking your labels and getting the least-processed version you can find.

RELATED: Human Foods You Can Safely Share With Your Dog

• By Tom Massey
• Mar 09, 2021

Pecans are a nutritious, delicious snack that many people enjoy. In fact, some people even grow hickory trees in their yard so they can have fresh pecans throughout the year. However, while people enjoy pecans in their foods, it’s best to avoid giving them to dogs altogether.

This is because pecans contain unique toxins and can cause dangerous side effects when consumed at high rates. Nearly all reported animal cases involve accidental poisoning, like ingesting unsafe foods. So, in this post, we’ll dive into what exactly is dangerous when dogs eat pecans and what to do if your pup accidentally had some. 

Is it OK for dogs to eat pecans?

Well, yes and no. 

Pecans are one of the many foods that should be eaten in moderation, if at all. If your dog only consumes one or two pieces of pecan nuts, you shouldn’t be worried. 

However, eating more than that—like a handful of pecans—can pose dangerous risks to your dog’s digestive system and overall health. 

Here’s why: Experts mainly worry about dogs eating pecans because of their toxin presence, ability to cause stomach issues, and hard-to-see mold that may be carcinogenic. 

Risk #1: Pecans Contain Juglone

Although delicious, pecans actually contain a toxin called juglone. Unfortunately for our canine friends, juglone is toxic to dogs. More specifically, juglone—also known as naphthoquinone—is a parent compound found in pecans and walnuts that becomes dangerous when exposed to oxygen. 

Although the leaves and nuts on walnut and pecan trees don’t have a high enough amount of juglone to harm humans, there is just enough for it to be dangerous for dogs. 

If your dog ate a large number of pecans (like a handful), then you should look out for signs of poisoning, such as: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Urinating irregularly
• Fatigued or uncoordinated 

If left untreated, too much juglone in the system can become fatal. Be sure to take your dog to a veterinarian right away if they begin exhibiting these symptoms. 

Risk #2: Pecans Cause Gastrointestinal Distress

Pecans are great snacks. After all, they’re high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants—which is why so many people love them as a snack. But they’re also high in fat, which means that they can cause gastrointestinal (GI) issues in your pup, like excessive gas and diarrhea. Frequent consumption of pecans and other nuts can also lead to diseases like pancreatitis and gastroenteritis. 

Nuts like pecans are also known to be harsh on the stomach. While some animals like squirrels can digest nuts without issue, dogs are not one of them. This is because of compounds like phytates and tannins in pecans, which makes it extra difficult for dogs to eat nuts without some side effects. 

Another important point to consider is the size of pecans. Pecans are large, bumpy nuts that act as choking hazards. Depending on the pecan’s size and shape, there’s a chance that the pecan can cause your dog to choke or even cause intestinal blockages, especially in smaller breeds. Blockages and other GI stress can lead to seizures or even death, which is frightening for both owner and pup.  

Risk #3: Pecans Contain Mycotoxins

Although it’s hard to see with the naked eye, pecans are susceptible to growing mold. This is because pecans fall into the tremorgenic family of mycotoxins. Tremorgenic mycotoxins are produced by fungi that cause neurotoxicosis in dogs. Mycotoxin also has the potential to be dangerous and carcinogenic.

Unfortunately, mycotoxins are growing more than ever. Within the past few years, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has found that the exceeded mycotoxins levels increased by 65 percent. 

Since mold and fungal presence are hard to see on something as small and grooved as a pecan, it’s wise to stay away from them as much as possible when it comes to giving your dog a snack. Just in case, always be sure to double-check the shelf life of the pecans you buy at the store. 

Conclusion

Like most things, moderation is the most important thing when it comes to giving your dogs pecans. A good rule of thumb is that pecans and dogs don’t mix, so you should try to avoid them altogether. This way, your dog can avoid juglone-poisoning, gastrointestinal issues, and dangerous amounts of mycotoxins. 

Instead, consider giving your dog nuts that they can eat, such as peanuts and chestnuts, which are great for a snack every once in a while. There are also tons of other “people food” that are safe for dogs to snack on, like: 

• Carrots
• Peanut butter
• Eggs
• Salmon
• Blueberries
• Popcorn
• Pineapple
• Bread
• Corn

If you want to learn more about your Labrador’s diet, then check out Snowy Pines’ Feeding Guide! 

About the Author

Pecans are a delicious treat used in many common human foods, from indulgent pecan pie to healthy breakfast muesli, but can you share pecans with your dog? Are pecans safe for dogs? The answer is no. While the odd pecan or two hastily scooped up off the floor by an observant pooch is unlikely to do any harm, too many can be toxic for dogs.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the reasons that they are potentially harmful and what to do if your dog does eat pecans.

What exactly are pecans?

Pecans are native to northern Mexico and the southern United States and are a species of hickory tree. Pecans are one of the most recently domesticated crops, and the southern U.S. and Mexico produce almost half the world’s total. While pecans are commonly referred to as “nuts,” they are actually a drupe, a fruit with a single pit surrounded by a husk. They are popular among health enthusiasts due to their antioxidant benefits, healthy fats, and fiber content.

Why shouldn’t your dog eat pecans?

One of the main reasons you should keep pecans away from your pooch is that they, along with walnuts, contain a toxin known as juglone. According to a 2016 study, this toxin caused some significant physical distress for the dogs involved. Even though the study was conducted with walnuts, pecans also contain this toxin, so your pooch will likely have similar symptoms if they ingest them.

Pecans are also susceptible to a mold that contains aflatoxins and other tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can have serious side effects on canines. It is known to cause tremors, seizures, fever, and even liver failure in high doses. Dogs can have these symptoms for up to a week, and in serious cases, it can be fatal.

Pecans are also fairly large and may cause gastrointestinal blockages when swallowed, especially in smaller breeds. The hard husks can damage your dog’s gums and palate if they are chewed on whole, and prepackaged pecans may contain salt or other spices that can cause further gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your dog has eaten pecans

While pecans can be dangerous, if your dog has accidentally ingested a few, there is usually no reason to panic. If they managed to eat a handful or more, they may show symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, but this doesn’t usually last long. Of course, this depends on your dog and on the number of pecans they’ve eaten, and symptoms may be more severe. If these symptoms worsen or do not stop, you’ll need to take your pooch to the vet immediately, as this can be fatal.

Unless your dog eats a large number of pecans, which is unlikely, they will usually be perfectly fine. If they are displaying any mild symptoms, you may consider giving them activated charcoal and plenty of fresh water. Even if you do need to make a trip to the vet, most dogs recover fully from ingesting pecans.

Are there any benefits?

Pecans are loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are highly beneficial for both dogs and humans. This is why your dog is likely to eat them, in addition to the irresistibly sweet, nutty flavor! The issue is that your dog would have to eat a high number of pecans to gain any real benefits from them, and eating this many is likely to put them at risk for health issues. Plus, they can easily get these beneficial nutrients from a healthy balanced diet.

Are there any nuts safe for dogs?

Most vets advise against giving your dog any nuts at all, as they are often salted or flavored and pose the risk of intestinal blockages if consumed whole. That said, peanuts, almonds, and cashews are generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts.

Macadamia nuts, black walnuts, brazil nuts, and pistachios are all considered harmful for dogs.

Final Thoughts

Pecan nuts may be a tasty treat for humans, but they should never be given to your pooch, even in small amounts. If your dog manages to find a few pecans lying on the floor, though, there is usually no reason to panic. Just keep an eye on them, and watch for any symptoms, like nausea or vomiting. If these symptoms are present but mild, activated charcoal may do the trick, though if they persist, a trip to the vet may be necessary. Even so, it is rare that a dog would consume enough pecans to cause a fatal reaction, and most of the time, your pooch will be just fine!

Featured Image Credit: tseiu, Pixabay