Hazelnuts are yummy in any form: toasted, raw, or in a spread like Nutella. If your dog loves peanut butter, you may have wondered if they can eat hazelnuts, too. Or, your dog accidentally may have gotten into your hazelnut stash, and you’re wondering if there are any risks.
Unless your dog ate an entire bag of hazelnuts, there’s no need to worry. Dogs can eat hazelnuts and they are not toxic to dogs. However, that doesn’t mean you should start feeding your pup hazelnuts as a regular treat.
Here’s what you need to know about feeding dogs hazelnuts.
What are hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts are the edible nuts of the hazel tree. The most common type of hazelnut is the Corylus avellana, also known as the common hazel. These nuts grow in hazel trees that are native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Hazelnuts have smooth, brown skin and a creamy, edible kernel. The kernel is encased in a hard shell that can be difficult to crack.
Hazelnuts are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re especially high in vitamin E and manganese. Hazelnuts are also a good plant-based source of protein.
Are hazelnuts safe for dogs to eat?
Technically, yes, hazelnuts are safe for dogs to eat. Unlike items such as grapes, raisins, chocolate, and avocado, hazelnuts won’t cause toxicity in dogs. Hazelnuts are also loaded with protein, healthy fats, plus vitamins and minerals. However, that doesn’t mean you should let your dog go nuts on hazelnuts.
The Dangers of Feeding Dogs Hazelnuts
While hazelnuts themselves are not toxic to dogs, their structure and nutritional content can pose some risks:
Hazelnuts are a high-fat food.
Most nuts, including hazelnuts, are fatty. In fact, there are about 8 grams of fat in just 14 grams of hazelnuts. To put that into context, a small serving of French fries (71 grams) contains 17 grams of fat. That’s a surefire recipe for diarrhea and an upset stomach in dogs.
While fat isn’t always bad – dogs need some fat in their diet for energy – too much of it can cause serious health issues for your furry friend. Long-term, high-fat diets have been linked to pancreatitis in dogs.
Hazelnuts are also a high-calorie food.
Hazelnuts pack a ton of calories into a small package. A cup of whole hazelnuts is loaded with a whopping 848 calories! In contrast, a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese only clocks in at 510 calories.
Dogs don’t need nearly as many calories as humans. For instance, a 22-pound adult dog only needs around 400 calories a day. Overeating, or consuming too many calories relative to energy needs, can lead to obesity in dogs.
Hazelnuts pose a choking hazard.
The outer shells of hazelnuts are so hard that you need a nutcracker or a hammer to get to the kernel inside. While a dog’s bite force is strong enough to crack the shell, it can fracture their teeth plus the shattered shell can get caught in the soft tissues of their tongue, mouth, and throat. If swallowed, the sharp pieces of the shell can injure their esophagus and intestines.
The nut itself poses the same risks. Many dogs barely chew their food before swallowing, so there’s a good chance they’ll try to gulp down a whole hazelnut or choke on large pieces.
Hazelnuts can cause intestinal blockages.
Nuts are notorious for causing intestinal blockages in dogs. Again, if your dog doesn’t swallow a hazelnut enough, it can get stuck in their intestines. If the blockage isn’t removed, it can cause life-threatening health problems like stomach rupture.
Some dogs are allergic to hazelnuts.
Like people, some dogs are allergic to nuts, including hazelnuts. The most common symptoms of a nut allergy in dogs are itchy skin, rashes, and gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea). In severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur.
If you think your dog is allergic to hazelnuts or any other food, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Other ingredients in hazelnuts products can be dangerous for dogs.
While the nuts themselves are safe for dogs, some of the ingredients often added to them can be harmful. A lot of hazelnut products contain salt, sugar, flavorings, and artificial sweeteners, all of which can be dangerous for dogs. Chocolate-covered hazelnuts are especially risky since chocolate is toxic to dogs.
My dog ate a hazelnut. What should I do?
Don’t worry – a few hazelnuts are unlikely to hurt your dog, unless they have a severe nut allergy. Still, observe your dog for signs like:
- Excessive diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rash or hives
- Itchy skin
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Pawing at their mouth (may indicate a tooth fracture or a stuck hazelnut shell)
- Signs of distress, such as whining, restlessness, or lethargy
Try Giving Them Hazelnut Butter
If you really want your dog to try hazelnuts, go for hazelnut butter. It’s a safer option since it doesn’t contain any whole nuts or nut shells that could pose a choking hazard.
It’s super easy to make hazelnut butter, too! Making your own is the best way to ensure there are no unsafe additives, such as xylitol, artificial sweeteners, or salt. You can also sneak in pup-friendly ingredients like healthy oils and supplements.
You can use homemade hazelnut butter in all sorts of dog treats, such as:
- Hazelnut dog biscuits
- DIY Kong stuffing
- Hazelnut-flavored dog ice cream
- Creamy hazelnut dog food toppings
- Hazelnut-flavored frozen dog treats
Finally, as always, moderation is key – even with safe, healthy foods. Too much of anything, even something as innocuous as hazelnuts, can cause problems for your pup. Introduce it slowly as well, especially if they’ve never had hazelnuts before. Start with a small amount and increase gradually over time. This will help you figure out if your dog has any adverse reactions and, if so, how severe they are.
Conclusion: Can dogs eat hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts are not toxic to dogs but they can cause serious health hazards, especially since hazelnuts are high in calories and fats. It’s best to avoid feeding hazelnuts to your pup altogether. If you must, go for homemade hazelnut butter instead. Introduce it a bit at a time, monitor them for adverse reactions, and only offer it in moderation.
You can also consult with your local vet and ask for advice just to be safe!