Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?
No. A small handful can leave a dog weak and unable to stand. Most recover in a day or two, but macadamias often come with chocolate.
No. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, and it does not take many. They cause weakness, especially in the back legs, along with vomiting, tremors and a raised temperature, usually within 12 hours. The good news is that most dogs recover within one to two days with care. The bad news is that macadamias usually come mixed with things that are worse, such as chocolate.
If Your Dog Has Just Eaten Macadamia Nuts
Call your vet or a US animal poison line (both charge a fee), and have the packaging ready:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Tell them exactly what was eaten. White chocolate macadamia cookies, chocolate-coated macadamias and trail mix with raisins each bring a second poison, and the second one may matter more.
What It Does And How Much It Takes
Nobody yet knows which compound in macadamia nuts affects dogs, and no other species is known to react the same way. What is known is that signs have been reported from around 2.2 grams of nuts per kilogram of body weight. A macadamia nut weighs about 2 to 3 grams, so for a 20 lb dog, a small handful of around seven nuts can be enough to cause signs. Bigger doses bring stronger effects, but even small ones are worth a call.
Signs Of Macadamia Poisoning
- Weakness, particularly in the back legs, or being unable to stand
- Wobbling or a stiff, unsteady walk
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- A raised temperature (hyperthermia)
- Lethargy and depression
Signs usually start within 12 hours and ease within 24 to 48 hours. The weakness can look alarming, and it is worth being seen rather than waiting it out, both to confirm the cause and because a dog that cannot stand needs care.
What The Vet Will Do
If it was recent, the vet may make your dog vomit and give activated charcoal. After that, treatment is supportive: fluids, cooling for a high temperature, and medication for vomiting or tremors if needed. Serious or fatal cases are rare with macadamias alone. When dogs do become seriously ill, chocolate eaten at the same time is often part of the picture.
Where Dogs Find Them
- White chocolate macadamia cookies, the classic case
- Chocolate-coated macadamias, especially around the holidays
- Mixed nuts and trail mix, which can also contain raisins
- Macadamia butter and baking
- Fallen nuts under macadamia trees, in the few US states where they grow
Other Nuts
Macadamias are the nut to know about, but most nuts are not great dog treats: high in fat, often salted, and easy for small dogs to choke on. Plain, unsalted peanuts and peanut butter are the safe exception in small amounts. Black walnuts are also dangerous, and moldy nuts of any kind can carry toxins. For each nut on its own, check the food checker.
In The Kibble reads labels and publishes what the numbers say. Guides are general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet knows your dog's history and we do not, so take anything here to them before you change how you feed.