Can dogs eat
Walnuts?
With caution
Walnuts are not recommended for dogs: a single fresh, plain kernel is a low risk, but moldy walnuts can cause tremors and seizures, and shells, fat and salt add more problems.
What to watch out for
A fresh, plain walnut kernel is not a major poison, but walnuts offer dogs little and carry several risks. ASPCA notes that walnuts are high in fats and oils, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis, and shells and large pieces can cause choking or a blockage.
The serious danger is mold. Walnuts that are old, damp, or lying on the ground can grow molds that produce tremorgenic mycotoxins. A published case in New Zealand described a young dog that developed generalized tremors, poor coordination, drooling and sensitivity to touch after eating walnuts that had lain on the ground for five months; it recovered fully with supportive treatment. ASPCA also lists black walnut as toxic to dogs, with tremors and seizures reported after moldy nuts or hulls are eaten, and says the toxic principle is unknown.
Salted, candied or flavored walnuts, and walnuts in baked goods, add salt, sugar or other ingredients that do not suit dogs. If you do not already feed walnuts, there is no reason to start.
Benefits
- Contain protein and fats, though dogs on a complete diet do not need them
- Fresh plain kernels are a low acute toxic concern in small amounts
Risks
- Moldy walnuts can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause tremors and seizures
- Black walnut is listed as toxic to dogs by ASPCA
- High fat can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis
- Shells and large pieces can cause choking, mouth injuries or blockage
- Salted, candied and baked products add unsuitable ingredients
What to give instead
Walnuts are best skipped. If you decide to share one, it should be a single fresh, plain, shelled and unsalted piece, chopped small, and counted within the 10% treat allowance. Any dog with a history of pancreatitis, sensitive digestion or a prescribed diet should not have them.
Never give shells or hulls, old or musty-smelling nuts, or nuts picked up from the ground. Keep fallen walnuts in the yard and park picked up, bagged and out of reach. For a crunchy treat, choose a safer option such as carrot sticks or a few blueberries, or plain, unsalted peanuts or almonds with the usual cautions.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plain English walnut kernel | With caution | One fresh, unsalted piece is low risk, but not recommended. |
| Moldy or old walnuts | No | Tremorgenic mycotoxins; an emergency. |
| Black walnuts and hulls | No | Listed as toxic by ASPCA. |
| Walnut shells | No | Choking, mouth injury and blockage. |
| Salted, candied or baked walnuts | No | Added salt, sugar or other ingredients. |
If your dog already ate it
If your dog ate one fresh plain walnut kernel, watch for stomach upset. If your dog ate shells, a large amount, or any moldy, musty or ground-fallen walnuts, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away rather than waiting for signs.
Tremors, twitching, a wobbly walk, seizures, agitation, high temperature, heavy drooling or repeated vomiting after eating walnuts is an emergency. Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), or your local emergency vet outside the US. In the published New Zealand case, signs began soon after the walnuts were eaten. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Are walnuts toxic to dogs?
A fresh plain kernel is not a major toxin, but moldy walnuts and black walnuts are dangerous. Walnuts are generally best avoided.
My dog ate a walnut from the ground. What should I do?
Call your vet promptly. Ground walnuts can be moldy, and tremors or seizures can follow.
Can dogs eat walnut shells?
No. Shells can cause choking, mouth injuries or blockages.
Are walnuts better than other nuts for dogs?
No. ASPCA notes that walnuts, almonds and pecans are all high in fat, and macadamia nuts are a separate, well-known danger. The mold risk makes walnuts a poor choice.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy