Yellow: with caution
Best avoided, and never macadamia nuts. Nuts are not all alike. One type is toxic, others are mainly very fatty, and specialist sources vary in how cautious they are.
Why nuts get a yellow rating
The ASPCA generally advises against feeding nuts. Almonds, pecans and walnuts contain a lot of oil and fat, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some animals, pancreatitis. According to the ASPCA, macadamias cause weakness, poor coordination, vomiting, trembling and fever, usually within 12 hours. For black walnut, the plant database warns about mouldy nuts and shells, which can cause tremors and seizures. The American Kennel Club, however, considers unsalted peanuts and cashews safe in very small amounts. Because the sources differ and one type is clearly toxic, nuts as a group get a yellow rating.
What to watch out for
- Put macadamias away: Including those in biscuits, chocolates and trail mix.
- Nothing salted: Salt adds to the problem; according to the AKC, it can cause fluid retention.
- Whole nuts: According to the AKC, almonds and nut pieces can get lodged in the throat.
- Check nut butters: Nut and peanut butter may contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs.
What if your dog has eaten nuts?
If your dog has eaten macadamias, mouldy walnuts or a whole bag of nuts, call your vet or an emergency service immediately. Be ready to explain which nuts, roughly how many, when they were eaten and how much your dog weighs. Do not give home remedies or try to induce vomiting yourself. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, most dogs recover after eating macadamias. Nevertheless, vomiting, abdominal pain or lethargy after a fatty nut feast need veterinary attention.
If you suspect poisoning, go straight to your vet or an emergency veterinary service.
Check whether your dog is getting the right amount of food in just a minute with our feeding calculator. Our book takes a closer look at feeding: “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). For those first weeks with a puppy, try our free Puppy Starter Pack, and for a picture of your dog to hang on the wall, explore dog portraits from your own photo or choose a single portrait.
Further reading
- Christmas with your dog: what to arrange in advance
- Calculating your dog’s food portions: how much your dog really needs
- Is my dog overweight? How to assess body condition and ideal weight
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Macadamia Nuts, Nuts, Xylitol); ASPCA, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Macadamia Nut (Macadamia integrifolia) and Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Toxic to Dogs; MSD Veterinary Manual, Food Hazards (Macadamia Nuts, Xylitol) and Macadamia Nut Toxicosis in Dogs; American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
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