Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
🚩 When to see a vet
- Your dog ate macadamia nuts or cookies or candy containing them
- Weakness, wobbling, tremors or trouble walking
- Vomiting or feeling hot
In an emergency, call your vet or nearest emergency animal clinic.
🚨 Poison emergency: call now
- Trouble breathing
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Bloated belly or retching with nothing coming up
- Suspected poisoning (chocolate, xylitol, lilies for cats, grapes)
- Heavy bleeding
- Male cat straining to pee
- Pale gums
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee applies)
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee applies)
No. Macadamia nuts can leave dogs weak, shaky and unsteady, and can cause vomiting and a raised body temperature. The ASPCA says trouble tends to show up within half a day and usually passes in one to three days. The nuts are also very fatty, which can inflame the pancreas. Call your vet or a pet poison hotline.
What the sources say
In dogs, these nuts can bring on weakness, wobbling, low mood, vomiting, trembling and overheating. [1]
Problems typically start within about half a day and most dogs are back to normal in one to three days. [1]
Pet Poison Helpline adds joint stiffness and being unable to walk because of weak back legs. How bad it gets depends on the amount eaten. [2]
The cause of the poisoning is unknown, but it can affect nerves and muscles. The high oil content can also cause pancreatitis. [2]
Fatty nuts in general, including almonds, pecans and walnuts, can upset the stomach and may trigger pancreatitis. [1]
FAQ
Will my dog be OK?
Most dogs get better within a few days, according to the ASPCA, but call anyway so a vet can judge the amount eaten.
What about chocolate covered macadamias?
Call right away. Pet Poison Helpline warns chocolate treats can contain macadamia nuts, and chocolate is toxic too.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked Oct 13, 2026
- Pet Poison Helpline: Macadamia Nuts, checked Oct 13, 2026
We summarize these sources in our own words. Dosing or home treatment amounts are never given here. Ask your vet.
