Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? No: Toxic Dose, Symptoms & What to Do

Toxic

No, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Within about 12 hours they can cause weakness (especially in the back legs), vomiting, tremors and fever. Most dogs recover in 12–48 hours with care, but call your vet.

If your dog ate macadamia nuts: call your vet or animal poison control now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Macadamia Nuts for dogs at a glance

Can dogs eat it?	Toxic
Calories	Not recommended as a treat
Main benefit	None for pets
Main risk	Cause weakness, wobbliness, tremors and fever
Puppies?	No

How many macadamia nuts are toxic?

Signs have been reported at about 2.4 g of nuts per kg of body weight (Merck Veterinary Manual). One nut weighs about 2-3 g.

Dog weight	Amount at 2.4 g/kg	Approximate nuts
10 lb	10.9 g	≈ 4 nuts
20 lb	21.8 g	≈ 9 nuts
40 lb	43.5 g	≈ 17 nuts
60 lb	65.3 g	≈ 26 nuts
80 lb	87.1 g	≈ 35 nuts

Symptoms to watch for

Weakness, especially in the hind legs
Vomiting
Tremors and wobbly walking
Fever and depression

Why it is dangerous

Risks

Cause weakness, wobbliness, tremors and fever
Signs reported at about 2.4 g/kg (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Often combined with chocolate in cookies, which is more dangerous

How to keep your dog safe

Never feed macadamia nuts
Keep cookies and nut mixes out of reach
Call your vet after any ingestion

What to do if your dog ate macadamia nuts

Work out how much was eaten, when, and your dog's weight. Keep any packaging.
Call your vet or animal poison control now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Follow your vet's advice even if your dog seems fine: treatment works best before signs start.

Safer treats to give instead

These are safe for dogs in treat-size amounts:

Planning treats? Check your dog's full daily needs with the dog food calculator or dog calorie calculator.

Macadamia Nuts and dogs: FAQ

Can dogs have macadamia nuts?

No. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Within about 12 hours they can cause weakness (especially in the back legs), vomiting, tremors and fever. Most dogs recover in 12–48 hours with care, but call your vet.

How many macadamia nuts are toxic to a dog?

Signs have been reported at about 2.4 g per kg of body weight. One macadamia nut weighs roughly 2–3 g, so a 10 kg dog could react to around 10 nuts, and small dogs to just a few.

Are macadamia nuts fatal to dogs?

Deaths are rare and most dogs recover in 12–48 hours, but they can be very uncomfortable and need supportive care.

Are other nuts safe?

Many nuts are high in fat and can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis. Walnuts that are moldy can contain tremor-causing toxins.

Can puppies eat macadamia nuts?

No. Puppies are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so the risks are greater. Call your vet if your puppy ate any.

More "can dogs eat" guides

Browse lists: human foods dogs can eat · foods dogs can't eat

Sources

This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs. Dogs with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.

Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?