Are Almonds Good For Dogs?
Almonds are a very nutritious snack for humans. But when it comes to dogs, you may have a question in your mind about whether or not almonds are good for them. Dog’s digestive system is completely different from that of humans. Thus, you cannot provide them with everything that is probably healthy for you. There are a lot of things that you need to consider before you can give a particular food to your pup. So, before you pop some almonds as a treat to you pup, you need to consider some facts. Want to know whether or not dogs can have almonds or whether or not it is good for them? Read on.
CAN DOGS EAT ALMONDS?
The short and straight answer to this question is – NO! As almonds are known for high content of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, this nut may seem to be a very healthy treat for dogs. But the reality is different. While almonds are very nutritious, this nut cannot be easily digested by the dogs. Dogs have a tendency to digest the almonds poorly which can lead to several health issues. There is no doubt that dogs may love the taste of the almonds. But almonds can be toxic for the health of your pups and it can cause gastric and intestinal distress in your dog. Hence, you should not allow your dog to consume almonds. There can be some health hazards that can make your pup sick.
WHY DO ALMONDS POSSESS HEALTH HAZARDS FOR DOGS?
Your pup can face many types of health hazards when it consumes almonds. Some of these hazards include:
* HAZARD OF OBSTRUCTION
Dogs do not chew the foods fully like we do. There is a chance that your dog will swallow a whole almond when you give it to them. This can possibly lead to some potential life-threatening issues. It can get stuck in the stomach, esophagus, windpipe, or small intestine causing an obstruction. This is more life-threatening for the smaller breeds.
* SEVERE GASTRO-INTESTINAL ISSUES
Almonds are rich in fats and this can cause issues in some dogs. High content of fat can lead to flair-up of pancreatitis in them. Some of the signs and symptoms of this condition are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Though this condition can previously look like simple indigestion, it can lead to severe and even fatal disorder.
* OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
Besides these two issues, there can be many more health hazards depending on the seasoning of the almonds. Some of the packaged almonds contain a lot of seasoning, including salt. High intake of these seasonings can cause water retention in dogs. Moreover, the onion powder and garlic powder seasoning can be toxic for your dogs. Too much consumption of such seasoned almonds can also cause heart disease in dogs.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG CONSUMES ALMONDS?
If your dog consumes one or two almost by mistake, then you do not have to panic. But make sure to watch out carefully for any symptoms or signs of obstruction hazards. In case there are no signs of any distress in the next 30 minutes to 60 minutes, then there is nothing to fear. However, if your dog has consumed more than just a few almonds, then it is better to either call a vet right away or take your dog to the vet. The professional health experts can induce vomiting to take out the almonds from your dog’s system. They can also provide necessary medicines and early treatments to alleviate the situation.
CAN DOGS CONSUME ALMOND BUTTER?
While it is quite evident that eating almonds is not safe for your dogs, many people ask if their dogs can consume almond butter. Almond butter, just like peanut butter, is not at all toxic for you dogs. But you need to be careful about the ingredients that are present. When you are buying almond butter for your dog, you must make sure that it doesn’t have sugar, xylitol, or salt in it.
Also, almond butter is high in fat. So, if you are giving almond butter to your dog, you must give it in moderation once or twice a week. It should be only given as a special treat to them and not for regular treats. Be very strict about the amount of consumption. Don’t allow your dog to consume too much almond butter at a time.
CAN DOGS DRINK ALMOND MILK?
Milk is good for dogs, in general. But almond milk can be quite high in fat. Hence, it can lead to obesity, diarrhea, and pancreatitis in your dog. You should not give too much of almond milk to your pet dog and must only be given as a special treat in small amounts. If your dog is in-tolerant towards lactose, then almond milk can be a good alternative as it is lactose-free in nature. But it is better to discuss it with an expert.
Though almond milk will not hurt them, you must make sure to choose an unflavored and unsweetened one so that it can be easily on the gastro-intestinal tract of your dog. Artificial sweeteners and additives can be harmful for your pups. But to be sure whether or not you can give almond milk to your dog, it is better to consult a licensed vet. They can tell you exactly if it will be safe for your pup or not.
CONCLUSION
To sum it up, almonds are definitely a good and healthy snack for humans but not for the dogs. While almonds contain some really beneficial nutrients, it must not be given to your dog very often. If you want to give, then you need to be very cautious about the consumption. It has to be provided in moderation to your dog. You have to make sure that the almond you are providing to your dog is not at all coated with any toxic ingredients, such as chocolate, garlic powder, onion powder, or salt. As your ultimate priority is to keep your dog safe and healthy, you need to be mindful about what type of food you are giving to them.