Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? No — They Are Toxic to Dogs
No, dogs must not eat macadamia nuts: they are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, wobbling, vomiting, tremors and fever. If your dog ate any, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 now; a fee may apply. The ASPCA says signs usually appear within 12 hours and most dogs recover in 24 to 72 hours with care. Cookies pairing them with chocolate or xylitol are more dangerous still.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read3 sources
Why macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs
Macadamia nuts cause a condition the American Kennel Club calls macadamia nut toxicosis. The exact toxin has not been identified, but the effect on dogs is consistent: the ASPCA lists weakness, incoordination, vomiting, tremors and an elevated body temperature among the signs.
Dogs are the species known to react this way, and there is no safe amount to give. Unlike almonds or peanuts, which are a fat and choking problem, macadamias are a true toxin for dogs. Never offer them as a treat, and never give a dog a food that contains them.
My dog ate macadamia nuts: what to do
Act now, even if your dog seems fine. Move any remaining nuts or cookies out of reach, note how many are missing and roughly when your dog ate them, and keep the packaging. Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
Do not try to make your dog vomit at home unless a vet or poison control tells you to and explains how. Depending on how long ago it happened and how much was eaten, your vet may induce vomiting at the clinic, give medication to reduce absorption, and provide supportive care while the effects wear off.
Signs of macadamia poisoning
According to the ASPCA, signs usually appear within 12 hours of eating the nuts. The most typical is weakness, especially in the back legs, so a dog may seem wobbly, unable to stand or reluctant to walk. Vomiting, tremors, depression and a raised body temperature are also common.
Go to an emergency vet immediately if your dog cannot stand, is shaking, has a high temperature, collapses, has a seizure or is breathing fast. Signs of chocolate or xylitol poisoning, such as a racing heart, restlessness or severe lethargy, also need urgent care.
Small dogs, puppies and macadamias
Size affects how severe the reaction is, so a few nuts can be more serious for a dog under 20 lb than for a dog over 50 lb. But even large dogs can show marked weakness after a handful, and dogs of every size should be seen on the same terms: call first, then follow advice.
Puppies are more likely to raid a dropped cookie tin or a bag left on a coffee table, and their small bodies react more strongly. Keep nuts, baking supplies and holiday treats in closed cupboards, and call your vet straight away if a puppy eats any macadamia.
Recovery and when to follow up
The ASPCA notes that most dogs recover within 24 to 72 hours. Your vet may send your dog home to rest, or keep it in for fluids, temperature control and monitoring. Keep your dog quiet, warm or cool as advised, and offer water.
Call your vet again if weakness gets worse instead of better, if your dog stops eating, vomits repeatedly or develops a painful belly, which can point to pancreatitis after a fatty cookie or nut mix. Follow up as your vet recommends.
Safer treats and nut safety at home
If your dog loves crunchy treats, plain carrot sticks, green beans or cucumber slices are safe alternatives. A little plain, unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter is a safer nutty treat for most dogs in small amounts.
Holiday seasons, when tins of mixed nuts and cookies are everywhere, are when macadamia accidents happen. Ask guests to keep bags zipped, and keep cookie plates and gift baskets off low tables.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How many macadamia nuts are toxic to a dog?
There is no safe number to give, and sensitivity varies between dogs. Small dogs can react to a few nuts. If your dog ate any amount, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435; a fee may apply.
How long after eating macadamia nuts will a dog get sick?
The ASPCA says signs usually appear within 12 hours, and most dogs recover in 24 to 72 hours with care. Call for advice as soon as you know, rather than waiting for signs.
Can dogs eat white chocolate macadamia cookies?
No. They contain both macadamia nuts and white chocolate, and the AKC notes white chocolate can trigger pancreatitis. Call your vet or poison control if your dog ate any, and have the packaging ready.
Are macadamia nuts toxic to cats?
Macadamia toxicity is described in dogs. Nuts are still high in fat and not suitable for cats, so call your vet if your cat ate macadamias or a cookie containing chocolate or xylitol.
Will my dog be OK after eating one macadamia nut?
Many dogs that eat a single nut show mild signs or none, especially larger dogs, but it is not predictable. Call your vet or poison control for advice and watch for weakness or vomiting.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
