Labradors are known to be healthy breeds of dogs with tons of energy. They must be eating the right things! There are many different types of nuts that are safe to eat. We’ll explore if Almonds are safe or if they should be avoided.
Well, it turns out that Almonds are not suitable for your dog. Don’t let your Lab have Almonds!
The Potential Dangers of Almonds for Dogs
There are a few potential dangers that come with feeding your Lab Almonds. First and foremost, Almonds contain a high amount of fat.
This can cause your dog to become overweight, leading to health problems like joint pain and heart disease.
Dogs shouldn’t eat almonds even though they aren’t directly poisonous. It’s a bad idea for dogs to eat nuts because it will cause gastrointestinal distress, obesity, and even pancreatitis in severe cases.
People who give their dogs almonds anyway ask for medical bills when these signs become severe enough to need veterinary care. Just don’t do it!
“…dogs far outrank other species when it comes to owners seeking aid for potential poisonings, making up 70–80% of all animal cases (Gupta, 2007). There are also some foods, which are edible for humans, and even other species of animals, that can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism, e.g. chocolate, caffeine and other methylxanthines, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, nuts, etc.”
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2984110/
What is Almond Poisoning?
Almonds are not toxic in a classical sense. But the high levels of fat and protein in the nut can result in an upset stomach, vomiting, and pancreatitis.
This means that if your Lab eats almonds, you might have to take them to visit a vet.
Plus, almonds can have Aspergillus mold, which contains aflatoxin. Dogs are most likely to be poisoned by this stuff since they’re susceptible to it.
Signs of almond poisoning in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
- Distended abdomen
- Breathing difficulties
- Lethargy
- Heart arrhythmias
- General discomfort
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Almonds
If your pooch is still at it – take the Almonds away from him. The next thing is that you want to estimate the number of almonds eaten. A full-grown lab should not show any discomfort after eating a few almonds.
You can watch your dog at home if it shows no signs of choking, gagging, bloating, vomiting, or discomfort. There is no need to go to the veterinarian.
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If your puppy ate a two-pound bag of almonds, do not wait for any signs of discomfort or complications to occur. Call your vet and explain the situation – let the professional decide what to do.
Why Are Almonds Bad For Dogs?
It is a combination of several things. First, almonds a high in fat. That’s not a problem as long as your pup has only a few almonds. But in more significant amounts, this could cause problems. Your Lab may experience some abdominal discomfort and vomiting after eating almonds.
Things that are bad about Almonds:
- Fat Content
- Salt Level
- Phosphorus Amount
- Aflatoxin
Obesity, and even pancreatitis, is a significant risk if your dog eats almonds regularly. The toxicity of Aspergillus mold (Aflatoxin) can also be an issue for dogs that eat almonds.
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Treatment of Almond Poisoning in Dogs
Your Labrador will be treated based on the effects the almonds had. Supportive care will be provided, such as intravenous fluids for dehydration and medication to relieve symptoms.
Anti-nausea prescriptions, antibiotics, or pain management medications can be given intramuscularly or intravenously.
When aflatoxin poisoning occurs, there is a risk that the liver will be damaged. Vitamin K treatments and hepatoprotectants are often prescribed.
Source: https://oregonvma.org/care-health/safety/aflatoxin-toxicosis-get-facts
As there is no antidote for aflatoxin, supportive treatment is essential. When your pet is vomiting because of pancreatitis, your veterinarian may recommend withholding food for several days.
This therapy reduces swelling by allowing the pancreas to heal. For dogs who can eat independently, a few low-fat, low-protein, high-fiber meals are recommended daily.
Supplementing pancreatic enzymes can relieve abdominal pain, but it won’t change the disease’s course.
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Recovery of Almond Poisoning in Dogs
Fortunately, most symptomatic dogs will recover without needing any specific treatment. Supportive therapy, such as fluids, analgesics, or antipyretics, may be given if the animal is severely affected. Your vet will decide what to do.
How many almonds can kill my dog?
This depends on two factors and how they affect your dog. The first is the weight of your Labrador, and the second is how much your puppy ate. Generally speaking, almonds should not kill your puppy when consumed in small amounts.
The only risk almonds may be choking.
Be aware of “Bitter Almonds”. These are typically not sold in the USA but are found in almond extract and liqueurs. Even small amounts of bitter almonds would kill your dog!
Can Labradors Drink Almond Milk?
Can dogs drink Almond milk? The short answer is yes – in moderation. Why only in moderation? Because Almond milk is made of processed almonds and is high in calories.
Can Labradors Eat Almond Cake?
No. Dogs should not eat almond cake. As a matter of fact, dogs shouldn’t eat any cake at all. No matter what cake it is. Too much sugar, even in its natural form (fruit sugar), is terrible for your dog.
Can Labradors Eat Almond Butter?
Labs can eat almond butter but just like almonds – only in moderation. It is high in calories, so feeding your Lab more than a teaspoon of almond butter on any given day isn’t recommended.
Summary
Almonds are not suitable for dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, gas, loss of appetite, and other problems. If a dog eats a lot of almonds, it may experience liver damage or pancreatitis. Treatment for almond poisoning includes supportive care such as fluids and medication. Most dogs recover without any specific treatment.
