Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of Brazil nuts with caution.
Belonging to the family Lecythidaceae, Bertholletia excelsa is a tree that produces Brazil nuts. Found in the Amazon rainforest, this large, woody perennial plant can grow as tall as 50 metres in height. It’s no surprise that its edible nuts can weigh as heavy as two kilos each.
Brazil nuts do not contain any toxic components, so they can technically be eaten by dogs. In fact, these nuts are high in selenium and other micronutrients. However, they are also packed with fat and calories, making them a bad option for canines with pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia, or other existing conditions.
How to feed Brazil nuts to your dog: Before letting your pooch eat a few pieces of Brazil nuts, speak with your veterinarian to make sure that he can have some.
Since the nuts are contained in hard-shelled capsules, they should be removed from the shells before being given to your dog. These nuts can be eaten raw or blanched. But be sure to serve only a few pieces of unsalted and unflavoured Brazil nuts to prevent accidents.
Also, watch over your dog as he eats Brazil nuts. Because of their size and hardness, the nuts can potentially block your dog’s airway and intestines. For small-sized dogs, it’s best to break down the nuts into bite-sized pieces.
Limit the amount of Brazil nuts you feed to your dog to prevent weight gain. Follow the 10% treat rule, so that your dog gets the right amount of nutrients from his main food source.
In summary: Your dog should not display any symptoms after he eats a piece of unsalted Brazil nut. However, if he eats a considerable amount in one sitting, he may suffer from mild to severe symptoms such as upset stomach and intestinal obstruction.
Aside from Brazil nuts, learn which human foods you can safely give your canine pet through our “can dogs eat” blog category.
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