It is not recommended for dogs to eat hazelnuts.
Hazelnuts are edible fruits that come from the hazel tree—a plant that belongs to the genus Corylus. The kernel or seed grows inside a cob, which has a fibrous outer husk. When it ripens, it falls out of the cob while being encased in a dark brown skin.
Hazelnuts are commonly used for culinary purposes ranging from baked goods to cooking oils. Humans can enjoy eating them raw or roasted. Technically speaking, hazelnuts do not have any toxic principles that can poison your pet dog. However, some sources indicate that hazelnuts contain juglone and tremorgenic mycotoxins. They are also high in fat, which may cause obesity and pancreatitis.
What to do if your dog accidentally eats hazelnuts: Poisoning should not occur as long as he ate a piece of hazelnut that isn’t flavoured or moldy. However, its large size may cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Small dogs might have a tough time chewing the nut properly, while large dogs may just swallow the nut whole. Plus, accidentally eating the nut with its outer coating may make it even harder for dogs to digest.
If you suspect your dog has undigested hazelnuts in his system, observe him for signs of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and difficulty in passing stool.
In summary: High in plant-based protein, fiber, vitamin E, and fat, hazelnuts can only be eaten by your dog with the consent of your veterinarian. Since the potential risks outweigh its nutritional benefits, it is best not to include it in your pooch’s diet.
Instead of giving your dog hazelnuts as snacks, find out which vegetables and fruits you can feed him under this category.
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