Nuts & seeds · updated 2026-09-12
Can dogs eat almonds?
Not toxic, but a choking, blockage and fat risk.
Why
Almonds aren't poisonous to dogs, but they're hard to digest, high in fat, often salted or flavoured, and exactly the shape that lodges in a small dog's windpipe or intestine.
What to do instead
Skip almonds. If one is swallowed, watch for coughing or vomiting.
Symptoms to watch for
Choking, vomiting, diarrhoea, pancreatitis after a handful.
If your dog has eaten almonds, don't wait for symptoms.
Call your vet, or in the US the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), 24 hours a day. Have the amount, the time and any packaging ready.
And for cats?
Avoid. Skip — no benefit, a choking risk. Can cats eat almonds? →
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This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs, based on published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, AKC, VCA). It is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your dog's weight, age and medical history. If you are unsure, ask them before sharing any human food.