Red: toxic
No, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists macadamia as toxic to dogs in its plant database. The substance responsible for the poisoning is unknown.
Why macadamia nuts are dangerous
According to the ASPCA, the nuts can cause weakness, poor coordination, lethargy, vomiting, tremors and overheating. Signs usually begin within 12 hours, and dogs generally recover after 24 to 72 hours. The MSD Veterinary Manual describes most cases as mild and non-fatal. Dogs are the only species in which signs are known. Nevertheless, Pet Poison Helpline says even small amounts can cause illness, especially in small dogs. According to Pet Poison Helpline, the high oil content can also cause pancreatitis.
Where macadamia nuts are found
- Cookies, biscuits and Christmas baking
- Mixed nuts and trail mix
- Chocolates and nut chocolate. Chocolate is itself toxic to dogs, making the combination doubly risky.
What if your dog has eaten macadamia nuts?
Call your vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately, even if your dog still seems well. Be ready to explain what was eaten, roughly how many nuts, when it happened and how much your dog weighs. If it was a baked product, Pet Poison Helpline recommends taking the ingredients list or recipe, as raisins or xylitol in it are also toxic. Do not induce vomiting yourself or give home remedies.
If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Our free feeding calculator shows you how much food your dog needs each day and how to account for snacks. You can find more on meal plans and treats in our book “Dog Nutrition and Meal Plans” (book in German), and our free Puppy Starter Pack helps you get ready for a puppy. To give your dog a place on your wall, explore our dog portraits from your own photo or choose an individual portrait.
Further reading
- Christmas with your dog: what to arrange in advance
- Puppy checklist: essentials and the first 3 days
- How to calculate how much food your dog really needs
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Macadamia Nut (Macadamia integrifolia), Toxic to Dogs; ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Macadamia Nuts, Chocolate); MSD Veterinary Manual, Macadamia Nut Toxicosis in Dogs; Pet Poison Helpline, Macadamia Nuts; Pet Poison Helpline, Are Macadamia Nuts Safe for Dogs to Eat?
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