Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
Toxic
No. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, vomiting and tremors. If your dog has eaten some, call your vet.
Also searched as: macadamia, macadamias, macadamia nut, queensland nut
If your dog ate macadamia nuts
Call your vet or an animal poison helpline now, even if your dog seems well. Do not wait for symptoms.
Signs usually appear within 12 hours of eating the nuts.
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We do not list a poison helpline for your country yet. Contact your own vet or the nearest emergency vet straight away.
Symptoms to watch for
- Weakness, especially in the back legs
- Lack of coordination
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- High temperature
- Lethargy
- Stiff joints or difficulty walking
Why it is dangerous
It is not known exactly why macadamia nuts affect dogs, but they can affect nerve and muscle function. Some dogs also develop pancreatitis because of the nuts' high oil content.
Sources
-
American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
checked 8 October 2026
The consequences of eating macadamia nuts include vomiting, ataxia (lack of coordination), weakness, hyperthermia (overheating), and depression.
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ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets
checked 8 October 2026
Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, incoordination, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.
-
Pet Poison Helpline: Macadamia nuts
checked 8 October 2026
The toxic mechanism is unknown but can affect nerve and muscle function.
Last reviewed . How we check foods
This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog ate something concerning, contact your vet or a poison helpline immediately.