Pugs are curious creatures and seem to get anything they find in their mouth. It’s not uncommon to find a Pug hanging out under your oak trees sniffing around and trying to eat an acorn. Can Pugs eat acorns and what are the dangers of it?
Can Pugs Eat Acorns?
No, acorns contain a chemical called Gallotannin, which is a type of acid called “tannin” and is commonly found in grapes, teas, and coffee. When dogs eat acorns in the autumn and winter months, they often become ill from the tannin found in the acorns shell.
The Gallotannin is extremely dangerous for dogs and can even cause fatality if your pooch eats large amounts because the acid targets the kidneys.
In addition, if swallowed whole, they can cause serious dangerous intestinal blockages.
Note: This article is written by someone who owned a Pug for 16 years, not a veterinarian, and shouldn’t be a substitute for professional advice. If your Pug has eaten something potentially dangerous or is showing signs of illness, you should contact your vet immediately!
So what do Pugs like to eat? This breed eats pretty much anything, but that doesn’t mean that all the foods are good for them. Let’s take a look at why you shouldn’t feed acorns to your pooch and what to do if you catch them eating one.
What Are Acorns?
Acorns are known as an oak nut is a nut that belongs to the Fagaceae family. It has a shape of a capsule, with a tough, leathery shell, and contains the oak tree’s seed inside.
They are most common during the autumn and winter months, when they fall from the trees. If you have oak trees in your yard, you need to ensure you don’t let your Pug come into contact with them or the leaves.
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Acorns To Pugs?
No, even though they are high in iron, potassium, vitamins A and E, and other vital minerals, they do not provide any benefits for your pooch.
In fact, the tannins can make you sick as well as your pooch! So be sure you wash them before eating and NEVER feed them to your pooch!
Fun Acorns Facts
Acorns come from oak trees and there are over 400 species of oak trees worldwide. The most common oak species of oak trees in North America are White Oak, Black Oak, and Willow Oak.
They are very rich in nutrients and contain large amounts of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and fats. But they are dangerous to both animals and humans.
Are Acorns Safe For Pugs?
No, they are extremely poisonous if eaten by dogs. Listed below are just a few of the dangers your pup can be exposed to when eating acorns.
Bowel Obstruction
One of the major issues your dog can face when ingesting acorns is bowel obstruction, regardless of the age or size of your dog. A small dog like a Pug or even a puppy are at higher risks of complications, and if swallowed will need to rush to the emergency vet for x-rays and possibly surgery.
Acorn Toxicity
The second concern is the high levels of tannins which can cause gastritis and vomiting. Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, which may lead to stomach ulceration. Frequent vomiting can cause dehydration, which will require IV’s and fluids from your vet.
Also, the leaves from your oak trees can also be harmful to your pooch and can cause acorn poisoning aka Quercus poisoning. As a responsible pet owner, you need to keep your pooch away from these yummy nuts, poisonous plants, and other hazards around your home and while in public.
Keep the acorns picked up around your home as they also contain a harmful mold known as “