Pugs find some of the same foods you’re eating as desirable as ribeye steak, even if it’s just a piece of cheese or a handful of nuts! Unfortunately, Pugs can’t eat all types of nuts. In this article, we answer the question “can Pugs eat almonds” and whether or not they are toxic for pets. As a pet parent, you should know what types of foods Pugs eat.
Can Pugs Eat Almonds?
Yes and no. Almonds are not poisonous to dogs, but they do pose several dangers for Fido. The biggest reason NOT to feed Pugs almonds is the high-fat content.
Dogs have a difficult time digesting foods with high-fat content, which can lead to pancreatitis and gastroenteritis.
Plus, Pugs already struggle with weight problems, the last thing they need to consume is foods that are high in fat!
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Almonds To Pugs?
Almonds are highly nutritious and rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and healthy fat, which makes them a healthy snack for humans. If your Pug likes eating nuts and seeds, you should know that Pugs can eat sunflower seeds in moderation.
That being said, Pugs do not get the same nutritional benefits from almonds as humans do.
Fun Almond Facts
Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and therefore have a refrigeration storage life of up to two years. They contain 90% unsaturated fat, which makes them a great healthy snack.
40% of almonds are used to make delicious mouth-watery chocolates.
There are 30 different varieties of almonds, but only 10 are actually used for the production of consumption purposes.
Almonds are available in many forms such as; flour, almond butter, candy, milk, and etc.
They can also be purchased in the form of sliced or chopped nuts, with different flavors (cinnamon, vanilla, barbecued, jalapeno, smoked and etc)
Nutritional Facts
One ounce serving of almonds or 28 grams:
- Magnesium: 20% of the RDI
- Fiber: 3.5 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Vitamin E: 37% RDI
- Manganese: 32% RDI
- Protein: 6 grams
Are Almonds Healthy or Toxic? Breaking Down The Nutrients
Almonds are filled with healthy minerals and vitamins that make them a great snack. Yes, dogs need their daily vitamins and minerals too.
In fact, like humans, dogs require certain nutrients such as; vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and B12. But dogs shouldn’t eat almonds or other nuts to fulfill their nutritional requirements.
Your Pug doesn’t even need to eat anything other than a good quality dog food to get all the vitamins and nutrients their bodies require.
Are Almonds Safe For Pugs?
Not exactly, almonds can cause any of the following digestive issues in dogs:
Blockages
Almonds are small in size, which makes it easy for dogs to swallow without chewing. This can cause the nuts to become stuck in the intestines, or stomach causing a blockage.
Blockages tend to be more common in smaller dogs such as the Pug, so you may want to think twice before feeding your Pug almonds.
Water Retention
Dogs prefer the taste of flavored almonds, and these are the ones that pose the most danger for them.
They are heavily salted which can cause water retention in dogs, especially, dogs that have heart problems.
Upset Tummy
Due to the high-fat content, your dog can’t digest these nuts the same way we can.
This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, which are all signs of pancreatitis.
Bladder and Kidney Stones
These nuts are high in phosphorus and can increase the chances of bladder and kidney stones in dogs.
Some breeds such as Pugs are genetically predisposed to bladder stones.
Allergies
Some dogs may be allergic to tree nuts. If you feed your dog with something with almonds, watch for signs such as; hives, coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing.
What Should You Do If Your Pug Eats Almonds?
If your dog ate a small number of almonds and showing any signs of choking or blockages, they should be fine.
That said, you will want to monitor them for the next 6-12 hours for any signs of diarrhea, vomiting, changes in appetite, and unsettled sleeping.
If you notice any of the signs above, you’ll want to take them to the vet.
Let’s say your dog ate a two-pound bag of almonds while you were in another room. They will require an emergency trip to the vet or emergency clinic.
The vet would likely administer IV fluids for dehydration and pain medications for pain. They may even administer a drug to help them evacuate the almonds from their stomach.
Feeding Almonds To Pugs: Almond Dog Recipe Your Dog Will Love
I know that some people will read this and will still try to feed their Pug almonds. If your dog loves eating almonds, then I highly recommend looking online for a dog-friendly recipe you can use.
This Almond Butter Dog Biscuits by Betty Crocker consists of just 5 ingredients.
The best part is that you don’t have to worry about your dog choking on an almond.
Types Of Almonds Pugs Should Avoid
Not all almonds are safe for dogs, in fact, some of them are known to be problematic for canines.
The following types of almonds should NEVER be given to your four-legged friend.
Chinese Almonds
These are actually seeds of apricot, which contain small amounts of cyanide.
They can be deadly if eaten in large amounts.
Bitter Almonds
Unlike sweet almonds, bitter almonds need to be processed before consumption.
Bitter almonds contain hydrocyanic acid in its raw state. If eaten without processing or cooking, it can cause your dog’s nervous system to shut down, difficulty breathing, or even death.
Alternatives To Almonds For Pugs
Instead, Pugs should be fed high-quality dog food and less toxic food sources. You can even give your Pug some high-quality meat, fruits, and vegetables that are much safer than nuts.
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Almonds
Even though almonds are not toxic to dogs, I would highly recommend not feeding them to your dog.
There are so many other dog-friendly options to choose from. Your Pug will be better off if you never feed them almonds.
References And Further Reading
The Spruce Eats – Peggy Trowbridge Filippone – What Are Bitter or Lethal Almonds?