Can Dogs Eat Hazelnuts? What Pet Owners Need to Know

Hazelnuts are a tasty snack — and if you've ever dropped one and watched your dog snap it up, you're probably wondering if it's a problem. The short answer: plain hazelnuts are not toxic to dogs, but there are enough practical concerns that they're generally not recommended as a dog treat.

Are Hazelnuts Toxic to Dogs?

Plain, unflavored hazelnuts are not considered toxic to dogs. They do not contain the compounds found in truly dangerous nuts like macadamia nuts (which are highly toxic to dogs) or black walnuts.

However, "not toxic" doesn't mean "safe to eat freely." Several practical concerns make hazelnuts a poor choice for dogs.

Risks of Hazelnuts for Dogs

Choking and Intestinal Blockage

Hazelnuts are roughly the right size to be a choking hazard for small to medium dogs, and could potentially cause an intestinal obstruction if swallowed whole by a smaller dog. Whole hazelnuts should never be given to small breeds.

High Fat Content

Like most nuts, hazelnuts are very high in fat — around 17 grams of fat per ounce. While these are largely healthy unsaturated fats, high-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, particularly breeds that are prone to it (Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels, among others). Dogs with a history of pancreatitis should never eat hazelnuts.

Digestive Upset

Even in dogs without a history of pancreatitis, a few hazelnuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or gas — especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Flavored and Salted Varieties

Flavored hazelnuts — salted, chocolate-covered, honey-roasted — are even more problematic. Chocolate is toxic to dogs; excess salt causes sodium toxicity; xylitol (an artificial sweetener sometimes found in flavored nut products) is extremely dangerous to dogs.

What Nuts Are Safe for Dogs?

Most nuts should be given very sparingly if at all. The safest options in small amounts are:

• Plain peanuts (unsalted, no shells) — technically a legume, not a nut; one of the safest options
• Plain cashews (1–2 max, unsalted) — safe in tiny amounts

Never give dogs: macadamia nuts (highly toxic), black walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or flavored/salted nuts of any kind.

Supporting Your Dog's Wellness Naturally

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Explore our CBD tinctures for dogs, review our lab test results, or book a free vet consultation to discuss your dog's wellness needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog ate a hazelnut — should I be worried?

A single plain hazelnut is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy adult dog. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of choking. If your dog ate a large number, or if the hazelnuts were salted, chocolate-covered, or flavored, contact your veterinarian.

Can dogs eat Nutella?

No. Nutella contains chocolate and potentially palm oil and high sugar — none of which are appropriate for dogs. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in larger quantities, serious cardiac and neurological effects. Keep Nutella strictly away from dogs.

Are hazelnuts safe for cats?

Cats are obligate carnivores with limited ability to digest plant fats. Hazelnuts offer no nutritional benefit to cats and may cause digestive upset. They're best avoided for cats as well.