Are Walnuts Toxic to Pets?
Yes — walnuts are mildly toxic to cats. Yes — walnuts are mildly toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Juglans regia
- Toxic compound
- Fat; molds on old nuts
- Toxic parts
- Nuts and hulls
- Also known as
- english walnuts
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Tremors or seizures if moldy
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Tremors or seizures if moldy
What to do
If your cat ate walnuts
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate walnuts
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
English walnuts are high in fat and are hard to digest. Moldy or fallen walnuts can carry toxins that cause tremors and seizures, and black walnuts are more dangerous.
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Frequently asked questions
Are walnuts toxic to cats?
Yes — walnuts are mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite.
Are walnuts toxic to dogs?
Yes — walnuts are mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite.
Which parts of walnuts are toxic?
Nuts and hulls.
What makes walnuts toxic?
Fat; molds on old nuts.
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