Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?
Never feed macadamia nuts. They cause a distinctive and alarming weakness in the back legs. Dogs almost always recover, but they need to be seen.
Call now
- +1 (888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
- +1 (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline · US · 24/7. A consultation fee applies.
- 01202 509000Animal PoisonLine · UK · 24/7. Lower cost than a direct vet call.
- 1300 869 738Animal Poisons Centre · AU · 24/7, free for the public.
Do not wait for symptoms and do not try to make your dog sick unless a vet has told you to — some substances cause more damage coming back up. Have your dog's weight, what was eaten, roughly how much, and when, ready before you call.
What to do
Call a vet. The picture is frightening — dogs often cannot use their back legs — but it is usually self-limiting and resolves within 24–48 hours with supportive care. Watch for chocolate-coated macadamias, which combine two hazards.
Signs to watch for
- hind limb weakness or inability to stand
- tremors
- fever
- vomiting
- wobbliness
- depression
- abdominal pain
When: Within 12 hours, usually 3–6.
What makes it harmful
Unidentified. Despite how consistently this syndrome occurs, the responsible compound has never been isolated.
Not established. The effect is on motor function and thermoregulation, and is unique to dogs — no other species shows it.
How much matters
Also check for
- chocolate-covered macadamias
- cookies
- trail mix
How confident is this
established
Well established in the veterinary literature and consistent across sources.
- Hansen SR, et al. Weakness, tremors, and depression associated with macadamia nuts in dogs. Vet Hum Toxicol 2000;42(1):18-21.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Further reading
Check another food
Informational only, and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and this page cannot account for your dog's age, size, health conditions or medication. If you are worried, phone a vet — that call is always the right call.