Pastry Ingredient Safety

Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?

Toxic: call for help

Short answer: No. Macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs.

Why it matters

The Merck Veterinary Manual reports signs after about 2.4 g of macadamia nuts per kg of body weight, which is only about 11 grams for a 10-pound dog.

Signs usually start within 12 hours and generally resolve within 12 to 48 hours. Merck describes the poisoning as usually mild and not fatal, but dogs can be very weak and need veterinary care.

What owners may notice

Weakness (especially in the back legs), depression, vomiting, wobbling, tremors and fever (Merck, ASPCA).

This list can't tell you if your dog is OK. Only a veterinarian can.

If your dog ate some

Call your veterinarian or an animal poison line now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Have the package, the amount and your dog's weight ready. Don't try home remedies unless your veterinarian or the poison line tells you to.

In the kitchen

White chocolate macadamia cookies combine two problems. Keep nut mixes and cookie tins closed.

Sources

  1. Macadamia Nut Toxicosis in Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual. Checked October 22, 2026.
  2. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Checked October 22, 2026.

Last checked against these sources: October 22, 2026.

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Written by VanillaGoods from the cited sources. Not reviewed by a veterinarian. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.