Can dogs eat it?
Can dogs eat almonds?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Almonds are not toxic to dogs, but they are not a good snack. They are hard, dry and awkward to chew, which makes them a choking and blockage risk for small dogs. They are also high in fat, and flavored almonds add salt, sugar or spices. One dropped almond is not a crisis; a bag of them is worth a call to the vet.
Why almonds are a poor choice
Each almond is about 2 cm (under 1 in) long and very firm. Dogs often swallow them whole, where they can lodge in the throat or, for a small dog, in the intestine. Almonds have around 7 calories each and are about 50 percent fat.
They offer nothing that makes the risk worthwhile.
Flavored and coated almonds
Salted, smoked, tamari, chili, honey-roasted and chocolate-coated almonds are all common. Each adds salt, sugar, spice or chocolate. Marzipan and sugared almonds are mostly sugar. Mixed nut bags may include macadamias, which are toxic.
Almond butter, flour and milk
Plain almond butter with no xylitol or added sugar is not toxic but is very rich; a thin smear is the most to offer. Almond flour in dog treats is fine. Almond milk counts as a drink and is not needed.
If your dog ate a bag of almonds
Check the packaging for flavorings, chocolate and other nuts. Note how many were eaten and your dog's weight. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, loss of appetite and straining. A small dog that ate more than a few, or any dog showing these signs, should be seen.
Bitter almonds
Bitter almonds, a different variety from the sweet almonds sold as snacks, contain high levels of amygdalin, which forms cyanide. They are not sold as snack food in most countries, but bitter almond extract and apricot kernels are. Keep these well out of reach.
Key takeaways
- Almonds are not toxic but are a choking and blockage risk.
- They are high in fat and calories.
- Flavored, coated and sugared almonds add further risks.
- Bitter almonds and apricot kernels contain cyanide-forming compounds.