Toxic — skip

Can dogs eat macadamia nuts?

Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts. Even a small handful can cause weakness, especially in the back legs, plus vomiting, tremors, and fever. Mixed trail mixes and cookies often hide them beside raisins or chocolate — a worse combination.

Not medical advice — general pet-safety info only. Confirm with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.

Updated Aug 9, 2026 Category Nutrition

Safer alternatives to macadamia nuts

Nuts are a poor dog snack. These treats deliver crunch and value without macadamias.

Freeze-dried liver dog treats

High-value crunch without the macadamia toxin risk.

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Healthy dog treats

Simple everyday rewards beat stolen nut jars.

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Soft dog treats

Soft bites are easier to portion than nut pieces.

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How much is okay?

Do not plan a serving. Any intentional share is a mistake.

Small under 20 lb
None
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.
Medium 20–50 lb
None
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.
Large 50+ lb
None
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.

Rule of thumb: treats of all kinds should stay under ~10% of daily calories.

How to prepare them

  • Keep macadamia jars, cookies, and nut mixes closed and high.
  • Check bakery cookies and “white chocolate macadamia” treats before dogs can steal them.
  • If trail mix spilled, sweep before dogs forage.

Risks & exceptions

  • Macadamias are linked to hind-limb weakness and ataxia in dogs.
  • Nuts add fat that can upset the gut or contribute to pancreatitis risk.
  • Mixes may also contain raisins, chocolate, or xylitol.

Macadamia nuts are a known dog toxin — not a crunchy training nut.

If your dog ate any

A larger portion or the wrong preparation is most likely to cause trouble.

  • Vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Wobbly walk

Call your vet / pet poison line if:

  • Inability to stand
  • Tremors
  • Known large handful ingestion

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors in dogs. Contact your veterinarian if your dog ate them.

FAQ

How many macadamias are toxic?

Sensitivity varies; even a few can cause signs in some dogs — call your vet with an estimate.

Are roasted salted macadamias worse?

Salt and oil add problems, but plain macadamias are still unsafe.

Can dogs eat other nuts?

Some nuts are less dramatic than macadamias, but most are still fatty and optional — see our nut pages.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from product links. Safety guidance is editorial and may change — verify with your veterinarian for your dog.