Are Macadamia Nuts Poisonous to Dogs?

The toxic compounds in macadamia nuts:

• Unknown toxic principle (mechanism not identified; ASPCA lists toxic principle as 'Unknown')
• Affects nerve and muscle function via an unidentified mechanism
• High fat/oil content can also trigger pancreatitis as a secondary complication

If your dog ate macadamia nuts, watch for:

• •Vomiting
• •Severe lethargy / depression
• •Increased body temperature (fever)
• •Weakness, especially of the rear/hind limbs
• •Reluctance to use rear limbs, inability to stand or walk
• •Incoordination (ataxia)
• •Joint stiffness
• •Muscle tremors
• •Possible pancreatitis (abdominal pain, persistent vomiting) due to high fat content

How many macadamia nuts are dangerous for a dog?

It takes very little. VCA Hospitals states that only a few nuts can cause illness, and reported toxic doses are as low as roughly 1 gram of nuts per kilogram of body weight. Because they are toxic, no amount is considered safe, and even a single nut can cause signs in a small dog.

What symptoms should I watch for after my dog eats macadamia nuts?

Initial signs appear within 3 to 6 hours: vomiting, fever, and lethargy. Within 6 to 12 hours they can progress to weakness in the hind limbs, incoordination, inability to stand, joint stiffness, and muscle tremors. The high fat content can also cause pancreatitis. Contact a vet or poison control right away.

Will my dog recover from macadamia nut poisoning?

Most dogs with mild cases recover fully within 24 to 48 hours with supportive care, and macadamia toxicosis is rarely fatal on its own. However, dogs that develop pancreatitis from the fat content can have a more guarded prognosis, so veterinary evaluation is still important.

• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Macadamia Nut
• Pet Poison Helpline: Macadamia Nuts
• VCA Animal Hospitals: Macadamia Nut Poisoning in Dogs

Last updated 2026-06-25