Are chestnuts safe for pets?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Chestnuts can be harmful to pets if they are consumed raw or in a large quantity. One time, my border collie had consumed three fallen chestnuts, and did not take long until I had to clean up after him since he vomited and had diarrhea. Cooked chestnuts in small amounts might be tolerated, however, even the shells (and certainly the raw flesh) contain tannic acid which upsets the digestive system of animals.
Risks
- Raw nuts cause gastrointestinal blockages
- Moldy chestnuts produce tremorgenic mycotoxins
- Shell fragments puncture intestinal linings
Safe Practices
- Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes
- Remove all shell fragments
- Limit to 1-2 small pieces monthly
Monitor for signs such as lethargy or loss of appetite, if the dog ingests toxin "accidentally". If ingestion was not intentional, my veterinarian suggested to induce vomiting with 3% hydrogen peroxide - at approximately 1 tsp per 5 lbs of body weight - if ingestion happened within 2 hours. Be sure to always follow vomiting with activated charcoal to bind any residual toxins.
Immediate Actions
- Identify quantity consumed
- Save nut samples for testing
- Note exact ingestion time
Vet Protocols
- X-rays for blockages
- IV fluids for dehydration
- Bloodwork monitoring
Privately block access to fallen nuts by applying fabric and material called hardware cloth underneath trees. I cut pieces of an ¼ inch mesh to allow nuts to drop through while blocking paws. In use with trees that are indoors, simply raise the containers to pull away from the ground and sweep twice a day during harvest.
Read the full article: How to Grow Chestnuts: A Complete Guide for Home Gardeners
