Project Description

Whether processed or fresh, macadamia nuts can cause problems for your pet. Dogs are the only species in which toxicity has been reported.

macadamia nuts

Signs and symptoms of toxicity: weakness, depression, vomiting, lack of muscle control, tremors, joint pain, difficulty walking, hind limb weakness, elevated body temperature, and mild abdominal pain. These signs usually occur within 12 hours of ingestion.

Toxic Consumption: Typically clinical signs of toxicity are seen at > 2 g/kg (0.8 g/lb) . However, as little as 0.7 g/kg (0.3 g/lb) may cause signs of toxicosis.

For all considerations below, an approximation of 12 nuts in 1 ounce of macadamia nuts was used.

Dogs: Macadamia Nut Toxic Consumption
X-Small
Yorkie, Chihuahua
Small
Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle
Medium
Beagle, Scottish Terrier
Large
Boxer, Cocker Spaniel
X-Large
Retriever, German Shepherd
XX-Large
Great Dane, St. Bernard
1 – 10 lbs.
(0.45 – 4.6 kg)
11 – 25 lbs.
(5 – 11.4 kg)
26 – 40 lbs.
(11.8 – 18.2 kg)
41 – 70 lbs.
(18.6 – 31.8 kg)
71 – 90 lbs.
(32.3 – 40.9 kg)
91 – 110 lbs.
(41.4 – 50 kg)
dog1 dog2 dog3 dog4 dog7 dog6
> 0.1 nuts > 1 nut > 3 nuts > 5 nuts > 9 nuts > 12 nuts

References:
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
– The Merck Veterinary Manual. Macadamia Nuts. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/toxicology/food_hazards/macadamia_nuts.html. Accessed August 31, 2014.