Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts can make dogs weak and cause tremors and fever. Most dogs recover with treatment.
What it is
Macadamia nuts appear in biscuits, chocolate, cereal bars, nut mixes and spreads.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Food |
|---|---|
| Adult | No concern found |
| Child | No concern found |
| Infant | No concern found |
| Dog | High |
| Cat | No concern found |
The app flags macadamia for dogs. It does not rate it for cats, because sources report the effect in dogs only. For people, the app has no concern about normal food amounts. Reports describe signs in dogs from 2.4 g of nuts per kg body weight.
Basis of the ratings: published studies.
Possible concerns: Intoxicating.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Dog (food): Dog-only: weakness, tremors, hyperthermia; typically recovers.
Rules and use
Macadamia nuts are an ordinary food for people. They are a tree nut, so EU labels must highlight them as an allergen. The risk for dogs is separate from the allergy.
Read the guide: Human foods that are risky for dogs and cats
Sources
- Weakness, tremors and depression associated with macadamia nuts in dogs (2000)
- Household food items toxic to dogs and cats (Front Vet Sci, 2016)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards for pets
- Merck Veterinary Manual: macadamia nut toxicosis in dogs
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.