✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last reviewed: 2026-07

Can dogs eat pecans?

Caution — mould risk

Pecans aren't acutely toxic like macadamias, but they can carry moulds (aflatoxins) that cause tremors and seizures. Plus the usual high-fat pancreatitis risk.

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Keep your dog protected: While you're here — vet-strength flea & worm treatments from Best Vet Care, or Stronghold spot-on from Canada Pet Care.

The full picture

Pecans are in the same family as walnuts and share similar risks: not acutely toxic like macadamias, but prone to carrying moulds that produce tremorgenic mycotoxins. These moulds can trigger muscle tremors, seizures, and neurological symptoms. Pecans are also high in fat (pancreatitis risk), and the shells can cause intestinal blockage. Salted, chocolate-covered, or spiced pecans (common at Christmas) have extra problems. A single plain pecan accidentally dropped is unlikely to harm a medium dog, but pecans shouldn't be a deliberate share — especially not pecan pie, which also contains corn syrup and sometimes raisins.

Safe portion size

Not recommended.

While you're checking what your dog can safely eat, make sure their flea and worm protection is up to date too.