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My 15 kg dog ate two Brazil nuts, but he usually gets an almond as a treat. Which is worse and should I call the vet?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Brazil nuts are significantly more concerning than almonds for your dog. They are extremely high in fat and selenium, and just a couple of nuts can potentially lead to selenium toxicity or pancreatitis in a dog of his size. Almonds, while not toxic, are also high in fat and can cause stomach upset. For two Brazil nuts, watch closely for signs like vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or weakness over the next 24 hours. It's wise to call your vet for advice, as they can assess the risk based on your dog's specific health and weight. In the future, it's safest to avoid giving any nuts as treats.

Brazil nuts — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Extremely high in fat and selenium — a few nuts can cause selenium toxicity. Avoid.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Brazil nuts is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

Rich, fatty food is the classic trigger for pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that usually needs veterinary treatment rather than rest alone.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Brazil nuts food facts page.

Open the full food page: Brazil nuts food facts →