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One of my three dogs ate a few Brazil nuts but the other two did not — what should I do?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

Focus on the dog that ate them. Brazil nuts are very high in fat and selenium, and just a few can cause selenium toxicity. Watch the dog that ate them for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy over the next day, and call your vet if you see any of these signs. The other dogs are fine, just keep all nuts out of reach in the future.

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.

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 →