Each season has its own very characteristic foods. In autumn and winter, one of them is chestnuts. Not only do we find them available in stores or street stalls, but in areas where we walk with our pets, it is also very common to see them falling from the trees. So, the question may arise: can dogs eat chestnuts? Let’s see it!

Can dogs eat chestnuts?

Although the high-quality feed is made to be a very complete meal for our pet, it is very normal that we offer it, from time to time, other types of food that we eat ourselves. Therefore, it is important to know which foods are toxic to dogs and which are not.

Chestnuts are a food that contains certain very beneficial nutrients: iron, phosphorus, potassium, fiber, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, calcium, sodium, proteins, vitamins A, B6, C, etc.

In the same way that these nutrients are good for us, they are also good for dogs. Therefore, yes, dogs can eat chestnuts, they have benefits for them, but they must be fed properly.

How do I give my dog ​​chestnuts?

Dogs can eat chestnuts in small amounts and from time to time. That means that the correct thing is not to give it more than one in a row.

Also, it is not good to give them chestnuts every day.

The first time you are going to offer your dog a chestnut, it is advisable to try a small piece first and observe it very closely in case there is any type of food allergy.

In case everything goes well, then you can offer it to him in full the next time. Yes indeed. When we say whole, we mean in its entirety, however, it must be broken into small pieces to avoid choking the animal.

Remember that chestnut, in addition to being very big for your dog if it is a small breed, has a hard consistency.

Another important point to keep in mind is that dogs can eat chestnuts, but without the shell. 

Since roasting them makes peeling them a lot easier, some people choose to roast them. However, for dogs, it is always better to offer the fruit without added salt and raw. Of course, you have to avoid those that are very green, as they are indigestible.

If you want to toast or roast them, they should only be light. It is not advisable to offer chestnuts to the dog as we cook them for ourselves, in syrup or fried.

As for the type of chestnuts that your pet can consume, dogs can eat chestnuts of the same type that we eat.

These are those produced by the common chestnut. That is to say: the Japanese, American, and Chinese chestnut. Any chestnut that is not suitable for human consumption is not recommended for the animal either.

Benefits of chestnuts for dogs

Knowing that dogs can eat chestnuts and how we should offer them correctly taking into account the aforementioned aspects, we can determine what are the benefits that these can bring to your pet.

Stimulates your nervous system

Thanks to the minerals and vitamins of group B that chestnuts contain, they help to maintain the functioning of the nervous system properly stimulated.

This improves your health and prevents neuronal pathologies.

They are good for bone health, including your teeth

Since they contain a good amount of calcium, chestnuts are very good for your health.

Of course, as far as their teeth are concerned, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in the animal.

Beneficial for intestinal transit

Chestnuts are also rich in fiber, so they are also good for facilitating intestinal transit.

Of course, its high fiber content is only good in small amounts.

Optimal for the heart

As with other nuts, chestnuts also have omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This helps maintain good heart health, preventing the onset of heart disease.

Of course, all these benefits will only be real if the chestnut is given to the dog in moderation and following the indicated guidelines.

My dog ​​has eaten a lot of chestnuts

An excess in the consumption of chestnuts can be very harmful to the animal, causing certain health problems:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Vomiting
  • Discomfort.
  • Gases.
  • Stomachache.

The severity of these problems will depend on the number of chestnuts that the animal has ingested. What you should keep in mind is that if the symptoms persist, you should go immediately to a veterinary center. Your pet may require help to recover.

In addition to this, keep in mind that if your dog accidentally swallows a whole chestnut and it gets stuck in his throat, he could suffocate. Therefore, never leave chestnuts within his reach at home or allow him to play with them in the parks.