Is Black Walnut Safe for Pets?
Juglans nigra
Find out if black walnut is safe for dogs and cats.
Think your pet ate something toxic?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 or view emergency guide
Black Walnut
Black walnut trees drop large nuts encased in thick, green hulls. The nuts themselves are not highly toxic when fresh, but moldy hulls and nuts can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins that cause seizures within hours of ingestion.
Dogs are the most commonly affected pets. Keeping yards free of fallen black walnuts is the best prevention, especially after rain when mold grows quickly.
Is Black Walnut Safe for Dogs?
Moldy nuts and hulls can cause tremors and seizures; plain nuts may cause GI upset or obstruction.
Is Black Walnut Safe for Cats?
Less commonly eaten, but moldy hulls are dangerous and plain nuts can cause obstruction.
Symptoms to Watch For
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- tremors
- seizures
- weakness
- fever
What If My Pet Ate Black Walnut?
Remove fallen nuts and hulls from the yard. If your pet eats moldy black walnut material or shows tremors or seizures, go to an emergency vet immediately.
Safe Alternatives
Sources
Vet's Note
PetPilot provides general information for educational purposes. While we reference authoritative veterinary organizations, this page has not been individually reviewed by a veterinarian for your specific pet. Individual animals may react differently based on age, weight, breed, health conditions, and amount consumed. Always consult your veterinarian or a poison control center for personalized advice, especially if your pet is ill, injured, pregnant, nursing, or on medication.