MACADAMIA NUTS

Question
We have a sheltie who likes macadamian nuts which I grind up very fine and give only about 1 or 2 teaspoons per day . Will this be harmful to the dog I have heard that macadamian nuts are bad for dogs

Answer
Yes they are poisonous.  I would recommend discontinuing them all together.  You could try almonds or peanuts.

Macadamia nuts are another concern. A recent paper written by Dr. Ross McKenzie, a Veterinary Pathologist with the Department of Primary Industries, points to the danger of raw and roasted macadamia nuts for pets.

The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.

Dogs have been affected by eating as few as six macadamia kernels (nuts without the shell) while others had eaten approximately forty kernels. Some dogs had also been given macadamia butter.