Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? Australian Guide
Emergency
If your pet has eaten this, contact your local vet now. After hours, call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
What it means for dogs and cats
πΆ Dogs
Dangerous β do not feed
Macadamias are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, reluctance to stand or walk, trembling, lethargy, vomiting and fever. Keep nuts and foods containing them away, and contact your vet promptly after suspected ingestion.
π± Cats
Caution β small amounts
Macadamias are toxic to dogs; evidence about effects in cats is limited. Do not feed them to cats, and contact your vet for advice after suspected ingestion rather than assuming they are safe.
Where Australian pets run into it
Macadamias are native to eastern Australia and are grown commercially from northern New South Wales to north Queensland. Keep pantry nuts and foods containing them where pets cannot reach them.
Signs to watch for
- Weakness
- Reluctance to stand or walk
- Trembling
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Fever
What to do
Contact your local vet promptly and tell them what product was eaten. Call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 for Australian triage advice.
What to say when you call
My (dog/cat) weighs about __ kg. About __ hours ago they ate __ (how much). Symptoms so far: __.
Common questions
My dog ate a macadamia nut β what should I do?
Macadamias are toxic to dogs; call your vet after suspected ingestion.
Are macadamias safe for cats?
Feline evidence is limited. Do not feed them and seek veterinary advice after exposure.
Sources
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets β ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- What are common household dangers for pets? β RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase
- Small Animal Toxins β Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Macadamia integrifolia β Australian Native Plants Society (Australia)
- Macadamia Nut Toxicity in Dogs: Risks & What to Do β Animal Poisons Helpline
Content checked against these sources on 2026-10-10.
General information only, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your local vet.