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Can dogs eat chestnuts?
Dogs can eat chestnuts, but owners need to pay attention to the feeding amount. Eating 1-2 chestnuts at a time is enough. Otherwise, feeding your dog too many chestnuts may cause indigestion, leading to symptoms such as gas and constipation. Additionally, because dogs' oral structures are significantly different from humans', they are prone to choking or suffocating on small particles like chestnuts. Therefore, it is recommended to feed dog food as the main diet, supplemented by nutritional supplements, goat's milk, and other foods, as well as fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges that are not harmful to dogs.
- Benefits of dogs eating chestnuts
Chestnuts are rich in vitamins B2 and C, which can effectively improve a dog's vision and promote the growth of their skin and fur. They also enhance a dog's immune system, so dogs can eat a small amount of chestnuts.
Hazards of dogs eating chestnuts
Chestnuts contain a large amount of starch. If a dog is fed too many chestnuts, it may cause indigestion, abdominal gas, and vomiting. Therefore, feeding should be done in moderation.
Due to the small size of chestnuts and the oral structure of dogs, they are prone to choking when eating chestnuts. In situations where dogs are fighting for food, they may swallow the chestnuts whole, blocking the esophagus, causing swallowing difficulties, and pressing against the trachea, leading to difficulty breathing and suffocation.
Chestnuts are usually roasted with sugar, and chestnuts themselves contain sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar can cause dogs to develop constipation, indigestion, and obesity.
Precautions
While dogs can eat chestnuts, it is best not to feed them chestnuts randomly for safety and scientific reasons. Similarly, owners should avoid feeding their dogs similar nuts, such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts.