Did you know that an acorn is a kind of fruit? It has a hard, woody shell that protects a single seed inside that can grow into an oak tree.

If you have an oak tree on your property and a furry friend, you may wonder about the safety of your pup munching on acorns. Can dogs eat acorns? Could eating an acorn be harmful to your pet?

In this article, you’ll find out whether or not dogs can eat acorns. You’ll also learn about this common backyard fruit and the potential health benefits or harmful effects it can have on our dogs. 

Can Dogs Eat Acorns?

The short answer is no; dogs should not eat acorns. Acorns can harm your furry little friends. 

Many types of fruits are harmful to dogs, such as grapes, apricots, and avocados. You can add acorns to that list of foods dogs should avoid.  

Acorns are bad food for our furry pups. They are even considered to be a toxic food for our dogs. So it would be best if you don’t feed your dog acorns. 

Why Tannin Is Bad For Dogs

Acorns contain Gallotannin, also known as tannin, which is toxic to dogs.

Tannin can make your dog very sick, leading to several symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dehydration
  • Shock

Consuming large amounts of tannin can lead to Quercus poisoning. Quercus poisoning can lead to severe complications such as kidney damage, liver damage, kidney failure, or death.

Usually, buds and immature green acorns contain high amounts of tannin. Much like acorns, the leaves of an oak tree can also lead to Quercus poisoning as it contains high amounts of tannin. 

To add to that, acorns are very hard. So, they are a choking hazard for dogs, and they are also indigestible, meaning they can cause intestinal blockage.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Acorns

If your dog has ever shown symptoms of Quercus poisoning due to consumption of acorns or oak tree leaves, it is best to contact the nearest vet office immediately. Do not try to make your dog vomit.

Depending on the amount of acorns your dog has eaten, the size of your dog, and the severity of their reaction to the symptoms, the veterinarian may give IV rehydration to your dog. Additionally, your dog may need to take medications to control symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and pain. 

The vet may collect blood samples to check the function of your dog’s kidneys and liver. An x-ray may also be performed to check for blockages inside your dog’s stomach. 

In conclusion, your dogs should avoid acorns and the leaves of an oak tree as they can be toxic to dogs. Dogs should avoid oak trees altogether to prevent them from ever eating acorns and oak tree leaves.

Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs

This article is a part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”

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