Can Dogs Eat Hazelnuts or Nutella? Choking & Chocolate Risks

Can Dogs Eat Hazelnuts?

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LIMIT — Hazelnuts are not toxic, but whole nuts are a choking and blockage risk and are high in fat. Chocolate hazelnut spread is dangerous because of the chocolate.

Hazelnuts are not known to be toxic to dogs, but whole nuts can cause choking or blockages and are high in fat. Hazelnut spreads such as Nutella contain chocolate and sugar and are not suitable.

Quick answer

Category: Nuts & Seeds
Recommended preparation: Shelled, unsalted, and chopped very small if offered at all
Main concern: Choking and blockage; high fat; chocolate in hazelnut spreads; salted or coated nuts
Suitable as everyday food: Rare, if at all

The full answer

Hazelnuts are not considered toxic to dogs, but they are not a recommended treat. Whole hazelnuts are the right size and shape to cause choking or to lodge in the digestive tract, particularly in small dogs, and they are high in fat, which can upset the stomach or trigger pancreatitis.

Shells are especially hazardous. Salted, roasted, flavoured or chocolate-coated hazelnuts are unsuitable, and hazelnut spreads such as Nutella contain chocolate, which is toxic, plus sugar and palm oil. Some nuts can also grow mould that is harmful to dogs.

If you want to give a nutty treat, a small amount of unsalted, plain, smooth peanut butter without xylitol is usually a better choice than whole nuts. Ask your vet if you are unsure.

Is Hazelnuts Good for Dogs?

Hazelnuts contain fat, fibre and vitamin E, but the choking and fat risks outweigh the benefits for most dogs.

Potential benefits

Contain fibre and vitamin E

Risks and Things to Know

Whole nuts can cause choking or blockages
High fat can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis
Shells are hazardous
Chocolate hazelnut spread is dangerous
Salted or flavoured nuts are unsuitable

How much is okay?

We would skip hazelnuts. If you do offer one, a single finely chopped piece of unsalted nut is the most we would suggest.

How Should I Prepare It?

Shell, then chop very finely.
Use only plain, unsalted nuts.
Never give spreads or chocolate-coated nuts.

Can Puppies Eat Hazelnuts?

Skip hazelnuts for puppies.

What If My Dog Ate Too Much?

Eating several hazelnuts may cause vomiting or diarrhoea.

If your dog ate a lot, ate shells, or ate chocolate spread, contact a vet. Seek urgent care if your dog is gagging, vomiting repeatedly or has a painful belly.

This guide is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has eaten something potentially toxic or is showing concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are not toxic but are a choking and fat risk. We recommend skipping them.

No. Nutella contains chocolate, which is toxic, plus sugar and palm oil.

No. Shells are hard and can cause injury or blockages.

Watch for vomiting, gagging or a painful belly, and contact your vet for advice.

How this guide was written

Last updated 13 October 2026. We write from widely published, mainstream pet-health sources and avoid presenting feeding amounts as veterinary prescriptions.