Chestnut is not only one of the characteristic elements of the autumn landscape, but also a favoured delicacy for many. But might it be safe for our dogs? The answer: in certain types yes, however it requires circumspection and moderation.

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Many owners may experience that their favourite desires everything. Although certain human foods in small quantity are safe for dogs, others may even be dangerous. The nuts, among them the chestnut, may seem a promising reward snack: small-sized, nutrient rich, but not all of them are safe.

During excursions always pay attention to the curious nature of our favourite

Which chestnut is safe?

Dogs can safely eat certain chestnuts, although of these in our country only one kind exists. In Hungary, two kinds of chestnut are to be found: the sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), which is edible, and the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), which is poisonous for animal and human alike. Their exterior may be similar, but their effect on the dog is very different.

In their distinction their appearance may help us:

• Sweet chestnut: dense, fine spiny husk, 2–3 flat fruits, dark brown, shiny.
• Horse chestnut: rarer, rougher spiny or spineless husk, generally contains one big, round fruit, which is light brown. In case we encounter such trees during the walks, let us not allow our four-legged one to eat from the fruits, since all their parts are poisonous, as well as choking hazard. Thanks to the saponins (e.g. aescin) and aesculin contained in them, they may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, nervous system symptoms, in serious case death. The saponins are foam-forming compounds, which occur in many plants.

Horse chestnut poisoning in serious case may cause death

The symptoms of horse chestnut poisoning may be the following

Within 1–6 hours following the consumption of the fruit the symptoms appear, but it may even last 2 days until they appear:

• vomiting, often bloody vomiting;
• diarrhoea, may also be bloody;
• strong abdominal pain, cramps;
• great degree of drooling;
• loss of appetite;
• dehydration;
• weakness, lethargy;
• trembling, muscle twitches;
• ataxia (coordination disorder, unsteady walking);
• dilated pupils;
• in more serious cases: seizures, coma.

The edibility and advantages of sweet chestnut

Although dogs rarely consume so much chestnut that it would have significant health effect, in small quantity they may obtain nutrient: complex carbohydrate, fibre, vitamins (C, B-vitamins) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese). In addition, it may be given as perfect energy source and digestion-supporting supplement, however naturally it does not replace whole foods.

Proper preparation

The sweet chestnut thus is not poisonous for the dogs, but of course here too the principle of the golden mean prevails. Given with proper preparation and moderation it may be a super delicacy, however we must in any case pay attention to begin with small quantity, then in the later times also maintain the “10% rule”, which means that the given quantity should not make up more than 10% of the dog’s daily calorie intake. Especially important, that in every case we observe the reactions and if we experience anything strange or unusual, in any case we turn to a veterinarian.

How to give sweet chestnut to the dog:

• Cleaning: wash thoroughly, remove the dirt and possibly the insects.
• Cooking or roasting: the raw chestnut is hard to digest. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or roast at 200°C for 15–25 minutes.
• Removal of shell: take off the outer hard shell and the inner brown skin.
• Offer plain: do not add salt, sugar, butter, oil or spices.
• Chopping/puréeing: especially for small dogs cut into bite-sized pieces or purée it. May be given in small quantity.
• Cooling: always cool it down properly.

However there are risks as well

• Choking hazard in case of raw or big piece of chestnut.
• Digestive system problems: raw chestnut, shell, too big quantity.
• Rare allergic reactions.
• High calorie content, risk of obesity.
• Harmful effect of added human additives (salt, sugar, spices).

If you would like to reward your dog with chestnut from time to time, before it is worth to consult the veterinarian, because every dog is different, and this type of delicacy is not for everyone. Always give only small quantity, and observe their reaction, in order to avoid unpleasant side effects.

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