Can Dogs Eat Cashews? Are They Safe?

Last updated on March 23rd, 2023 at 07:16 pm

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Can Dogs Have Cashews? ANSWERED!

Are cashews bad for dogs? This is a question that many of us have, and for a very good reason. Cashews are very tasty and healthy for humans, so obviously we want to try and feed them to our pets too. Which makes us wonder, can dogs eat cashews? Is it ok for them, or is it actually toxic and one of the things we need to avoid?  

Feeding cashews to dogs 

When we are wondering “is cashews good for dogs”, the short answer is Yes. You can feed cashews to your pet, since they are not toxic for dogs. Macadamia nuts are, for example. But it’s still important to ensure you don’t overfeed cashews to your dog, as it can still be very problematic.  

The reason why you want to feed cashews to your dog is because they are very beneficial for your pet. They have omega 6 fatty acids, which help prevent inflammation, while also keeping the coat shiny and very soft. Another thing to keep in mind is that cashews have protein, fiber and antioxidants. They also include minerals like manganese, calcium, copper, flavanols, and magnesium, not to mention a vast range of vitamins too.  

What Happens if my dog eats too many cashews? 

One of the main issues pets encounter if they eat too many cashews is obesity. They have a high-fat level, so just an ounce of these nuts will give 75% of their daily caloric needs. Needless to say, feeding your dog more than that is problematic, so try to offer these as treats, not as a meal. 

Pancreatitis is another problem since too much fat in the diet can lead to pancreas inflammation. Dogs can also have an upset stomach due to eating too many cashews. After all, fatty meals are harder to digest. In time, the cashew nut phosphorus can harden and it might lead to bladder stones. Ideally, if your pet has a specialized diet, then you do want to talk with the vet before you give him cashes, just to be safe. 

Can cashews lead to allergies? 

Nut allergies are common for people, but not as common for dogs. You still want to watch out for any allergic reactions when feeding cashews to your pet. These include things like hives, swelling or itching. Even if they might not seem like a lot at first, they can become very problematic. 

How do you feed cashews to your dog? 

You want to take just a few of them and inspect them for mold, just to be safe. Some types of mold can have aflatoxin and that leads to stomach problems. A great option is to choose unsalted, packaged cashews. Salted cashews can lead to heart problems, so it’s better to opt for roasted or raw cashews without any salt.  

If you have a pup, you want to avoid giving him unshelled cashews. The shell has anacardic acid, which is a major toxin that leads to skin irritation. You also want to avoid chocolate-covered nuts or cashews, because they have xylitol and that’s really bad for pets.  

You can serve cashew butter for your pet, but only in a small amount. Limiting the cashew butter intake is also important. When it comes to cashew milk, that’s also safe to drink for your pet, so you definitely have to keep it in mind.  

Cashew Alternatives? 

Wait, are cashews bad for dogs? No, but you can still use some alternatives if you want. Carrots are a great alternative, the same can be said about bananas and peaches. In case you want a hydration boost, then watermelon can be a great pick. Even some homemade biscuits with eggs, canned pumpkin and flour can be a great option to keep in mind.  

Final Words

Can my dog eat cashews? Yes, he can, and it’s one of those treats that are filled with lots of vitamins and nutrients. But as we mentioned above, you want to avoid overdoing it. The last thing you want is to overfeed your pet with cashews, as it can become an issue. Monitor the amount of cashews eaten by your pet and use this as a treat, not as a meal. You can also use some of the cashew alternatives listed above, just to be safe!