Harper Jefcoat
Harper Jefcoat

Can Dogs Eat Cashews? Know the Nuts for your Dog!

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10 min read

can dogs eat cashews

On This Page

  • Can Dogs Have Cashews Safely?
  • Are Cashews Healthy for Dogs?
  • What are the Risks of Feeding Cashews to Dogs?
  • When Can be Cashews Dangerous for Dogs?
  • What About Cashews and Dog Allergies?
  • Tips and Recipes for Safely Feeding Cashews to Dogs

Cashews are a kind of nut that tastes spicy and different from other nuts. Some people like cashews, but some people don't want to share them. Dogs always want cashews, but we sometimes don't give them any because they might not be good for his tummy.

This is a common confusion among a majority of the pet owners about what their pet friend can and can not eat. Most pet owners ask whether dogs can have cashews or not.

The answer is YES! Dogs can eat cashews. They are safe nuts for dogs unlike other toxic nuts like macadamia nuts. However, there are still some safety precautions that you need to take before feeding your dog cashews.

Read the blog further to know more!

Can Dogs Have Cashews Safely?

Yes, most dogs can eat cashews. Unlike macadamia nuts, cashews are not toxic to dogs. But they need to be watched for a while if they eat them.

Cashews are a type of nut that dogs can eat. They should not be fed too much because they have a high-fat content and it makes the dog's stomach upset if given to them too often. Cashews also should not be given to dogs with allergies or sensitivities to cashew extract, which is found in many dog foods and treats that use cashews as an ingredient.

Here is how cashews are good for canines;

  • Rich in protein
  • Loads of fiber
  • Filled with good fats
  • Has zinc, copper, and magnesium

But still, cashews should be given in a moderate amount.

How Many Cashews Can a Dog Eat?

“How often can dogs eat cashews?”

If you follow the 10% rule, which means that a dog can eat treats that are 10% of their meal, then a 20-pound dog can have 3-4 cashews per day. If they eat more than that, then they might not get enough nutrients for one day.

An active dog needs 300-400 calories each day. A common recommendation is that 10-15% of those calories come from fat. One ounce of cashews (about 18 whole nuts) has 30-40% of the fat needed for an active dog's diet, which equals about 126 calories from fat.

Can my Dog be Allergic to Cashews?

Yes, it is quite possible that your dog is allergic to cashews. When sharing this nutty treat with your canine, keep a close watch for the following symptoms;

  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Itching

In case you notice any such symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Are Cashews Healthy for Dogs?

Cashews are very healthy. They have vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Cashews also have antioxidants in them.

They can provide your furry friend with lots of nutrients like copper-zinc potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. Cashews are a rich source of protein too!

Cashews have good fats and antioxidants. Cashews are low on the glycemic index, so they have healthy fats which are good for dogs with blood sugar issues or diabetes.

They may also help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, and improve cognitive function because they contain copper, which is needed for brain health. Copper deficiency has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cashew nuts are good for dogs with diabetes. They also give them minerals like zinc and magnesium which make our body stronger. Cashew nuts also keep cancer from growing!

What are the Risks of Feeding Cashews to Dogs?

“Are cashews bad for little dogs?”

Following are the risks of feeding cashews to your dogs:

  • Dogs can eat cashews in large amounts and then get sick. If they do, they might vomit or have a fever or be weak. They might also have an elevated heart rate.
  • The risk of your dog getting an allergy to cashews increases if they already have an allergy to substances found in other things like tree nuts or peanuts.
  • Dogs cannot eat cashews because they can choke on them. Cashews in the stomach can lead to a hole or blockage in their intestine.
  • Cashews hurt dogs. The cashew shell and the nut are bad for them. If they eat cashews, it might make them vomit or have diarrhea.
  • The high-fat content in cashews may cause problems for their stomach. This includes inflammation and other stomach problems.

If your dog eats cashews, call the vet right away. It is dangerous because they can choke on them or get sick from eating too many of them at one time.

When Can be Cashews Dangerous for Dogs?

It is dangerous for dogs to eat a lot of cashews. They can make them sick so you may have to get pet insurance and there are many other problems. These are further described below.

Too Many Cashews Can Cause Obesity

Most dogs can eat cashew nuts, but in excessive amounts, cashews can cause obesity. They are high in fat, so you need to be careful when giving them these treats.

A dog weighing 10 pounds needs 220 calories per day on average, and an ounce of cashews is 160 calories. This means that on average, your dog will need about 75% of its daily needs.

If you give them too many cashews, they might get overweight which can lead to health problems like diabetes or cancer. It is best if treats are not more than 10% of the total amount of food your dog eats each day.

Cashews Can Cause Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a disease that can be caused by eating too much fat. Living beings need fat because it tastes good and it helps us grow. But eating too much of it can make your dog’s pancreas become inflamed, which makes them feel bad or sick.

Symptoms of pancreatitis might be feeling hungry less often, stomach pain, or feeling tired. If they don't get treatment for pancreatitis on time, things can get worse and they might need to take medicine every day for the rest of their life.

Cashews May Cause Gastric Issues

Fatty foods are difficult to digest. That's why too many cashews can make your dog’s stomach upset, make your dog have diarrhea or vomit. That's why it is important to keep them out of the reach of your dog when you can't supervise them.

Cashews May Cause Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are made of phosphorus. Cashew nuts have a lot of phosphorus, so if your pet eats them, they might get bladder stones.

If your pet needs a special diet for other medical problems, you should ask your vet before giving them cashews.

What About Cashews and Dog Allergies?

While nut allergies can make humans sick, they are less common in dogs. Most often, dogs are allergic to food like eggs or chicken.

Even though your pet's chances of getting an allergic reaction to cashew nuts are low, it is important that you know what the symptoms are. If your pet gets these symptoms after eating human food for the first time, they might have an allergy.

Some nuts can be bad for dogs. That is why you should not give your dog cashew nuts out of a variety pack. You might want to take them out and put them in a dish for your dog to eat instead. Dogs who are allergic to nuts may have problems with just a little bit of them, so it is best not to feed them any at all.

If you think your dog is having an allergic reaction to cashews, stop feeding them cashews. Call your veterinarian.

Tips and Recipes for Safely Feeding Cashews to Dogs

Some tips for safely feeding cashews to your dog are as follows:

  • Serve in moderation: Cashews are best for dogs when they are fed in small quantities. They can be healthy for them, but if you overfeed them, the dog could get sick.
  • Don’t give a nut pack: You should make sure that there are not any other kinds of nuts in the package. Some nuts can be bad for dogs. For example, macadamia nuts are very bad for them because they will get sick and have trouble walking. Other kinds of nuts that can be bad for dogs include walnuts, black walnuts.
  • Inspect to check molds: Some types of mold can have aflatoxin. If eaten, this can upset your pet's stomach or cause other problems. Make sure to check nuts for mold before giving them to your pet.
  • Should be unsalted: If you want to give your dog cashews, make sure that they are not salted. Salted cashews can cause problems for dogs with heart disease.
  • Remove the shells first: Do not give your dog the shells of cashews. Cashews contain a toxin called anacardic acid. This can make them sick and it can also make their skin irritated.
  • No additives: Don’t feed your pup any chocolate-covered nuts, as well as any nut products sweetened with xylitol. Both chocolate and xylitol can make your pup sick and give them a stomachache.

Can Dogs Eat Cashew Butter?

Cashew butter is a safe treat for your pet. But do not feed them too much. It is high in fat so only give your pet 1-2 tablespoons of cashew butter per day.

Many store-bought products have extra ingredients like sugar, oil, or salt. You can make your own dog-safe cashew butter by putting one cup of raw cashews in the food processor with a little honey and blending until it is smooth.

Can Dogs Eat Cashew Milk?

Cashew milk is made from water and cashews. Dogs can safely eat cashews (in small amounts). This means that the milk made from them is also safe for dogs to drink.

Delicious Cashew Recipe for your Pup!

Some dogs like to eat cashews. To feed them, you can use cashews in place of peanuts or peanut butter in recipes, such as our Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream.

Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • Banana - 1
  • Peanut butter or cashew butter (unsalted) - 2 Tbsp
  • Plain yogurt - 2 Tbsp
  1. Cut up a banana and put it in the freezer for 4 hours or more.
  2. Put the frozen banana, peanut butter, and yogurt in the bowl of the food processor. Then turn it on until everything is smooth.
  3. Serve with a sprinkle of cookies on top. You can also have fruit on top or just eat it by itself.

Your dog is going to love you for this treat!

Cashews are best for some dogs, but not for others. If you give your dog cashews, make sure they don't have other nuts mixed in and do not add any salt or seasonings to them.

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Here are some healthy alternatives to cashews for dogs;

Carrots
Bananas
Celery
Potatoes
Pineapple
Watermelon
Eggs
Apples
Cucumbers
Green Beans
Sweet Potatoes
Spinach

Cashews can be good for a snack, but you should only give them occasionally!

Harper Jefcoat

WRITTEN BY

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and esteemed author at RealESALetter.com. With a profound passion for animals, Harper combines extensive knowledge and personal experience to provide insightful and informative content. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he strives to empower pet owners with the tools and understanding they need to nurture and care for their furry friends effectively. Harper’s writings reflect his commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners, making him a trusted voice in the pet community.

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