Can My Dog Eat Cashews?

Can my dog eat cashews? Cashews are safe for most dogs, but they aren’t an essential part of a balanced diet.

Unlike macadamias, cashews aren’t toxic to dogs. However, you must keep some guidelines in mind if you’re thinking of feeding your pet cashews.

These nuts contain healthy nutrients, are cholesterol-free, and low in sugar. Furthermore, they comprise enriching minerals and vitamins that add nutritional value.

If you’re still wondering, ‘why does my dog love cashews,’ you’ll soon discover that there’s plenty of reasons why they’re a favorite treat for many dogs.

Can My Dog Eat Cashews?

Cashews are one of the few nut varieties that are generally deemed safe for dog consumption. Nonetheless, moderation is key.

Keep in mind that the fiber, protein, and healthy fats available in cashews can become problematic when fed in huge quantities. This applies not just to dogs but humans as well.

However, canines have a lower threshold. You want to avoid salted cashews because dogs’ stomachs aren’t meant for handling that much sodium, and excess dietary salt could lead to gastrointestinal distress and dehydration.

Instead, stick to plain cashew nuts if you plan to feed them. On the same note, you want to avoid cashews with extra flavors. If you must feed your dog cashews, do so sparingly and find out what nuts are poisonous to dogs.

How Many Cashews Should My Dog Eat?

Consider that an ounce serving of whole cashews, about 18-20 cashews, has approximately 160 calories, 95 milligrams of sodium, and 13 grams of fat. If possible, give your dog unsalted cashews to decrease its sodium intake.

Remember, an average 10-pound dog needs approximately 220 calories daily, so 1 ounce of cashew nuts will account for nearly ¾ of that dog’s needs for a day. 

Pet obesity is a real problem that could place your dog at risk of severe medical issues. Consequently, consuming excess cashews can be bad for your pet.

How to Feed Cashews and Cashew Butter to My Dog

Since other nuts can be toxic, you mustn’t feed your dog cashews from a variety pack.

Don’t give your puppy unshelled cashews. Keep in mind that the shells contain anacardic acid – a toxin that could cause skin irritation and gastroenteritis.

Avoid chocolate-covered nuts as well, pistachios, or products sweetened with xylitol. Both xylitol and chocolate have toxic effects on dogs and could lead to severe illness.

When it comes to cashew butter, you’ll find that most varieties in the store will have extra ingredients such as excessive or added salt, oils, or sugars that you must avoid.

You might want to consider preparing dog-safe cashew butter by mixing a cup of unsalted cashew nuts with some dash of honey in a processor. Ensure you blend it until it attains a smooth texture and use moderation while serving.

Treats shouldn’t constitute over 10% of your pup’s caloric intake daily. Since cashews are calorie-rich (almost 10 calories per nut), you want to provide less, especially if you have an inactive or overweight dog.

If your dog has some kind of existing stomach problems or food allergies, you might be better off with vet-approved dog-friendly foods.

Beware of toxicity signs, including vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, and depression. Additionally, you want to perform a nut inspection for mold before feeding your dog. Some mold types can comprise aflatoxin, which could upset your dog’s stomach, causing bowel obstruction or liver failure.

Potential Problems with Cashews

While some cashews are fine for a dog treat, you should beware of some potential problems with feeding your dog cashews:

• Dogs that have previously had pancreatitis shouldn’t consume food items with high-fat content and must avoid cashews.
• If your dog is on a prescription diet for other health issues such as diabetes, you must consult your vet before feeding your pup. You’ll find some cashews salted, so you should avoid them in dogs with heart disease.
• Excess cashew intake might lead to diarrhea and vomiting in many dogs, so ensure tasty treats aren’t accessible when you aren’t around to supervise. In some dogs, a huge fatty meal could also trigger pancreatitis.

Top Cashew Recipes for Dog

Cashew Cream

Silky and smooth, this recipe is a great option to add as a delicious topping for fruit, biscuits, or as a filling in any desserts. You can even give them a savory twist by blending other flavors such as fresh herbs or roasted chilies.

The major ingredient is raw cashews, not roasted. Raw cashews will absorb water while they soak, making it easy to blend to a smooth consistency.

Can my dog eat cashews? The answer is yes.

Just remember to take the precautions we’ve suggested, and make sure that you feed cashews in moderation.