When it comes to cashews, the list of health benefits is long. Cashews are rich in proteins, fiber, monounsaturated fats, and nutrients that boost the immune system and keep the heart healthy.
These nuts also contain copper, which strengthens our bones and joints. So cashews will indeed be a great addition to your diet, but the question is: Is it safe for your dog too? Will cashews be a good idea to include in a dog’s diet?
Let’s find out all your answers and doubts on whether or not to give cashews to dogs below. Keep scrolling down!
Can Dogs Eat Cashews?
Yes, dogs can eat cashews. Unlike walnuts and macadamia nuts, cashews are safe to feed dogs. However, like any other tasty treat, cashews must also be given in moderate amounts.
This nut has omega-6 fatty acids that can aid in preventing inflammation in the body when they are correctly balanced with omega-3 fatty acids. They also ensure the maintenance of a soft and shiny coat. Apart from this, cashew nuts contain protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. They also have minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, iron, phosphorus, flavonols, and vitamin K.
However, the healthy fats, fiber, and protein present in cashews can lead to some health issues if consumed in higher than recommended amounts. Avoid giving salted cashews, as these canines’ stomachs can’t digest excessive salt and sodium. It can cause gastrointestinal distress and dehydration. So if you want to feed your buddy cashews, give the plain ones and, of course, those without any added flavors.
In addition, let your dog eat cashews sparingly. While this nut contains fat, it can lead to obesity. Excessive fat isn’t good, as your dog can suffer from pancreatitis.
Can Cashews Cause An Allergic Reactions?
When feeding any new food to your dog, including cashews, start with smaller doses. You might not be aware that your buddy is allergic to the food or not, as he is eating it for the first time. Moreover, all human foods do not always suit the dog’s stomach.
As a responsible parent, you can’t take any risks regarding your dog’s health and diet. If he is allergic to cashews, the common symptoms will be:
- Itching
- Swelling
- Skin problems like hives and redness.
Other symptoms of an allergic reaction due to eating cashews include stomach distress, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Generally, canines suffer from nut allergies less than humans. Dogs are more allergic to foods such as eggs, dairy products, and chicken. Although the chances are low, you still must be aware of the symptoms that your buddy can show due to allergic reactions to cashews. You should take immediate steps if you see any of the signs.
Apart from these, there are other health issues that a dog can suffer due to eating too many cashews, including:
1. Diarrhea or stomach upset
Nuts have fats that, although heart-healthy, can be hard to digest for a dog’s stomach. If a dog eats cashews regularly more than recommended, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset.
Note that cashews contain more saturated fats (nearly 20%) than most other nuts. Thus, maintaining a proper portion of cashews is essential for dogs.
2. Pancreatitis
Dogs are susceptible to pancreatitis, and thus, consuming fat-rich cashews is a matter of concern. The pancreas can get inflamed with excessive fat because it can’t break down the fat.
If your dog is suffering from this health issue, they are likely to show symptoms like lethargy, abdominal pain, and a lack of appetite.
3. Bladder stones
Cashew nuts contain oxalates and phosphorus that tends to harden inside a dog’s bladder, leading to the formation of painful bladder stones. Eventually, the urinary opening in your dog can get obstructed while they try to pass the stones. This is another reason to maintain a moderate intake of cashews in dogs.
4. Obesity
Cashew nuts are rich in fat, so you must monitor the quantity of these nuts you are feeding your dog as a treat.
For example, a 10-pound dog must consume about 220 calories each day, and 1 ounce of cashews has around 160 calories. This means an ounce of these nuts will make up 75% of your buddy’s daily calorie needs.
A dog can become obese by consuming too many cashews, and it can eventually cause severe health issues. While you can give cashews as an alternative to treats, they shouldn’t account for over 10% of your canine’s regular calorie consumption.
How Many Cashews Can Your Dog Eat?
Experts recommend feeding three to five cashews maximum to a dog so that they don’t suffer from any potential health risks.
The couple of cashews you give your dog to eat should be the plain ones, without seasoning or salt. After all, you don’t want to end up feeding your buddy something toxic.
How do you feed cashews to dogs?
If you are considering feeding your dog cashews, consider the packaged, unsalted, roasted, or raw variety. It’s better not to give the cashews present in the variety packs, as the other nuts can be poisonous for your furry buddy. A small amount of these nuts can cause complications if consumed.
Most cashews found in the stores nearby come mixed with other ingredients such as added salt, oils, sugars, and other nuts like macadamia that are toxic to dogs. Other nuts that are poisonous for dogs include almonds, walnuts, hickory nuts (black walnuts), and pecans. So make sure that you avoid purchasing those varieties of cashew packs for your dog.
On the other hand, check for mold in the cashews before giving them to your buddy to eat. Some mold often contain aflatoxin, which can result in bowel obstruction, upset stomachs, and, in severe cases, liver failure.
Other things that you must avoid are chocolate, sugar-coated cashews, and even those sweetened with xylitol. Note that xylitol and chocolate are very harmful to dogs and can lead to potential illness.
Like already mentioned, your dog shouldn’t get most of his daily calories from treats. Each cashew contains 10 calories, which is relatively high. This will add up to more fat if your dog isn’t too active or is overweight.
For those canines who already have digestive issues or are allergic to most foods, it is better to stay away from fat-rich cashews.
Can Dogs Eat Cashew Butter and Cashew Milk?
Cashew butter is safe to feed your canine buddy as a treat, but only in small quantities. You can give them up to 2 tablespoons of cashew butter per day because these nuts contain a high amount of fat.
For feeding your dog healthy cashew butter, you can prepare it at home. You will only need unsalted cashews, honey, and a food processor. Put a dash of honey on 1 cup of unsalted cashew nuts and blend it in a food processor until smooth.
Many cashew butter varieties available in stores consists of added ingredients like salt, oils, or sugars. So it’s better to prepare it at home by following the process above.
In addition, dogs can even consume cashew milk that is prepared using unsalted, raw cashews and water. While cashews are safe to eat for dogs, the milk extracted from them is even safe to drink.
FAQ’s
Can dogs eat almonds or cashews?
Cashews are safe for dogs to eat, but only in a small amount is recommended. But almonds are known to be toxic to dogs, which can lead to serious health conditions.
What nuts are toxic to dogs?
The nuts that are very toxic to dogs include macadamia nuts, old and moldy walnuts, black walnuts, pistachios, and raw cashews.
How many cashews can your dog eat?
It is recommended to feed three to five cashews to dogs to avoid potential health issues.
Conclusion
The protein- and fat-rich cashew nuts are safe for dogs to eat in moderate amounts. However, when feeding cashews, you should be aware of several things. For example, they shouldn’t be mixed with other ingredients like salt, sugar, oil, or other nuts.
Well, cashews might not be the best treat for dogs, but one to two of these nuts won’t be a problem. You can always consult your vet before giving anything to your dog to eat.
Elena Gherman is a highly skilled and knowledgeable animal care expert. At the start of her career, she gained practical expertise with multiple animals. In addition to that, she works as a DVM veterinary editor for Joy Pet Products, which focuses on offering reliable information on pet health and wellbeing. She meticulously reviews each piece of writing before it is published to make sure pet owners get the most precise and updated information possible.