Read This Before Feeding Your Dog Cashew Nuts!

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Cashew nuts are obviously super healthy, but can dogs benefit from eating them too?

Great question!

Can I Give My Dog Cashews?Everyone knows that a daily serving of nuts is a positive thing for people, but this unfortunately does not apply to pets. Part of the reason is that dogs don’t digest this type of food so well.

So while cashews contain excellent vitamins and minerals, there are better ways to deliver these to your dog.

Looking on the bright side, feeding a few won’t be harmful because they aren’t toxic.

Dogs Can Have Cashew Nuts (strictly rationed)

More good news is that allergies are unlikely.

But don’t lose sight of the fact that there can be consequences from eating cashew nuts often.

Too much consumption could complicate your canine’s life. For example, rich nuts may make your pet prone to developing pancreatitis.

It cannot be stressed enough:

Share in very small amounts only, as a special treat.

Avoid regularly feeding your dog cashew nuts. And, when you do, moderation is a must!

K9s And Cashew Nutrition

Cashews are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium as well as flavonols (proanthocyanidins) and antioxidants.

Basically, they are chock full of goodness!

These nuts also pack protein which seems perfect for a dog.

But such an assumption is wrong. Sure, as an occasional snack, cashew nuts are OK. But portions really do need to be strictly limited.

Seriously! Ration for Rover for these reasons…

The Downsides For Dogs

Being high in fat and sodium, most types of nuts aren’t optimal.

Copious consumption of cashews can cause a few serious problems.

For one:

There is a real potential for significant weight gain due to the cashew’s calorie count.

The phosphorus in cashew nuts may cause excessive or hardened mineral deposits. This can contribute to bladder stones which is an extremely painful condition.

Too much can even cause a calcium deficiency. This may negatively affect the dog’s bone health (ie. osteoporosis).

Artery blockages, gall stones and pancreatitis are all possible.

Allergic Reaction Risk

Nuts can be an allergen which is true for dogs too. Though this is likely not a reason to withhold cashew nuts, you should never give your dog this food again if an allergic reaction does occur.

Thankfully the signs are visually apparent and appear as a combination of:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive thirst
  • Hives

Severe cases result in sodium toxicosis (salt poisoning) or even anaphylactic shock. This is rare.

Concern yourself most with avoiding this:

Teaching your dog bad feeding habits. Begging is a tough habit to break!

Three Terrible Types

Cashews as well as almonds can be fed in small amounts on occasion.

Interestingly, peanuts pack the most protein and also happen to be appropriate for sharing with your dog.

But walnuts, pecans and especially macadamia nuts are toxic for dogs and should never be given.

The Bottom Line

You can occasionally feed your dog a few cashew nuts. However, do not give them as regular treats.

Cashews are nutritious. It’s just that the negatives can outweigh any benefits.

One thing is totally certain: Providing your dog with plenty is a big no-no.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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9 thoughts on “Read This Before Feeding Your Dog Cashew Nuts!”

  1. My 10 pound Chihuahua has been eating 1 or 2 cashews (and/or one or two pistachios and/or one or two almonds) everyday for several years. The nuts are always roasted, unsalted and served with a little plain, non-fat yogurt.

    I always chew the nuts for her. She has never shown ill effects, apparently enjoying the nuts as much as I do. Perhaps if I remove nuts from her diet she will become a super dog?

    1. Nobody is claiming that nuts are kryptonite for dogs. It’s great that your Chihuahua can handle nuts without any issues. Let’s hope it continues that way. Thanks for sharing Frank.

  2. If there is only a hint that it could be harmful for my pet, I would not take the chance. There are too many great snacks sold by vets or pet supply stores that will not cause digestion problems. A piece of a nut, fruit or vegetable may cause harm and pain to the pet as well as a large vet bill.

  3. This article is based on the notion that a cashew is a nut. A cashew is a seed. Peanuts are not a nut either, they are legumes. Almonds are also seeds. There is also a big difference between a raw and processed cashew. A raw cashew is toxic.

    1. Peanuts, cashews and almonds are commonly referred to as nuts. It’s not possible, to my knowledge, to buy raw cashews as they are toxic.

    2. The article is based on a simple question and has nothing to do with the taxonomy of the plant. For the American consumer, they are all referred to as nuts.

      1. Raw cashews are sold everywhere and are not toxic to humans. Where did you hear this from? I just bought a large bag full of raw cashews. Most health food stores sell raw nuts and cashews.

        1. They must be at least steamed before being consumed. Raw cashews contain urushi which is the same toxic chemical that’s found in poison oak or ivy.

  4. Cashews have high-oxalate content which should be avoided by dogs prone to kidney stones.

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