Does your pooch go nuts for cashews, and no matter how far you hide it, they’ll always have an eye on them? Then it’s a good time to ask yourself, “can dogs eat cashews?”
In short- YES! Your dog can munch crunchy-nutty cashews, BUT moderation is the key.
However, can dogs eat cashews without going “nuts?” Let’s figure out the benefits, risks, and safe ways you and your dog can chill and munch together!
Benefits of Dogs Eating Cashews
From chasing their tails to wagging them to convince you of yummy treats- they try everything in their paws. And cashews can be pretty addictive. Even though cashews are not toxic to dogs, a responsible parent should be mindful before tossing them to dogs.
It is also important to know that not all human foods are suitable for your dog, but cashews? Let’s know more about them!
1. Packed with nutrients
These kidney-shaped nuts are filled with rich nutrients that are great for you and your pooch. Along with minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, they are packed with proteins and nutrients that keep your dog healthy and fit.
2. Healthy fat
In addition, cashews are also known for their healthy fat content that gives your furry friend a shiny and fuller coat and tons of energy to make you go nuts!
Lastly, antioxidants and vitamins E and K protect your pooch from catching everyday diseases.
Risks of Giving Cashews to Dogs
After reading so many pros, it might be obvious to think that cashews are all that your dog needs. But NO, there are risk factors involved that cannot be ignored.
Discover the cons of feeding your dog cashews here:
1. Choking hazard
Chewing or swallowing the hardy nuts for toy breeds or small dogs can be challenging. Avoid giving them a handful of cashews in one go, as they can get stuck in their throat, causing breathlessness and discomfort.
Instead, you can reward them with one piece of cashew, which will not lead to choking hazards. When feeding your pup these nuts, keep an eye out if they feel discomfort in their throat.
2. Risk of pancreatitis
As cashews have high-fat content, fat can create gastrointestinal problems and pancreatitis in dogs (article). However, for cashews to cause something so severe, it needs to be consumed in awfully massive amounts.
Yes, cashews have healthy fats, but an overdose of anything harms health. Excessive consumption of cashews every day can potentially cause obesity and weight problems.
As a pet parent, always keep track of your dog’s cholesterol levels and how much fat they can consume.
3. Allergies
Some dogs may develop allergies and show adverse reactions to cashews. If allergic to certain foods, ask your veterinarian before serving them dog cashews.
Dogs can get gastrointestinal distress, itching, and nausea due to allergic reactions that need to be monitored and immediate attention.
4. Seasoned cashews
As we talk about cashews, they are great alone, and you don’t need to spice them up with seasonings. Some spices can be toxic for dogs and can easily cause allergic reactions.
Hence, salted or seasoned cashews are unsuitable for dogs, as they also decrease their nutritional value.
5. Dental problems
Cashews being hard and crunchy can also lead to dental problems in small dogs. They can get chewy, so they will likely get stuck to their canines, causing cavities.
So if you want your dog to avoid meeting their fear of dentists, don’t give them massive amounts of cashews.
How to Feed Cashews Safely to Dogs?
Don’t worry; we will not leave you with the risks without giving you a solution!
Here are a few ways you can serve your doggo their favorite cashews safely:
1. Homemade cashew paste
If your paw-nuts love cashews, don’t torture them by hiding them in places their paws can’t reach. Instead, make it pleasurable for them. You can grind cashews and make a paste with some water added.
This way, you can treat your pooch with the richness of cashews without ruining their dental health.
Giving 1-2 spoons of cashew paste occasionally should not harm your dog, but always ask your veterinarian before introducing new treats to your dog.
2. Unsalted and plain cashews
As mentioned, spices and salts are not your dog’s best friend. It will help if you try keeping it simple by serving plain unsalted cashews and nuts to your furry friend.
This way, they will get the benefits and pleasure of those munchies without any harmful allergic reactions.
3. Topping on salad bowls
It is essential to know that your dog should be getting their primary source of nutrition from full meals like meats, veggies, fruits, and healthy dog food. Cashews are just a treat for them. But if your pup wags their tails and makes those puppy eyes, you can top off cashew nuts (in small amounts) on their salads, so your dog can eat cashews guilt free!
Moreover, you can also add a spoonful of creamy cashew paste to enhance the flavor of their salads. After all, no one likes a boring salad!
Things to Keep in Mind Before Feeding Your Dog Cashews
Now as you know the benefits and risks of cashews, along with safe ways you can feed them to your dog, there are some things you need to keep in mind before you serve them.
1. Check for allergies
If your dog is new to cashews or nuts, keep an eye on them for possible allergic reactions that might occur. Especially if your dog is small, cashews or cashew butter can be a bummer for you and your dog.
Asking your vet and confirming if your dog can have cashews and how much is suitable for your dog is always a good idea. No one knows your dog’s health better than their veterinarian.
2. Serve in small quantities
Start with smaller quantities instead of serving them a bowl full of cashews or cashew paste. As your dog adapts to the taste and texture of cashews, you can start increasing the quantity while still keeping it in moderation. Making a meal from cashews is a bad idea, as it will not give your dog the necessary nutrients.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, cashews in moderation can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. Consulting your veterinarian before starting the new diet plan is essential.
Once your veterinarian gives a green signal, you can serve your pooch the creamy buttery nuts in several ways. Moreover, salted or seasoned cashews should be avoided at all costs, as it has numerous risks.
And here you go, the crunchy element you no longer need to hide from your pooch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs should not be allowed to eat seasoned or cashew nuts. As there are human food spices that dogs might be allergic to. Adding salt only increases the sodium content while adding no nutritional value. Serving plain and unsalted cashews is the best way to ease those canine cravings.
Giving honey-roasted cashews to dogs is not recommended, as honey increases the sugar content, and seasonings can harm dogs. Hence, serving massive amounts of honey-roasted cashews can be dangerous to dogs, so you must consult your veterinarian for further advice.
Yes, dogs can eat cashew butter, but in moderation. Butter has high-fat content that, if consumed in awfully massive amounts, can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and pancreatitis in dogs. You can serve them cashew butter in small amounts occasionally.
You should consider the weight and size of your dog before giving them cashews. Different dogs have different capacities, hence consulting your veterinarian for the quantity is recommended. However, 2-3 cashews a day should not cause any harm to your pooch if they are not allergic to it.
Nothing happens if you keep that cashew consumption in moderation. If your dog eats a bag of cashews, keep them under observation, as you can expect symptoms like vomiting, upset stomach, or abdominal pain. As it can get severe, consult a veterinarian immediately.
