Can dogs eat cashews?

Updated 18/04/2024

Brimming with good fats, vitamins, minerals and plant protein, it's safe to say that cashews are a healthy snack for us humans. In moderation, they pack a calorific punch like all nuts, and are a great way to get a burst of energy from as little as two or three nuts. So as such an efficient snack for us humans, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat cashews, or are they dangerous for dogs, like macadamia nuts? Well luckily for your furry companion, cashews are safe for dogs, but naturally with a few caveats. So without any further ado, let's explore those below, where we'll get into the best ways to share cashews with your (snack-crazy) canine companions.

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Are cashews poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat cashews safely if prepared in any way? Or is cashew toxicity something pet parents need to be aware of? And are cashews safe for dogs if they're raw? Well as long as they're served plain (and yes, that means not opting for a mixed bag of nuts), cashews shouldn't cause any nasty reactions in your furry friend. We would, however, always advise that you tread carefully when feeding your pooch anything new, as there's always a small chance they could be allergic.   

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Are cashews good for dogs?

And can dogs eat cashews and get any form of nutrition from them? Or are cashews bad for dogs in some way? Well as you'll probably already be aware, cashews are packed with plant protein, which means they're great for dogs who are of course omnivorous (requiring both plants and animals in their diet to stay fit and healthy). Cashews also contain good fats (like all nuts), which, while healthy for us humans, means they could easily cause weight gain in your furry friend. So, if you're thinking about treating your pooch to a cashew or two, portion control is key and you should consider aborting the mission altogether if your dog is already overweight or has an existing condition that affects their dietary needs. Cashews also pose a pretty serious choking hazard for dogs, so it's important you chop them up into smaller pieces that won't be able to clog your pup's insides.     

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Health benefits of eating cashews for dogs 

As we've mentioned, cashew nuts are packed with goodness, but it turns out that your pooch can certainly have too much of a good thing when it comes to these fat-packed morsels. With portion control aside though, you might be curious to know the micronutrients present in cashews, and the benefits they could have on your pup's health. Take a look below to get clued-up.

• Vitamin B. Helps with the functioning of the digestive system, red blood cells, cognitive system and metabolism, plus it contributes to coat and skin health. 
• Vitamin C. Reduces inflammation by scavenging free radicals in your pup's body.
• Folate. Helps with the function of healthy cell growth and red blood cell production. 
• Copper. Helps the body make red blood cells and with the maintenance of the nerve cells.
• Magnesium. Helps with the maintenance of heart health and strong bones.
• Manganese. Assists with the growth of healthy bones and joints.
• Protein. Supplies the muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and coat with essential amino acids. 

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Feeding your dog cashews

So, what’s the best way to share cashews with your pup? Can dogs eat cashews willy-nilly, or is there a special way to prepare them? And what about roasted and toasted cashews, can dogs eat raw cashews? Well once you're clear on how many cashews are safe to feed your furry friend (bearing in mind that treats should only make up 10% of your dog's diet), the best way to treat your pooch to a cashew is to make sure it's served chopped up and completely plain. Why? Well cashews from a mixed bag could easily be contaminated with other nuts that are toxic to dogs, and cashews with seasonings on them could either cause stomach upset or toxicity.

Other cashew products

And can dogs have cashews in other forms or are plain, unseasoned cashews the best way for your pup to enjoy these indulgent morsels? Can dogs eat cashew butter or cashew milk? Well while neither ingredients are necessary in your dog's diet, a small amount (following the 10:90 rule for dog treats to dog food) won't do them any harm if no additional sweeteners or flavorings have been added.

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Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've settled the query - can dogs have cashews - take a look at the other foods dogs can eat, and make sure you're clued-up on which nuts are bad for dogs.

• Popcorn
• Cantaloupe
• Green beans