Can dogs eat cashew nuts? Well, this is a question among many pet owners. Just like other healthy foods that people eat, dogs can also consume certain human foods including cashews. Nevertheless, cashews do not provide them with a well-balanced diet.
You may also be wondering; can small dogs eat cashews? Well, the answer to this question is yes. Small dogs including puppies can eat cashews but in small amounts.
Just like pistachios, dogs enjoy eating cashews. Continue reading to find out more about feeding cashews to your dogs to ensure that you do not cause them any discomfort.
Can Dogs Eat Cashews?
One of the few varieties of nuts that are considered generally safe for dogs to eat is cashews. However, they should be given in moderation. This is because they contain healthy fat, fiber, and protein content that can be troublesome to dogs.
Although this is also true for people, dogs have a lower tolerance for this.
Can Dogs Eat Slated Cashews?
Another common question is: Can dogs eat salted cashews? It is not advisable to give dogs salted cashews. This is because salted cashews can cause distress to their digestive tracts or dehydration. A dog’s stomach is not made to handle much salt.
If you want to give cashews to your dog, you better give plain cashews or unsalted peanuts. It is also a no-no to give cashews that have artificial flavors.
How Much Cashews Should Dogs be Given?
Another important thing you need to keep in mind is to restrain from giving your furry friend cashews every now and then. Even though cashews have healthy fats, these can be a health issue to overweight puppies. Moreover, too much fat can lead to pancreatitis which is a serious condition needing immediate medical attention.
Also, it is advisable to introduce new food such as cashews to your dog gradually. That is because your dog might be allergic to cashews. Even if certain foods are considered okay to consume, it might not always be the case for all dogs. Therefore, give them in small amounts and monitor for any changes.
As a general rule, treats should only take up 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Because cashews similarly to almonds have high-calorie content, they should be given in moderation. The amount of cashews should be lesser for overweight and inactive dogs.
Itching, skin problems, hives, and swelling are some of the symptoms of allergies. For stomach problems, the symptoms can be more serious such as diarrhea and throwing up.
Ways to Give Cashews to Dogs
Make sure to take note of the guidelines on how best to give cashew nuts to your dogs. Do not give cashews that come in a variety pack to your dog since other nuts can be detrimental to dogs. This is vital to keep in mind since even a small number of toxic nuts can cause serious health problems to your dog.
Many cashew butter varieties in stores have ingredients such as too much oil, salt, or sugar. To be safe, you can create your own cashew butter for your dog.
You just need to combine a cup of unsalted cashews and a hint of honey in a food processor and blend until the mixture becomes smooth. Nonetheless, this should be given in moderation.
Nuts That You Should Never Give to Dogs
Given moderately, cashews are okay. However, there are nuts that you should never give to dogs. They include:
- Pecans
- Hickory nuts
- Walnuts
- Macadamia nuts
Conclusion
You now have a better understanding of the answer to the question, Can dogs eat cashews?
Cashews are good for dogs and you can let your dog try them occasionally. These might just be their new favorite treat. Please keep in mind the guidelines given to ensure your dog’s safety.
Read More: