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When consumed in moderation, cashews can be a nutritious and protein-rich snack. If you enjoy sharing foods with your lovely dog, you’re definitely wondering if cashews are also safe and good for dogs.
Cashews can be eaten by dogs. These creamy and delicious nuts have numerous health benefits for your furry friend. Cashews are high in protein, which will help your dog’s muscular strength.
Cashews are also high in fiber, which aids digestion and maintains a healthy weight. They also contain minerals such as magnesium, copper, and zinc, which are beneficial to bone and joint health as well as immunity.
Health Benefits Of Cashews For Dogs
When given in moderation, cashews are beneficial to dogs’ health. The following are the primary advantages of giving cashews to your dog:
Helps Increase Muscle Mass
Cashews are high in protein and can help your dog stay motivated all through the day as well as improve muscular mass. Cashews can be a great protein-packed treat for energetic and working dogs if combined with a balanced and complete meal.
Improves Brain Function
Cashews are high in vitamin B6, which will be involved in so many functions within your dog’s body, and has numerous health advantages. Aside from ensuring a healthy brain function, the said vitamin also promotes puppy growth and development, heart health, and the generation of red blood cells.
Promotes Bone Health
Cashews are high in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, each of which helps to maintain healthy bones as well as musculoskeletal health. Eating meals high in these minerals can help dogs avoid bone fractures and sprains.
Encourages Proper Digestion
Cashews are also high in dietary fiber, which is essential for optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients. The added fiber in these nuts can help regulate your dog’s digestive movements and relieve minor constipation and diarrhea.
Types Of Cashews To Avoid Feeding Your Dog
Cashews are generally safe for dogs when eaten in moderation.
Salted
Salted cashews are toxic to dogs. Consuming salted cashews does more harm than good. Eating salted cashews can be fatal for both old and young canines.
These cashews’ high salt content is a formula for salt poisoning, which manifests as the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Increased heart rates
- Convulsion
Seasoned
Seasoned cashews are seasoned with spices such as red chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and others. These ingredients might be extremely harmful to your dog. Such cashews should be avoided all the time.
Mixed With Almonds
Almonds and cashews are not safe for dogs. Although almonds aren’t really toxic, they can be harmful to your dog’s health. Almonds are difficult for dogs to digest. This can result in esophageal, windpipe, or intestinal obstruction.
If your dog consumes a significant portion of almonds, you should consult with your veterinarian. You must also keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Mixed With Pecans
Pecans and cashews don’t go well together. Juglone, a compound found in pecans, is extremely harmful to dogs. A dog who has consumed an excessive amount of pecans will exhibit the following symptoms, which may suggest pecan poisoning:
- Reddish or brownish urine
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloody stool
- Tremors
Mixed With Walnuts
Not all walnuts are good for your dog. Juglone, a highly poisonous chemical found in these nuts, can induce seizures and convulsions in dogs.
Walnuts, in addition to juglone, are susceptible to a particular type of black mold because of their high moisture content. This mold is extremely dangerous to dogs because it creates mycotoxins that are either carcinogenic or tremorgenic. When these mycotoxins are consumed, they can induce seizures, cancer, or convulsions in dogs.
How Many Cashews Can A Dog Eat?
Remember that cashews are only treats and should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. The quantity to serve is primarily determined by the size of your dog. Here’s a guideline for your dog’s daily intake:
| Your Dog’s Size | Cashews Per Day |
| Small | 1 to 2 pieces |
| Medium | 2 to 3 pieces |
| Large | 3 to 4 pieces |
However, before giving cashews to your dog, consult with your veterinarian. The veterinarian must first determine whether your dog has a medical concern.
Risks
Cashews aren’t toxic for dogs when eaten rarely, although consuming these nuts isn’t totally risk-free. The disadvantages of giving cashews to canines are as follows:
Allergic Reactions
Any time you introduce a new food to your furry friend, there is a chance of an allergic reaction. Nuts are indeed a common allergen for both animals and humans, so if your dog has never eaten cashews before, you should monitor them closely.
Stop giving cashews to your dog immediately if they show any signs of an allergic response such as the following:
- Swelling
- Hives
- Itching
Bladder Stones
Oxalates, an organic compound that assists in the production of bladder stones, are abundant in cashews. Since some dog breeds are predisposed to the formation of stones, everything must be taken to keep these dogs from eating cashews.
The following dog breeds are more likely to get bladder stones:
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Bichon Frise
Pancreatitis
Cashews are extremely heavy in fat, and dogs who are given cashews on a regular basis run the danger of gaining weight and being obese over time. Pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas, can also occur and endanger a dog’s life.
Overweight
Cashews, like all nuts, include a lot of fat. A few cashews every now and then will not harm your dog’s health, but consuming a huge amount in one go can be quite dangerous. Long-term, high-fat meals cause weight gain, putting your dog at risk for obesity-related health concerns.
Best Way To Feed Cashews To Your Dog
If you want to add cashews to your dog’s meal, keep in mind to use only roasted or unsalted raw cashews. Additionally, since some other nuts are harmful to dogs, you should avoid feeding cashews from a variety pack because they may be contaminated.
Healthier Snacks To Consider
Cashews aren’t completely bad for dogs, but you can use some alternatives if you like. The following are some nutritious cashew alternatives that your dog can safely consume in moderation:
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a healthy treat that you should include in your dog’s diet due to the health benefits they bring.
Pineapple
When given to dogs in small amounts and in fresh slices, pineapple provides health benefits. Apart from being delicious, pineapple is packed with nutrients that are not just beneficial for you but also good for your dog.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a high-vitamin and nutrient-dense food that is suitable for both dogs and humans.
Watermelon
Watermelon isn’t only safe for dogs, but it is also high in vitamins, making it an excellent treat to share with your dog.
Outro
Cashews, unlike many other nuts that are harmful to dogs, are fully safe and can provide some health advantages when offered in modest amounts. These delicious nuts, which are high in vitamins, protein, minerals, and fiber, can be a nutritious treat for your dog occasionally.
