are-cashews-bad-for-dogs[/caption]Can Dogs Eat Cashews?
Dogs can eat peanut butter, so we tend to assume that it is safe for them to eat peanuts and other nuts like cashews, too. This is not necessarily the case. Some nuts, like macadamia nuts, are toxic to dogs. Others, like cashews, are generally safe—as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.
Risks of Feeding Cashews to Dogs
While cashews are non-toxic, there are some risks associated with feeding these tasty nuts to our canine companions.
The most important thing owners should look out for when feeding a new treat to their dogs is the symptoms of an allergic reaction. These symptoms include swelling, itching, and hives. While the chances of your dog developing an allergic reaction to cashews is relatively low, knowing the symptoms of an allergic reaction is important when giving your dog any new treat for the first time.
Cashews are a high fat, high protein snack. This poses potential problems for dogs, if they are fed cashews in large numbers. High fat diets can lead to pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires the immediate attention of a veterinarian.
Fatty foods also contribute to obesity. Regularly feeding foods like cashews to your dog increases your dog’s chances of gaining weight and developing obesity-related problems, such as diabetes and joint issues, and can even reduce your dog’s lifespan.
The largest risk comes from other nuts. Cashews are often sold in variety packs and containers, especially around the holiday season. This poses a health hazard for your dog, as some nuts, like macadamia nuts, are very toxic. Nuts can also cause obstructions and choking hazards. This is especially problematic in small dogs, but larger nuts are dangerous for large breeds, as well.
Cashews are also usually salted. Excess salt can lead to salt toxicity, which causes vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and seizures.
The Verdict: Can Dogs Eat Cashews?
To make a long story short, yes, dogs can eat cashews, as long as they are roasted and not salted or seasoned in any way. They may not be the best snack for your pup, but a cashew now and then probably won’t hurt him.
If you decide to feed cashews to your dog, remember to offer them in very small quantities, and don’t feed cashews to dog on a regular basis. If you have more questions about feeding cashews or other human foods to your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Good Nuts & Bad Nuts For Dogs -Know Your Nut & Why
I get asked all the time why nuts are not great for dogs. Especially considering one of my favourite treats is made with peanut butter. But all nuts are not created equal, nutty I know but you should be aware that some nuts are very dangerous for us to eat.
Would it surprise you to know that “nuts and dogs” is one of the top Google search terms when it comes to pet topics? Clearly, pet owners want to know if their dogs are in danger when it comes to nuts—particularly almonds, pistachios and walnuts.
So check out this little info-graph all nuts that are just not great for and dogs and then see our list of good nuts and bad nuts for dogs
Good Nuts For Dogs
Peanuts: raw or roasted, removed from their shells, and unsalted, peanuts are safe for dogs. Dogs don’t tend to experience peanut allergies as frequently or as violently as humans do, but those allergies do exist.
Cashews: Dogs can eat cashews as an occasional treat, however eating too much can cause stomach pain. Make sure they are also cooked or roasted, due to raw cashews nuts contain a toxin which is eliminated through high-temperature.
Hazelnuts: Dogs can eat hazelnuts as they are not toxic to them. But, if you have a small dog, a hazelnut could pose a choking risk or could cause an intestinal obstruction.
Bad Nuts For Dogs
Almonds: Dogs love the taste of almonds. While not toxic, almonds are not easily digested can give your dog an upset stomach and create gastric intestinal distress.
Walnuts: Walnuts contain a toxin named tremorgenic mycotoxins can cause seizures.
Macadamia nuts: Are very rich in fat which can give your dog a major upset stomach and may cause pancreatitis. In addition, these nuts are reported to contain an unknown toxic principle that may result in neurological symptoms. They are also part of the grape family
Pecans: Contains the toxin juglone that can cause laminitis in horses. Feeding dogs pecans can cause gastric intestinal upset or an obstruction.
Pistachios: Rich in fat and can cause your dog to develop an upset stomach. In addition, repetitive eating of pistachios can cause pancreatitis in your dog.
Hickory Nuts: They contain the toxin juglone that can cause laminitis in horses. Eating hickory nuts can cause gastric intestinal upset or an intestinal obstruction.
