Are Cashews Safe for Dogs?
Veterinary pet-nutrition sources including the American Kennel Club and PetMD describe cashews as non-toxic to dogs. They are not listed among nuts known to cause poisoning, such as macadamia nuts.
Despite this, cashews are consistently discussed as a food of concern rather than a safe or beneficial food. Veterinary literature highlights their fat content and the way they are commonly prepared as the primary issues.
As a result, cashews are generally placed in a caution category.
Why Cashews Can Be a Problem for Some Dogs
Main factors of concern
- High fat content, which veterinary sources associate with digestive upset and pancreatitis risk.
- Added salt, commonly present in packaged cashews and noted as an additional concern.
Portion size and dog size
Veterinary articles note that tolerance varies between individual dogs, but high-fat snack foods are broadly described as difficult for dogs to digest.
Preparation differences
Veterinary sources distinguish between plain, unsalted cashews and roasted or seasoned varieties, with added ingredients increasing the likelihood of problems.
Signs Reported When Dogs React Poorly to Cashews
Veterinary sources commonly associate fatty or salty foods with:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
More serious signs
- Pancreatitis, discussed in veterinary literature in relation to high-fat foods
Ingredients or Additives to Watch For
- ❌ Salt (frequently present in roasted cashews)
- ❌ Seasonings or flavour coatings (may include onion or garlic powders, which are toxic to dogs)
- ⚠️ Oils used in roasting (which may add additional fat)
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Veterinary sources indicate that puppies may have more sensitive digestive systems. Fat- and salt-related concerns apply to both puppies and adult dogs.
Other Common Variants of Cashews
Raw Cashews
Veterinary references note that cashews sold for consumption are typically heat-treated, but raw cashews are still discussed in terms of fat content rather than toxicity.
Roasted Cashews
Roasted varieties are more often associated with added salt or oils.
Cashew Products
Cashew-based spreads or products may contain added sugar, salt, or flavourings that raise additional concerns.
Dog-Friendly Alternatives Mentioned in Pet-Nutrition Sources
- Plain vegetables such as carrots
- Plain fruit without seeds or pits
- Commercial dog treats formulated for canine diets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This FAQ summarises themes appearing in veterinary pet-care articles.
It is informational only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
Are cashews toxic to dogs?
Veterinary sources such as the AKC and PetMD state that cashews are not toxic.
Why are cashews considered risky for dogs?
Pet-nutrition references explain that cashews are high in fat and are often salted, which can lead to digestive upset.
Are cashews safer than other nuts?
Veterinary articles note that cashews are less dangerous than some nuts, such as macadamia nuts, but they are still not considered ideal.
Source Reference
This page compiles information from publicly accessible veterinary and pet-safety resources, including:
-
American Kennel Club (AKC) — “Can Dogs Eat Cashews?”
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cashews/ -
PetMD — “Can Dogs Eat Cashews?”
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cashews
This page is informational only and does not constitute veterinary or medical advice. Readers are encouraged to review the cited sources directly.
