Can Dogs Eat Cashews?

Yes, dogs can eat plain, unsalted cashews in moderation. These nuts are a good source of protein, fiber and minerals such as magnesium, zinc and copper for overall health.
But cashews are loaded with fat and calories, so a dog that habitually overeats them can end up having stomach problems, obesity or pancreatitis – in particular, dogs that already have those proclivities.

Serving Tip:

• Small dogs: 1 or 2 cashews
• Medium dogs: 3 to 5 cashews
• Big dogs: 8 to 10 cashews on occasion (not more frequently than once or twice a week)

Calories: 8 to 9 kcal per nut
Top Risks: Obesity, pancreatitis, and choking hazard if fed whole.

Cashews are one of the most beloved nuts known for their creamy taste as well as health benefits – but can dogs eat cashews?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) and PetMD both note that cashews are not harmful to dogs in moderation and when served plain. They’re not essential to your dog’s diet, but the factors I just covered could make them a safe “sometimes treat.” The secret is portion control and simplicity – no salt, no flavoring, no oil roasting.

Are Cashews Good for Dogs?

Cashews may provide some minimal nutritional value but they should not be given in large quantities.

Nutrient	Potential Benefit (in moderation)
Protein	Aids in muscle maintenance
Fiber	When fed in extremely small amounts, can help with digestion
Good fats (mono & polyunsaturated)	Encourage coat shine and skin health
Copper, Zinc, Magnesium	Aid bone and nerve functions, boost the immune process

Note: Because the quantities are so small in relation to a full doggy diet, don’t treat cashews as you would a supplement or source of nutrition.

When Cashews Are Safe

1. Raw, roasted, or lightly steamed (no salt)
2. Given as an occasional training treat or as a topper
3. Introduce slowly to see if any allergies

When Cashews Are Risky

1. Salted or flavored – due to dehydration and sodium toxicity
2. Sizeable portion sizes – a fatty meal can induce pancreatitis
3. Dogs with pancreatitis, overweight or obesity and sensitive stomachs – avoid altogether
4. Mixed nuts – could have toxic varieties like macadamias or moldy walnuts

How to Feed Cashews to Dogs

Select accordingly: Unsweet, unsalted cashews only. Avoid mixed nut jars.

Step 1: Begin with one piece and watch for 24 hours.
Step 2: Look for symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching, hives, swelling, vomiting or diarrhea.
Step 3: Mind portion control:

• Small dogs: 1 or 2 nuts
• Medium dogs: 3 to 5 nuts
• Large dogs: up to 8 to 10 nuts

Treat Rule: All treats (even nuts) should be under 10% of daily calories – less so for high-fat snacks like cashews.

If your dog is overweight or has any type of pancreatic or digestive condition, skip them altogether.

Cashew Butter and Cashew Milk for Dogs

Cakes, cookies or raw dough with these ingredients can be dangerous, though home-baked and plain ones are safe in small amounts, but commercially prepared products may contain xylitol, added sugar or salt which are all toxic to dogs.

DIY Dog-Safe Cashew Butter:

• 1 cup unsalted cashews
• Optional: ½ tsp honey (for taste purposes only)
• Blend until smooth and creamy.

Serving: ½ teaspoon for small dogs, up to 1 teaspoon for large dogs, as needed.

Cashew Milk:

If you’re giving it unsweetened and xylitol-free, give only a few spoonfuls. Dogs do not need plant milks, fresh water is best.

Nuts Dogs Should Never Eat

Nut Type	Why Dangerous
Macadamia nuts	Toxic – results in weakness, vomiting, tremors
Walnuts (esp. black)	Mold risk, potential neurotoxins
Pecans & Hickory nuts	Can contain aflatoxins and lead to GI upset
Almonds	Choking/GI obstruction risk – hard texture

Never, never give nut mixes as well – some of these bad types can make dogs ill even in small amounts.

Nutrition Summary (Per 1 oz ≈ 18 cashews)

Nutrient	Amount	Relevance for Dogs
Calories	~155 kcal	Very calorie-dense – watch your portion sizes
Protein	5 g	Minor benefit
Fat	12 g	Healthy fats but dangerous to overdo
Fiber	1 g	Mild digestive support
Copper, Zinc, Magnesium	Trace minerals	Support bones & immunity (in minimal fare)

Veterinary consensus: Cashews are safe but not a must. The AKC, ASPCA and PetMD all emphasize moderation while steering clear of salted or flavored varieties.
Pancreatitis alert: Too much fat in the diet may lead to pancreatitis, especially in breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, and Cocker Spaniels.

Conclusion

Cashews can be a benign, occasional treat, but not part of your dog’s diet. Stick to unsalted plain nuts, be minimal with amounts and always monitor your dog afterwards.
The nutritional advantages are small, but moderation minimizes risk.

Too many can be bad news – a little too many – but a few cashews every now and again? That’s absolutely no problem for the vast majority of healthy adult dogs.

FAQs

Q1: Can dogs eat raw cashews?

Most “raw” cashews sold are actually steamed for safety, but you’re safest serving lightly roasted, unsalted cashews to steer clear of trace compounds in truly raw nuts.

Q2: Are cashews toxic to dogs?

No, cashews are not poisonous, but high fat or salt content can lead to an upset stomach, pancreatitis or dehydration.

Q3: How many cashews can a dog have?

Small: 1 or 2 nuts
Medium: 3 to 5 nuts
Large: 8 to 10 nuts max occasionally
Feed in smaller portions if your dog has a weak stomach.

Q4: Can puppies eat cashews?

Don’t give puppies cashews – their digestive systems are immature and high-fat foods can lead to diarrhea.

Q5: Can I feed my dog cashew butter?

Yes, as long as it’s homemade and does not contain xylitol. They should only get a quick lick.

Q6: What happens if my dog eats too many cashews?

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. If symptoms persist or a large amount was consumed, seek veterinary treatment.

Key Takeaway

Cashews is safe if limited to plain, unsalted types – not an everyday treat. Stick to your dog’s fully balanced diet, and when in doubt consult your vet before sharing human food.