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Do you ever find yourself enjoying a snack and then wondering if it is safe to share with your pup? While there are many human foods that are safe to offer your dog, there are also many that aren’t. As a pet parent it is our job to educate ourselves on these things. Snacks—from certain fruits and veggies to a variety of nuts—can be safe for dogs in moderation. Cashews are safe, but not necessarily recommended. Read on to find out more!
Are Cashews Toxic to Dogs?
While some nuts, such as macadamia nuts are truly toxic to dogs, cashews are not, but just because they are not toxic, does not necessarily mean that your dog should have them. It is important to always consult with your veterinarian prior to introducing new foods into their diet as recommendations are not one size fits all. Patients with certain conditions may need to avoid cashews completely.
Pets get sick or get into things they shouldn’t from time to time, even under the most responsible owner’s watch. If your dog ate chocolate or grapes, or ingested a dog toy, prompt action is essential for better outcomes. The veterinary expenses associated with the diagnosis and treatment of such events can be a large, unexpected burden and having pet insurance in place from the time of adoption allows owners to have a financial safety net ready for these tough times. Embrace offers individualized pet insurance quotes offering the flexibility to fit any pet parent’s budget.
Are Cashews Safe for Dogs?
Cashews are generally safe, but there are a few stipulations to consider. Cashews often come either seasoned or in a trail-mix like variety with other contents that are not safe such as chocolate or raisins. Only unseasoned, plain cashews can be offered. Cashews have a high fat content which causes extra work for the pancreas and can lead to the development of a serious disorder called pancreatitis. Fatty foods can also lead to weight gain and obesity. In addition, these small nuts can be a choking hazard, especially in small dogs. While cashews are not considered toxic to dogs, they are not necessarily recommended as there is not enough benefit to our pups to outweigh the risks.
Although humans can commonly have allergic reactions to nuts, this is not well documented in dogs. Regardless, it is important to closely monitor your pet anytime you introduce a new food. Allergic reactions typically manifest as facial swelling, itching and hives. More commonly, if a new food doesn’t agree with your pup, they may experience gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Any foods that cause either of these issues should be avoided in your pet in the future.
Alternatives to Cashews
Cashews are nontoxic, but they are not necessarily recommended to be fed to dogs. Consider reaching for safer alternatives when preparing to share a snack with your furry friend. Can dogs have oranges? Can dogs have green beans? There are several safe and nutritious options. Fruits such as watermelon, apples, and bananas can be great, safe, and nutritionally beneficial snacks for dogs. Vegetables such as green beans and carrots can offer a nice, crunchy, easy to prepare snack that dogs will love. As with any food besides their primary diet, snacks should only be fed in moderation. Treats should only make up 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake, the other 90% being a complete and balanced diet ensuring your precious pup is getting all the essential vitamins and nutrients they need.
Cashews for Dogs
As owners, we are responsible for our pet’s health and well-being, which involves being educated and aware of what is okay for them to have. There are many safe human foods to share with your dog in moderation. While cashews are considered nontoxic and can be okay in moderation, the risk of the high fat content and potential to cause choking need to be understood. There are many human foods that are safer to share with your pet, so consider avoiding cashews.
Next time you find yourself enjoying a bag of cashews, consider keeping them to yourself and reaching for a more appropriate treat for your dog. After all, a happy, healthy pup is the sweetest treat of all.