The dogs are carnivore animals with a tendency to eat meat, but there are exceptions. The dog’s organisms also cope with the digesting of plant products. This means that fruit and vegetables are something dogs can also eat. But what about nuts? There are a few nuts you want to be careful with because they can be poisonous for your pet. Are cashew nuts one of them? Let’s find out whether this nut can be included in your furry friend’s nutrient content.
Are Cashews Safe For Dogs?
What if your dog accidentally eats something with nuts? Do you need to worry? The answer depends on the type of nut. Some nuts are safe, and they do not pose any risk. However, there are nuts that may poison the dog severely. So, are cashews safe? Experts say these nuts are fine. Unlike other products, they do not include any dog-toxic materials. Therefore, dogs can eat cashews. These nuts are full of goodies that can even enrich your pet’s diet. However, before feeding your dog cashews, read on to learn how to do it safely.
How to Feed a Dog Cashews?
Since cashew nuts are safe, dogs can eat them. But nuts in your dog food regimen still want caution. Above all, remember moderation is key. Dogs can eat plant-based products, but only in small proportions. Vegetables, fruit, and nuts should be kept to less than 10% of the diet of the dogs. Moreover, the owners should be cautious about the potential choking hazards. Cashews are softer than other nuts but can still get stuck in a dog’s throat or intestines when swallowed whole. To prevent this, chop the nuts into small pieces before giving them to your dog. Another great and safe choice is cashew nut butter.
When feeding your dog cashew nuts, also ensure that the nuts do not contain any harmful ingredients. Many food manufacturers use salt, sugar, or other additives in their nuts. So, provide your dog with plain nuts that are free of unnecessary ingredients. And be cautious of nut mixes, too, as these may contain harmful nuts alongside cashews like the deadly macadamia nut!
Are Cashews Healthy For Dogs?
Dogs can eat cashew nuts. When given in small portions, these nuts are health-promoting for the canine. The high content of vitamins and minerals in nuts can prevent deficiencies. They are also a great source of omega-3. Dogs typically do not consume enough of these beneficial fatty acids. These elements are essential for health, which helps the immune system, for example. Another benefit of cashews is that they contain protein, which is really crucial to your dog.
But they are also fat-rich nuts. Be cautious of excess fat in your pup’s diet. And this is why moderation is key. Over-consumption of nuts can lead to stomach upset because of their high fiber and fat content. Like people, dogs can also be allergic to certain nut types, such as cashew nuts.
Summary
Dogs can eat cashew nuts. There are no toxic substances in these nuts. But serving dogs nuts, even the safe options, can come with some risks, which owners should know about. Before adding nuts to your pet’s diet, it’s a good idea to consult with a vet first.
Source
- Jirayu Tanprasertsuk, Devon E. Tate, Justin Shmalberg (2021). Roles of plant‐based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9291198/
