Yes, dogs can safely eat plain, unsalted, and unroasted cashews in small moderation, as they are non-toxic. While they offer some nutritional benefits like antioxidants and magnesium, their high fat and calorie content can lead to obesity or pancreatitis if fed too often. Only feed one or two at a time.
As a general guideline, small dogs should have no more than two cashews a day while large dogs can eat a small handful (about five to 10 cashews). However, each dog is different, so consult your veterinarian to make sure you're not harming your dog.
Macadamia Nuts Macadamia nuts are perhaps the only nuts that are totally toxic to dogs in any quantity. While scientists are still unsure of the exact reason for toxicity, numerous studies have shown that a dog's body is susceptible to the tree nut.
Peanuts, which are technically in the legume family, are safe for dogs in very small quantities, as long as they are unsalted and unseasoned. Cashews are also reportedly safe in small quantities, but both cashews and peanuts are too high in fat to make regular treats. They could also potentially be choking hazards.
What is the number one food you should never feed your dog?
There isn't one single "number one" food, but chocolate, grapes/raisins, and xylitol are consistently listed as extremely dangerous, with chocolate containing theobromine (toxic to dogs), grapes/raisins causing kidney failure, and xylitol (in sugar-free items) leading to rapid insulin release and liver failure; all can be fatal, but the danger level varies by dog size and amount consumed. Other highly toxic foods include onions/garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and cooked bones that splinter, making them extremely hazardous.
Although cashews are nontoxic for dogs, they should only be eaten in moderation. Cashews contain a high amount of fat, and eating fatty foods repeatedly over time can cause obesity or pancreatitis in dogs.
Meat. This one is likely no surprise to you, fellow pet parent, but our canine companions sure do love a helping of freshly-sizzled meat. Just be sure to serve lean cuts fully cooked through, and make sure it's not coated in garlic, onion or added salt (or any other foods dogs can't eat, for that matter).
Clinical signs include vomiting or diarrhea within 6–12 hours of ingestion, lethargy, anorexia, polydipsia, dehydration, and elevation of serum creatinine and BUN concentrations.
The ideal serving is about 15–20 cashews per day (roughly 30 grams). This portion provides enough energy and nutrients without overloading your digestive system or contributing to weight gain.
Fatty meals are difficult to digest, so too many cashews can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. That's why you should ensure that they're out of your pup's reach when you can't supervise them.
Yes, in small amounts, dogs can eat plain, raw—or dry roasted—peanuts that have been shelled. Make sure they don't have any salt or other seasonings, or coatings like chocolate, xylitol, or nutmeg—which are all toxic to dogs.
Unlike humans, dogs cannot properly digest almonds due to their high fat content and tough texture. This poor digestion can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, or in severe cases, inflammation of the pancreas. Some dogs may also experience blockages if they swallow almonds whole, especially smaller breeds.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer, affecting roughly 1 in 4 dogs and significantly more in certain breeds like Golden Retrievers. While cancer dominates older dogs, younger dogs often succumb to trauma, infectious diseases, or congenital issues. Kidney disease, heart failure, gastrointestinal problems (like bloat in large breeds), and neurological conditions are also common causes, varying significantly by breed, size, and age.
There's no single "number 1" healthiest dog food, as the best choice depends on your dog's age, breed, and health needs, but top veterinarian-recommended brands often include Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan, known for meeting AAFCO standards, with other high-quality brands like Merrick, First Mate, and Zignature also praised for specific ingredients or sensitive stomachs. Focus on foods with real meat as the first ingredient, balanced fats (Omega-3s), and avoid fillers, looking for brands that conduct feeding trials and have veterinary nutritionists on staff.
Yes, dogs can have apples—and many pups love the sweet, crunchy treat. All varieties of apples are safe as long as you remove the core, seeds, and stem. The core and stem can be a choking hazard, and the seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide.
The only truly toxic nut to dogs is the macadamia nut, but nuts can pose a variety of other risks. For example, many types of nuts can grow molds or other toxins that can be a concern for dogs. Mycotoxins are a concern for walnuts, pecans and a few others like almonds.
Not all seeds are safe for dogs. Stick to seeds that are known to be safe, such as pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds. Avoid seeds like apple seeds, which contain cyanide, and avoid any seeds that are heavily seasoned or salted.
