Use caution

Can dogs eat cashews?

Q: Can dogs eat cashews?

Use caution. Can dogs eat cashews? Yes, in small amounts. Cashews are not toxic, but they are high in fat and are often salted, so plain ones only, a few at a time. Offer a few plain, unsalted cashews, chopped for small dogs, and keep treats under 10% of the diet. Never feed mixed nuts, which may include toxic macadamias. Skip them for dogs prone to pancreatitis.

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CAREFUL

Use caution

Quick answer

Can dogs eat cashews? Yes, in small amounts. Cashews are not toxic, but they are high in fat and are often salted, so plain ones only, a few at a time.

What to do

What to do if your dog ate cashews

Offer a few plain, unsalted cashews, chopped for small dogs, and keep treats under 10% of the diet. Never feed mixed nuts, which may include toxic macadamias. Skip them for dogs prone to pancreatitis.

Protocol3 steps

If your pet already ate it

01
Note what and how much
Work out roughly how much was eaten and when. Keep the packaging or any leftovers to show your vet.
02
Call your vet or poison control
Have your pet's weight, age, health history and medications ready. Fees may apply for poison control.
03
Do not induce vomiting at home
Only make your pet vomit if a vet or poison control tells you to. Home remedies can cause more harm.

Sources4 references

Toxicology

Toxicity: Not toxic to dogs
Fat: High in fat; repeated fatty foods over time can cause obesity or pancreatitis
Salt: AKC warns that cashews are usually salted and excess salt can cause salt toxicity (vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, tremors, seizures); feed only unsalted, unseasoned ones
Serving size, cashews: 2–20 lb: 1–2; 21–30 lb: 2–3; 31–50 lb: 5–6; 51–90 lb: 10–12; 91 lb and up: 12–18
Treat limit: Snacks should make up no more than 10% of the diet
Choking: Possible choking or blockage risk; chop or grind for small dogs and supervise
Allergy: PetMD calls nut allergy in dogs very unlikely; AKC lists swelling, itching and hives as signs to watch for
Other nuts: Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, so avoid mixed nuts

Source: PetMD: Can dogs eat cashews? (reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)

What a vet visit can cost

National averages for the parts of an emergency visit for a dog:

Emergency exam$135
Bloodwork: chemistry panel$164
Bloodwork: complete blood count$104
IV catheter and one bag of fluids$130
One night in hospital (general clinic)$619

Sources: RexVet: 2026 emergency vet costs (CareCredit national averages, 2025); Pet Poison Helpline: $99 per-incident fee; ASPCA Animal Poison Control: consultation fee may apply. Averages, not quotes: your clinic and region will differ.

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Disclaimer: This is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different; if yours has health conditions or ate something unusual, contact your vet. Spotted a mistake? Email petbudgetcalculator@gmail.com.