Cashews & Almonds for Dogs

As you eat your small bowl of cashews and almonds, your adorable pooch looks up at you hoping you will share. All he knows is you are enjoying a treat and he wants to enjoy it too. He doesnt know how to watch out for safe and healthy foods and leaves that job up to you. Cashews and almonds are safe for most pooches in moderation, but there are some things to consider.

Cashews and Almonds

Cashews and almonds provide sources of healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They provide vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium and phosphorus. In addition, these nuts add fiber to the diet, helping to keep the digestive system regular. The omega-3 fatty acids found in these nuts contribute to immune system health and reduced inflammation, as well as a healthy skin and coat.

Salt

When you snack on almonds and cashews, you may choose the salted variety. Unfortunately, this presents a problem for your pooch. Salt is toxic to dogs, and in large amounts can be life threatening. Salt poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst or urination, tremors, seizures and coma. If you plan to share your snack with your pooch, opt for the salt-free variety.

Serving Size

When sharing almonds and cashews with your dog, the amount matters. Because these nuts are high in fat and calories, too many can lead to stomach upset and weight gain. The high fat content can potentially lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Share a few nuts with your pooch while you snack on them or throw a small handful into his bowl. On her website A Path With Paws, veterinarian Lena McCullough recommends 1/8 cup of almonds or cashews for her canine patients.

Toxic Nuts

While almonds, cashews and peanuts are safe for your dog, that is not true of all nuts. Walnuts and macadamia nuts are poisonous to your pooch. Macadamias contain a toxin that can lead to tremors and paralysis. Walnuts can cause digestive upset or obstruction. If moldy, walnuts develop a toxin that causes seizures and neurological complications.