Can dogs eat cashews?
The full picture
Cashews are among the safer nuts for dogs — they're not toxic like macadamias, they don't commonly carry the moulds walnuts do, and dogs generally tolerate them. That said, they're still high in fat (pancreatitis risk) and almost always sold salted or flavoured. A couple of plain unsalted cashews occasionally won't cause problems for most dogs. A packet of salted cashews will. Honey-roasted, chilli-flavoured, and dry-roasted cashews all have problematic additions.
If your dog ate more than a safe amount
Risks to watch for
- Fat content — pancreatitis
- Salt in most packaged versions
- Flavourings often toxic
Potential benefits
- Some protein and healthy fats
Safe portion size
A couple of plain unsalted cashews occasionally.
Safer alternatives
- Plain unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free)
Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.