PupkeeperCaution
Can dogs eat cashews? Caution
Caution. Cashews aren't toxic, and a few plain, unsalted ones now and then are OK, but they're high in fat, and salted or mixed nuts add risks.
Cashews and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Caution · Watch at home
- What it can do
- Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, muscle tremors or seizures (too much salt) and swelling, itching or hives (a rare allergy).
- How to serve
- A few plain, unsalted, shelled cashews now and then are OK for most dogs. Skip them if your dog has had pancreatitis.
- What to do now
- Take away any remaining nuts and check the bag for macadamia nuts, chocolate or raisins. All steps
- Sources
- AKC. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate cashews?
- Take away any remaining nuts and check the bag for macadamia nuts, chocolate or raisins.
- If the mix had macadamia nuts, chocolate or raisins, call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount, or has vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or tremors.
Don't
- Don't give salted, seasoned or chocolate-covered cashews, or mixed nuts.
- Don't give cashew butter without checking the label for xylitol (birch sugar).
How to give it safely
A few plain, unsalted, shelled cashews now and then are OK for most dogs. Skip them if your dog has had pancreatitis.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Muscle tremors or seizures (too much salt)
- Swelling, itching or hives (a rare allergy)
Why
Cashews are high in fat, and eating too many can upset the stomach or lead to pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening illness. They're usually salted, often sold mixed with macadamia nuts, which are toxic, and nuts can choke a dog, especially a small one.
Sources
- AKC: Can Dogs Eat Cashews?
- AKC: Can Dogs Eat Acorns and Other Tree Nuts?
- AKC: Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous?
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.