Can Dogs Eat Almonds and Cashews? Pros and Cons of Nuts for Dogs

Almonds nuts for dogs, cashew nuts for dogs, toxic nuts for dogs, nut butter for dogs, peanut butter for dogs, macadamia nut for dogs

Almonds are a great snack for people but almonds are not considered a safe food for dogs. 

"Can dogs eat almonds?". The short answer is no. 

Pets of various sizes may respond differently to the exact same quantity of nuts ingested. That said, if your dog consumes a large amount of almonds or an almond item containing other toxic ingredients, including different sorts of nuts, there is no need to panic. Watch your dog for indications of intestinal distress, vomiting, fever, or throat obstruction. Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned. 

Can dogs eat cashews?  

Can Dogs Eat cashews? The short answer is Yes, dogs can eat cashew nuts.

Cashews nuts for dogs

In general, cashews are safe for dogs to eat. Unlike almonds, cashews are not poisonous to dogs as they don't contain toxins that are harmful to dogs. Just like humans, dogs can have be allergic to certain foods. If you give your dog cashews, make sure to watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.

Can dogs eat almonds and cashews?

Almonds and cashews are similar in that they contain proteins and fats. Both are considered to have a high amount of proteins and fats. However, Cashews nuts are higher in fat than almonds. While it’s important for dogs to have some fat in their diet for a healthy body, and developmentally, a lot of it can prompt health issues in dogs in the same way as it can in people.

Cashews are also high in protein. While protein is important, the high-fat content found in cashews makes them not a good source of protein for your pet. It is more beneficial for dogs to get their necessary protein from a great dog food.

Good dog food will be made with your dogs’ health in mind, properly balancing fat, protein, nutrients and supplements to meet your dog's particular needs depending on age, breed, and any basic ailments.

If you decide to give your dog cashews, do it in moderation, allowing  them only two or three nuts at once. Give them infrequently and ensure that your cashew treats for your dog are uncommon, small, and unsalted.

While cashews and almonds are safe in small quantities, no other nuts are safe for your dog.

Dangerous nuts for dogs

dangerous nuts for dogs

Pecans and macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs. It is imperative to never allow your dog to eat pecans or macadamia nuts because it might cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.

 Always consult your veterinarian before adding any new food to your little pup's diet to guarantee it's safe for them.

Can dogs eat almond butter?

Almond butter is completely safe for dogs to eat if it has no added substances (i.e Additives) and your dog is NOT allergic to nuts. Seasoned or sweetened almond butter (with sugar, Sea salt, or honey) can be unsafe for your dog. Stay away from seasoned or sweetened almond butter, and  never give your dog items with the ingredient xylitol. 

Xylitol is an added substance that is frequently added to commercially available butter. It's very harmful to dogs and can cause low glucose levels, liver failure, seizures, and potentially result in death. Ingesting just 1.37 grams of xylitol can prompt hypoglycemia, or confusion, in a just a 30-pound pet.

 different types of nuts

Are there safe nut butters for dogs? 

There are a few safe nut butter options that your dog can enjoy. Please, consult with your vet before feeding nut butter to your dog and ALWAYS give small portions:

  • Almond butter
  • Natural peanut butter 
  • Cashew butter
  • Hazelnut butter

What nut butters are toxic for dogs? 

These nut butters are poisonous to your dog and should never be eaten. 

  • Pistachio butter 
  • Walnut butter 
  • Pecan butter
  • Macadamia nut Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic for dogs

Make sure you read the label of any natural almond butter you are considering feeding your dog to confirm it does not contain any harmful ingredients. In general, almond butter can be good for your pet because it’s a rich source of vitamin B3, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and different vitamins and minerals that help your dog's immune system.

Why can't dogs eat Almonds?

black and white short coated dog

If your dog is allergic to almonds and/or consuming large quantities of almonds can be dangerous for dogs. Almonds contain different toxins that aren't harmful to humans, yet can cause be toxic to your dog's health when consumed in large quantities. Natural bitter almonds are the most dangerous for dogs — consuming just a few can be lethal.

What is the difference between almonds and bitter almonds?

All almonds fall into two categories - bitter almonds and sweet almonds. While sweet almonds are perfectly safe to consume raw, bitter almonds, on the other hand, are toxic and must be processed before they are safe.

Processed almonds, which are the most common almond for snacking, are less harmful. If your dog accidentally ingests them, the outcome will most likely not be deadly, yet it might cause harm and you should watch your dog for negative reactions and/or consult your vet.

What reactions can consuming almonds cause in your dog?

Gastrointestinal distress

Gastrointestinal distress is the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the stomach and digestive organs.

Some breeds of dogs such as the large breeds won’t have an issue digesting a couple of almonds, but small breeds may find them hard to digest. Dogs do not chew their food in the same way humans do. If a dog swallows an almond hole it can cause potentially lethal obstruction or choking hazard to dogs (i.e the blockage of the dog’s esophagus, intestines, or windpipe).

If a dog consumes a couple of almonds there most likely won't be any issues but too many can prompt loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.

Pancreatitis

The high fat content in almonds can cause pancreatitis. While an occasional almond is probably not going to affect your dog, too many can add to weight gain and cause systemic inflammation, abdominal pain, or fever. If noticed, pancreatitis should be appropriately analyzed and treated by your veterinarian.

Additional risks with seasoned almonds

Salt and other flavored almonds designed for human consumption can have an adverse effect if eaten by your dog. Be especially cautious of seasoned almonds, as even a small amount of ingredients such as ginger or onion powder could be toxic to your dog. High salt levels can lead to water retention or salt toxicity.

How many Almonds can dogs Eat?

long coated brown and white puppy

Different dogs may react differently to the same amount of almonds consumed. The breed of a dog can affect the severity of its response to eating almonds. A large breed dog most likely won't have a negative response, whereas a small breed dog may have a negative reaction. If your dog eats a few bits of almond, watch it for around 6 to 12 hours. If you notice any  changes in behavior such as vomiting, or losing bowels, contact your vet. In most cases, one almond is safe to feed your dog without causing and upset stomach or other negative medical conditions.

While one processed almond most likely will not be toxic to your dog, that does not make almonds safe for dogs! While processed almonds ordinarily aren't harmful to dogs, eating them in large quantities can lead to serious health issues.

Consuming as few as seven almonds can be lethal and pose potential health problems for your dog. The consumption of seven or more almonds will most likely require an emergency visit to the vet.

Conclusion

Almonds are safe for human consumption but they are not a great choice for our dogs to eat. We understand that nuts such as almonds or walnuts can somehow end up in the mouths of dogs. We are aware of where you are eating and try to clean up all leftovers of your snack.

On the off chance that your dog is especially nosey when it comes to human food, you might need to confine them to one room while you have your nut snack. Store your nuts supply in containers your dog can not open with his paws or mouth and on higher shelves that your pet can't reach. These precautions will lessen the possibility of your pup accidentally consuming almonds.  

Be careful when giving your dog nuts. The dangers offset any potential benefits, so ideally, stick to your dog's regular food and treats. If you have any desire to give your dog human food snacks, stick to small bits of lean, unseasoned cooked meats like pork, chicken, and turkey, vegetables such as cucumbers, green beans, carrots, and small pieces of cooked eggs without salt or oil. Check out our list of dog superfoods

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Heather Perlman is a designer whose career spans some 20 years. She has worked as an art director for several advertising agencies with such clients as Coca-Cola, Nike, and Microsoft. As a graphic designer Perlman has designed and produced everything from invitations to book covers to corporate identity and collateral for hotel groups, restaurants, independent schools, and various celebrities. Nothing much is safe from a revamp in her eyes. She can’t help it. She’s sorry.