Yellow: with caution
Only a few, and only unsalted. Unlike macadamia nuts, cashews are not toxic according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it recommends restraint. The ASPCA’s plant database has no specific entry for cashew.
Why cashews get a yellow rating
Cashews are rich in fat and protein. According to the AKC, a lot of fat can trigger pancreatitis, which needs veterinary treatment. The ASPCA warns about nuts in general because their oils and fats can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and possibly pancreatitis. Feeding nuts regularly can also quickly lead to weight gain.
What to watch out for
- Unsalted and unseasoned: Salted snack nuts can upset the body’s salt balance.
- No mixed nuts: Trail mix and nut mixes can contain macadamias, which are toxic to dogs. So are any raisins in the mix.
- Keep amounts tiny: An occasional single nut, not a handful.
- Choking risk: Whole nuts can get stuck in the throat or block the intestines, especially in small dogs.
- Watch for an allergy: It is rare, but possible. Itching, swelling or hives after a first taste are a reason to call your vet.
What if your dog empties the bowl?
If your dog has eaten a lot of cashews, call your vet, especially if they were salted or came from a mix. Explain which nuts, roughly how many and when they were eaten. Vomiting, abdominal pain, trembling or weakness in the hours that follow mean you should seek veterinary care immediately.
If you suspect poisoning, go straight to your vet or an emergency veterinary service.
Check whether your dog is getting the right amount of food in just a minute with our feeding calculator. Our book takes a closer look at feeding: “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). For those first weeks with a puppy, try our free Puppy Starter Pack, and for a picture of your dog to hang on the wall, explore dog portraits from your own photo or choose a single portrait.
Further reading
- Christmas with your dog: what to arrange in advance
- Is my dog overweight? How to assess body condition and ideal weight
- Calculating your dog’s food portions: how much your dog really needs
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Cashews?; American Kennel Club, People Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat (Cashews); ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Nuts, Macadamia Nuts, Salt).
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