Some pet parents love feeding their dogs human food, but it’s important to know which human food Pugs can eat safely. Your dog’s digestive system differs greatly from ours, and Pugs can’t eat all types of nuts. So can Pugs eat cashew nuts?
Can Pugs Eat Cashews?
The short answer is “Yes” as long as your dog doesn’t have a history of certain health conditions such as pancreatitis.
Keep the portions limited and avoid the salted or seasoned variety of nuts. Stick to the roasted variety as raw cashews can be toxic to dogs.
Now that you know it’s okay to feed your dog small amounts of cashews, let’s take a closer look at these nuts.
What Are Cashews?
Cashews are actually not a nut. It is actually a seed from the cashew apple, that is grown on cashew trees.
They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and are considered a heart-healthy food that has become a staple in many vegan dishes, and Indian and South Asian foods.
This is what the cashew nut looks like:
Fun Cashew Facts
The oil in cashew nutshells is used rubber, insecticides, and plastic manufacturing.
November 23, is National Cashew Day.
Over 90% of cashews are consumed in the United States. Many of them are used in cooking, eaten raw, roasted or sprouted as a snack food or pressed for oil that is used in cosmetics and cooking.
Nutritional Facts
1 ounce of raw cashews (28.35 grams)
- Zinc: 1.64 mg
- Calories: 157
- Protein: 5.17 grams
- Phosphorus: 168 mg
- Magnesium: 83 mg
- Carbohydrate: 8.56 grams
- Fat: 12.43 grams
- Iron: 1.89 mg
- Potassium: 186 mg
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Sugar: 1.68 grams
- Fiber: 0.9 grams
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Cashews To Pugs?
Cashews are considered heart-healthy food for you and I. While your dog won’t get the same benefits from cashews as we do, they may still benefit from eating these nuts.
Cashews are a great source of omega-6 fatty acids that are required for reproduction, growth, immune function and skin and coat health.
Combined with the high ratio of omega-3 fatty acids found in cashews, omega-6 fatty acids can help heal inflammation in the body. Additionally, cashews contain other vitamins and minerals that include; phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, and manganese with all aid in healthy bone development.
The antioxidants found in cashew acts as an anti-inflammatory that can help ease the discomfort from the aging process of hip dysplasia and arthritis.
That being said, you won’t be able to feed your dog big enough amounts to see the benefits of them eating cashews.
Like all “human foods” cashews shouldn’t be looked at “how will this food make my dog healthier” because you really won’t be feeding them enough to see a significant benefit.
Are Cashews Safe For Pugs?
Yes, they generally are, but some dogs are prone to allergic reactions.
When feeding your pup any new treats, it’s important to watch for any adverse reactions. If your dog is allergic to cashews, they will start showing symptoms that can include hives, itching, and swelling.
Most dogs will not have any reactions to eating small amounts of cashews, but it’s important to know what to look for whenever giving your dog any new human food.
Dangers Of Cashews To Dogs
Just like all human foods, there are some potential dangers that your dog can face.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential dangers when Pugs eat too many cashews.
High-Fat Content
Cashews have a high amount of fat, which can accelerate obesity and other related diseases such as diabetes and joint pain.
The high protein and fat content can also cause pancreatitis, a life-threatening disorder.
Gastrointestinal Distress
As with any type of food, eating too much can lead to constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and other stomach problems.
Other dangers include gallstones, calcium deficiency, bladder stones, artery blockages, and even osteoporosis.
If you’re planning on feeding your Pug cashews, you may want to consider purchasing Pug pet insurance to help you cover any unexpected emergencies that arise.
Choking Hazards
Nuts are known to cause obstructions and choking hazards, especially with small dogs.
If you do feed your pooch cashews, make sure you chop them up into small bite-size pieces.
What Types of Cashews Can Pugs Eat
Roasted cashews are the only type of cashews you should feed your pooch.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Cashews?
No, raw cashews are toxic to dogs. If your dog eats a small number of raw cashews, they may be fine.
However, you may still want to contact your veterinarian and let them know how many raw cashews your dog ate, to see if they need to be taken in for an emergency visit.
What About Salted Cashew Nuts?
No, salted cashews can lead to dehydration or even poison your pooch. Even if you like the taste of sea salt, it doesn’t mean that it’s good for your pooch.
If you can’t find the unsalted version, then try to find the ones that have the least amount of sodium as possible.
How Can I Feed My Pug Cashews?
If you want to share cashews with your four-legged friend, then you can search online for some dog-friendly recipes, that will make it safe for your pooch to eat.
You can also hand-feed them to your pooch. Cut the nut into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards.
How Many Cashews Should You Feed A Pug?
Moderation is the key to a healthy diet and your dog’s snacks or treats should be limited to 10% of their regular diet.
Most adult Pugs will require about 40 calories per pound of body weight. However, this can vary depending on your Pug’s activity level, metabolism, and overall health.
If you’re unsure how much to feed your Pug, use a calorie calculator for dogs or consult with your veterinarian to ensure you’re not overfeeding your pooch.
Alternatives To Cashews For Pugs
If your dog loves the taste of nuts and gets excited when they see you eating peanuts or macadamia nuts, it’s important to remember not all nuts are safe for dogs.
Sometimes it’s best to give your dog a doggie treat, peanut butter, piece of cheese or a different type of snack that won’t hurt them.
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Cashews
Cashews are not poisonous to Pugs, but as a pet owner, it’s important to know there are much safer doggie snacks for their four-legged friend.
If you just can’t ignore those big bulging eyes begging eyes, then make sure chop the cashew into small bite-size pieces and keep it to small amounts.
References And Further Reading
Can I Give My Dog – Read This Before Feeding Your Dog Cashew Nuts
Merck Manual Veterinary Manual – Pancreatitis and Other Disorders Of The Pancreas in Dogs