Can Dogs Taste Cashews?

Cashews are a creamy, rich, and delicious nut that make awesome snacks and trail mix which people enjoy on a daily basis. They are crunchy, versatile and contain a ton of healthy fats and other health benefits that are greats for our bodies and brains! 

Since dogs can eat peanut butter without any cause for concern, we tend to think they can have all other nuts as well. However, not all nuts are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, some nuts, like hazelnuts, are toxic for dogs to consume. 

Are cashews safe for dogs to eat? The short answer is yes, they are safe for dogs to eat as long as they are given in moderation and as an occasional treat.

Cashews carry a variety of great health benefits for your dog. Some dogs may love to have cashews as a snack, while others may not enjoy them as much or at all. Many dogs can be quite picky about what treats and foods they like to eat, so giving your dog a whole cashew as a treat may not please their pallet. 

If you'd like to include cashews in your dog's diet, one of the best ways incorporate them is by baking the cashews into some dog treats. This can help disguise the taste and texture of the cashew if that is why your dog doesn't like the nut. Alternatively, you can also grind or crush the nut so the whole cashew is not running throughout the homemade treats.

However, some dogs may really enjoy eating cashews just as they are in their whole form! If your dog does enjoy munching on these crunchy nuts, they will quickly let you know that they enjoy them. Typically, your dog will eat them without any hesitation. Signs they like cashews may include them wagging their tails in excitement or pacing around the kitchen waiting for more. They will also likely be looking alert like they are anticipating more treats to be given, raising their ears in interest, or even barking at you, demanding for more!

The cashew originated in Brazil and then made its way to India and East Africa during the 16th century by traveling Portuguese sailors. Cashews tend to be so expensive because they are all harvested by hand and are generally always important to the United States. The cashew was used in something called Ayurveda medicine, which was used in India starting in 600 BC. This form of medicine became known for its use of various herbs and foods to treat a wide variety of ailments, chronic diseases, and illnesses. 

After the cashew nut was brought over to India, the nut was not just enjoyed as a delicious snack, but they also used the cashew in their medical practices. To this day, cashews are used in India as a rejuvenator, stimulator, hair tonic, source of energy, and to aid in sexual health. 

Although we may not have any recorded history of the cashew nut being used specifically on and for dogs, we can assume that ancient cultures and medical practices may have used cashews as a source of food for domesticated dogs and as a way to help prevent or treat some illnesses dogs may have faced. 

Cashews may be small, but they really pack a nutritional punch when it comes to health benefits for dogs. Firstly, cashews contain high levels of powerful antioxidants that can help ward off some degenerative diseases and conditions. They can also help your dog with their aging process and ease any pain from conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia. This is because cashews contain anti-inflammatory properties that fight off the painful and uncomfortable inflammation from such conditions. Furthermore, the antioxidants in these nuts can also help prevent and significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. 

Cashews also contain a ton of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for your dog and they will keep their coat shiny, healthy, and strong. It will help keep flakey and dry skin healthy and moisturized as well. Cashews will also make your dog's fur coat thick and healthy. 

Vitamin K contained in cashews is wonderful for both humans and dogs. Vitamin K is often considered a super vitamin because it is a fat-solvent vitamin the is essential to your dog's body. Vitamin K can assist in bringing calcium to your dog's bone and teeth to make them healthier and stronger. Therefore, this vitamin can help prevent osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and some other types of blood diseases. To top it all off, vitamin K can ward off heart disease and cancers of the prostate and liver. 

Lastly, cashews contain many trace minerals that are essential to your dog's body and keeping it functioning at full capacity. Some of these are:

• Calcium and phosphorous: good for blood coagulation, bone formation, and nerve impulse transmission.
• Copper: beneficial in the creation of red blood cells, the formation of collagen, and absorption of iron.
• Magnesium: helps with absorption of vitamins and calcium, helping develop strong bones, healthy eyes, and healthy skin.
• Iron: helping create hemoglobin and enzyme development. 

You cannot force your dog to like certain foods. Cashews are not always a favorite because this nut may not be a preferable texture for your dog to eat. However, there are quite a few ways you can disguise cashews to be a lot more enjoyable so your dog will actually want to eat them as a treat! The best way to incorporate cashews into your dog's diet is to bake them into a healthy and delicious treat or snack. It is always a good idea to use organic ingredients in your dog's food and treats. 

To make a delicious cashew dog treat, all you need are a few simple and wholesome ingredients to whip up something they will love. 

You will need: 

• 2 cups oat flour
• 3/4 cup chopped raw cashews 
• 1 cup chopped apple
• 1 can (16 oz) of unsweetened pumpkin puree or unsweetened applesauce 
• 1 cups of stock (veggie, chicken, beef, bone, etc.) 

Directions: 

1. Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix until well combined. If your mixture is too dry, add more stock. If it is too wet you can also add some more oat flour to dry out the mixture more.
2. Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough and form the dough into balls. Place the dough balls on a sprayed baking sheet or wax paper. You can flatten the mixture with your fingers into a round cookie shape or keep them in balls. Alternatively, you can make the treats into mini treats and use a heaping teaspoon of the mixture.
3. Bake for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you make the mini-sized treats, check for doneness after 30 minutes. The dough should bounce right back when you press it with your finger.