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Pet safety

Is Cashew toxic to dogs?

Anacardium occidentale

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cashew as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a poison-ivy relative (Anacardiaceae), the sap and raw nutshell contain urushiol-type oils that are caustic and skin-irritating, and the rich, salted, often seasoned nuts are not suitable for pets.

What to do if your dog ate cashew

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move cashew out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of cashew to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten cashew, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is cashew toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is cashew toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cashew as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a poison-ivy relative (Anacardiaceae), the sap and raw nutshell contain urushiol-type oils that are caustic and skin-irritating, and the rich, salted, often seasoned nuts are not suitable for pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats cashew?

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a poison-ivy relative (Anacardiaceae), the sap and raw nutshell contain urushiol-type oils that are caustic and skin-irritating, and the rich, salted, often seasoned nuts are not suitable for pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to cashew.

What should I do if my dog ate cashew?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is cashew toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cashew is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full cashew pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to cashew?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full cashew pet-safety