NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Pistachios are delicious, nutritious, and filling. They are a great snack to keep us focused while we’re working or to give us energy when we’re hiking on a trail. But what about for our pups? Can dogs eat pistachios?
Are Pistachios Bad for Dogs?
When it comes to feeding nuts to our dogs, we need to do our research. Some nuts are safe, some are toxic, and pretty much all of them—when eaten whole—could be a choking hazard or even cause an intestinal blockage for your dog.
Pistachios are not toxic to dogs, so if your dog eats a few, he should be OK. In fact, pistachios contain some healthy benefits for your pup, including:
Protein
Antioxidants
Unsaturated fats
Fiber
Potassium
Phosphorus
Vitamin B6
Thiamine
Copper
Manganese
Concerns pop up when your dog eats large quantities of pistachios over an extended period. Because pistachios—just like all other nuts—are high in fat and calories, eating a lot of them can harm your dog’s health, potentially causing obesity, pancreatitis, diabetes, and/or heart disease.In addition, pistachios are often salted, and salt is unhealthy for dogs to eat regularly.
Another concern with pistachios is the potential for aflatoxin poisoning. According to the Federal Drug Administration, aflatoxins are toxins produced by a mold that can grow on corn, grains, and other foods—including pistachios. These toxins can be present even if there’s no visible sign of mold and affect both humans and dogs.
Eating a lot of pistachios with this mold could cause aflatoxin poisoning. Symptoms to watch out for include:
If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten pistachios, contact your veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachio Shells?
Like all nuts, pistachios can be choking hazards—especially the shells. Keep an eye out for any signs of choking after your dog has eaten pistachios, which include:
Panic
Pawing at their mouth
Coughing
Unresponsiveness
Becoming unconscious
If your dog is choking, check their mouth and throat for any foreign objects, and contact your veterinarian right away. The vet can walk you through performing the Heimlich maneuver on your dog.
In addition to choking, pistachios with or without the shell can cause an intestinal blockage. Signs of this condition include:
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Weakness
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Constipation
Weight loss
If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect that your dog has swallowed something that could cause an intestinal blockage, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachio Ice Cream?
Although pistachios are not toxic to dogs, pistachio ice cream is very unhealthy for your fur baby to eat.
A small drop that fell on the ground is fine, but ice cream of any kind is high in sugar and fat. Some ice creams can also have ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as xylitol or chocolate. Plus, some dogs may be lactose intolerant.
How Many Pistachios Can Your Dog Eat?
Eating pistachios regularly or in large amounts can cause health issues for your dog, so it’s best to keep this as an occasional, special treat.Any treat—even the healthy ones—should only make up 10% of your dog’s overall diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.
Here’s how many pistachios you can feed your dog, based on his size:
- Extra-small dog (2-20 pounds) = one pistachio
- Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
- Small dog (21-30 pounds) = two pistachios
- Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
- Medium dog (31-50 pounds) = three to four pistachios
- Large dog (51-90 pounds) = five to six pistachios
- Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
- Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = small handful of pistachios
- Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Pistachios
For safely preparing and serving pistachios to your pup, make sure to:
One of the biggest concerns with eating a high-fat food like pistachios is the potential for pancreatitis. Your dog might be sensitive to the fats in these nuts, so eating any amount (even just a few) can trigger health issues.
Keep an eye out for the following signs of acute pancreatitis:
Severe lethargy
Abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Severe dehydration
Collapse
Shock
If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog eats pistachios, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Featured Image: iStock/Page Light Studios
FAQs
Pistachios' high fat content makes them dangerous for dogs. “The nut is high in fat, salt, and could cause gastrointestinal issues in some dogs,” explains Dr. Klein. Consumption of fatty, salty snacks can lead to the development of pancreatitis.
What happens if a dog eats pistachios? ›
Because pistachios—just like all other nuts—are high in fat and calories, eating a lot of them can harm your dog's health, potentially causing obesity, pancreatitis, diabetes, and/or heart disease. In addition, pistachios are often salted, and salt is unhealthy for dogs to eat regularly.
How much pistachio is too much for dogs? ›
It depends on how old the nuts were, whether they were shelled, and how much they ate. For example, if you have a small breed dog, even a single pistachio might lead to blocked intestines. If your four-legged friend is bigger and ate a whole bag of shelled pistachios, you should watch for signs of aflatoxin poisoning.
Can dogs eat pistachios without the shell? ›
If you are sitting down to enjoy some of your favorite pistachio snacks, sharing a couple with your pup is totally fine. Don't give them the shell…you don't eat it for a reason. It's hard to chew and hard to digest for both of you and can pose as a choking hazard or bowel obstruction, especially in smaller dogs.
Can pistachios cause seizures in dogs? ›
Pistachio shells are a choking hazard to your dog and may cause gastrointestinal obstruction. Some dogs may have an allergic reaction to pistachios if accidentally ingested. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of allergies, including hives, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or seizures.
What foods are toxic to dogs? ›
Slideshow: Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat
- Dangerous Foods for Dogs. 1/25. Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? ...
- Xylitol. 2/25. ...
- Avocado. 3/25. ...
- Alcohol. 4/25. ...
- Onions and Garlic. 5/25. ...
- Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine. 6/25. ...
- Grapes and Raisins. 7/25. ...
- Milk and Other Dairy Products. 8/25.
Is Eating Popcorn Safe for Dogs? Yes and no. Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them.
Are bananas OK for dogs? ›
Bananas are safe for dogs, but moderation is key. Bananas are high in sugar, so too much of it can put your dog at risk of developing medical conditions. You should give your dog only a few thin slices of banana once in a while. At least 90% of your dog's food should be regular dog food.
What is the best nut for dogs? ›
Which Nuts Are Safe for Dogs to Eat? Peanuts, which are technically in the legume family, are safe for dogs in very small quantities, as long as they are unsalted and unseasoned. Cashews are also reportedly safe in small quantities, but both cashews and peanuts are too high in fat to make regular treats.
Can dogs eat pineapple? ›
Yes. Raw pineapple, in small amounts, is an excellent snack for dogs. Canned pineapple, on the other hand, should be avoided. The syrup in canned fruits contains too much sugar for most dogs' digestive tracts to handle.
Yes, blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They also contain antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health. Adding blueberries to your dog's diet is a great way to help keep him happy and healthy.
Can dogs eat strawberries? ›
Yes, a dog can eat strawberries. If you're looking for a fun and safe treat to help expand your dog's palate, strawberries are an excellent choice. Like many other fruits and berries, strawberries are a healthy snack choice for dogs. Other options include apples, watermelon, blueberries, raspberries and more.
What if my dog ate 10 pistachios? ›
In large quantities, pistachios can make your dog very sick. As a result, it's best to keep all pistachios away from your dog. If your dog does get into your pistachios or your discarded pistachio shells, it's best to consult with your dog's veterinarian or your closest emergency veterinary clinic right away.
Is peanut butter good for dogs? ›
Most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, and in moderation peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin.
Can dogs eat cheese? ›
Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.
What happens if my dog accidentally eats nuts? ›
Why Are Nuts Bad for Dogs? Not all nuts are toxic to canines, but almost all are high in fat. This can lead to obesity and pancreatic issues in dogs. Feeding your dog salted nuts can also lead to water retention and other complications, and some nuts, like almonds, are potential choking hazards.
What is pistachio poisoning? ›
we must say in most cases, people might experience some allergy reactions to pistachios if they are allergic. However, pistachios that are contaminated by the bacterium salmonella may cause diarrhea. it also may be fatal for infants, the elderly, and people who lack a proper immune system.
Are too many pistachios toxic? ›
Consuming pistachios in excess can cause high blood pressure. In addition, you may experience lightheadedness, blurred vision, confusion, and fainting. Also, consuming salted pistachios might elevate your blood sodium level, increasing your chance of developing various cardiovascular illnesses including hypertension.
What are the side effects of pistachios? ›
Side effects of eating too many pistachios
If you consume excessive pistachios, you may experience digestive discomforts, such as bloating, gas, and potentially diarrhea. Practicing moderation by consuming pistachios as part of a balanced diet is important to avoid these potential health concerns.
