Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?

Pistachios are not poison for dogs, but vets say it’s best to skip them. They are high in fat and salt, which can upset your dog’s stomach and may lead to pancreatitis. The shells can also get stuck in your dog’s throat. One or two plain pistachios are unlikely to be a crisis, but they are not worth the risk.

Why are pistachios a problem for dogs?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) says pistachios are not toxic on their own. Even so, its chief veterinarian advises not feeding them. Here are the main reasons:

• Fat and salt. These can cause stomach upset in some dogs. The AKC also says fatty, salty snacks can lead to pancreatitis.
• Shells. They can lodge in a dog’s throat and cause choking.
• Mold. The AKC says a mold on nut shells can make a toxin called aflatoxin. It can make dogs weak and tired, upset their stomach, and even cause seizures.
• Urushiol. The AKC notes this is the same irritant found in poison ivy. It can cause an allergy-like reaction.

The ASPCA gives a similar warning about nuts in general. It says the high fat in nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes pancreatitis.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a painful swelling of the pancreas, an organ that helps your dog digest food. The Merck Veterinary Manual says eating trash, large amounts of table scraps, or other food that is wrong for dogs is thought to be a common risk.

What signs should I watch for?

The AKC lists these signs after a dog eats pistachios:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Not wanting to eat
• Being very tired

The Merck Veterinary Manual adds that severe pancreatitis can also cause weakness, belly pain, and dehydration. Milder cases may show only a poor appetite and tiredness.

What should I do if my dog ate pistachios?

Take away any nuts and shells that are left. Then think about how much your dog ate.

• A nut or two, no shells: Watch your dog closely. Call your vet if you see any signs above.
• A lot of nuts, any shells, or salted or flavored nuts: Call your vet or a poison hotline now.
• Any sign of sickness: Call your vet right away. The AKC says to do this if your dog seems tired or has stomach upset.

A vet treats pancreatitis with care such as medicine for vomiting and nausea. Severe cases may need fluids through a vein and pain medicine.

Other kinds of pistachio foods

Is pistachio ice cream okay for dogs?

No, it’s not a good treat. The ASPCA says dogs don’t have enough of the enzyme needed to digest milk, so dairy can cause diarrhea and other stomach upset. Ice cream also has a lot of fat and sugar. Pistachio flavors may contain nut pieces too. A lick of dropped ice cream is unlikely to be a crisis, but don’t share a bowl.

Is pistachio pudding okay for dogs?

It’s best to skip it. Pudding is usually made with milk, so the same dairy warning applies. Check the label on any sugar-free pudding. The ASPCA says xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause low blood sugar and possible liver damage in dogs. If your dog ate a pudding with xylitol, call a vet or poison hotline right away.

The sources we read don’t say whether pistachio flavoring itself is a problem, so we can’t say more about it.

What can I give my dog instead?

Plain treats made for dogs are a better choice than salty, fatty snacks. Treats of any kind should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

Nuts are not all alike, and some are worse than pistachios. For example, the ASPCA says macadamia nuts can cause weakness, tremors, and vomiting in dogs. See our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs for more foods to keep away from your dog. If you want to know about a nutty spread, read our guide to peanut butter for dogs.