Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?
In moderation and only once in a while. Pistachios aren't toxic to dogs, but only shelled, unsalted and in very small amounts: they're very fatty, the shells can cause blockages and snack pistachios are loaded with salt.
What it gives your dog
Pistachios have about 560 kcal and 45 g of fat per 100 g (3.5 oz); each shelled pistachio weighs about 0.6 g and provides around 3-4 kcal. They contain protein, fiber, vitamin B6 and potassium, but nothing a dog on a balanced diet needs. Too much of their fat causes diarrhea and, in prone dogs, pancreatitis.
Most pistachios are sold roasted, salted and in the shell, which is exactly how dogs shouldn't eat them. Salt in large amounts causes intense thirst, vomiting and, in extreme cases, poisoning. The shells are hard, have sharp edges, don't digest and can cause a blockage if a dog eats a lot of them. Pistachios are also one of the nuts in which aflatoxins are found most often: these are mold toxins that damage the liver, so if pistachios are rancid, soft or spotted, throw them out.
How to serve it
- Shelled, without the shell
- Raw or dry-roasted with no salt
- Broken into pieces for small dogs
- Never salted, with chocolate, in sweet spreads or in ice cream
How much can they eat?
Small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb): 1-2 pistachios. Medium (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb): 3-4. Large (over 25 kg / 55 lb): 5-6. As a very occasional treat, not daily, and within the 10% of calories set aside for extras.
Risks
- Shells: intestinal blockage
- Salt in snack pistachios
- High fat: diarrhea and pancreatitis
- Aflatoxins in moldy pistachios
- Pistachio spread, ice cream or desserts with sugar and chocolate
Frequently asked questions
Are pistachios toxic to dogs?
No, pistachios themselves aren't toxic like macadamia nuts. The problem is how they're eaten at home: salted, in the shell and by the handful. One or two shelled, unsalted pistachios won't hurt them; a bag of snack pistachios can cause vomiting, diarrhea, intense thirst or a blockage from the shells.
What happens if my dog eats pistachio shells?
One or two shells usually pass in the stool without problems. If they ate a lot, the shells can irritate the intestine or form a plug, especially in small dogs. Watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy or no bowel movements over one or two days, and if you see any of that, call your vet.
Can my dog eat pistachio ice cream?
No. Pistachio ice cream contains sugar and cream or milk, which many adult dogs digest poorly, and some contain chocolate or, in sugar-free versions, sweeteners like xylitol, which is very toxic to them. If you want to give them something cold in summer, make a homemade ice cream with fruit and plain yogurt.
General information reviewed against veterinary sources. If your dog has eaten something that worries you, call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away, without waiting for symptoms.