Pistachios are tasty, and we love to snack on it. Since it has an excellent nutrition profile, we may even think of feeding some pistachios to our dogs. But can dogs eat pistachio?
Are pistachios good for dogs? Are pistachios bad for dogs? Is it true that they are poisonous?
These are just some of the questions caring dog owners ask, and hey, you can’t blame them. A dog’s digestive system can’t handle everything we eat. So it is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
In the rest of this post, we answer important questions and also give you some much-needed advice/suggestions on this topic.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachio?[mks_separator style=”blank” height=”1″]
Yes. You can give your dogs pistachio.
But the answer is not a simple one.
Pistachio is an energy-dense nut. It comes with a lot of calories and fat.
If you have an obese dog at home, then pistachios are not really a great idea.
Also, you need to watch how many nuts you give. You should probably stop after a couple of pistachios to be safe.
Are Pistachios Good for Dogs?
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Pistachios contain a lot of nutrients that are essential for your dog’s well being.
It is loaded with Vitamin B complex. Niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamin, and pantothenic acid are available in good measure and are important for your dog’s system.
The nut also comes with loaded Vitamin E and Beta-carotene. Both are known for their antioxidant properties. They can help your dog have a shiny and a healthy coat and skin. They are also vital for your dog’s immune system as well.
Pistachios contain minerals like calcium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and selenium.
Each of these minerals serves a different purpose.
For example, calcium can take good care of your dog’s bone health while copper is responsible for the production of red blood cells and also in charge of the nerve cells function.
Manganese ensures the optimal functioning of the central nervous system. Zinc boosts your dog’s immune system and works in tandem with other nutrients.
Looks like pistachios are full of good stuff, so I should feed my dog a handful every day, right? No!
Pistachios are good but knowing how many to give to your dog is even more important.
We have explained that below.
How Much is Too Much?
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While the nutrients mentioned above make pistachio a good treat, there are some things to consider as well.
Pistachios come with a lot of fat in them. These monosaturated fatty acids are considered as good cholesterol and will also help your dog’s cardiovascular health.
But if you give a handful every single day, your dog is going to take in a lot of fat content. This will increase your dog’s weight and is not fun for the owners of obese dogs.
Always limit pistachio snacks to two or three.
We know we are asking you to be stingy, but that’ll work out well for your four-legged friend.
Also, make sure to remove the shells as your dog could swallow the whole causing unnecessary problems.
Apart from putting on weight, pistachio, when consumed more, can be dangerous to your dog as well. We discuss that below.
Are Pistachios Bad for Dogs?
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Not really.
If you remove the shells of the pistachio and make sure there are no molds on top it, then pistachios are safe to your dogs.
You should know how many pistachios you should provide as more pistachios could mean problems.
Though they are full of good stuff, it should never be a part of your dog’s everyday diet. You should not give your dog pistachio frequently.
Regular consumption of the nut, even in smaller quantities, will lead to pistachio poisoning.
What is Pistachio Poisoning?
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A dog’s digestive system is not as good as a man’s, and as a result, it can’t handle everything you throw at it.
If your dog consumes pistachio on a regular basis, then your digestive system can’t digest it properly. This can lead to an upset stomach and also obesity.
If your dog is obese, you should strictly avoid pistachios.
If your dog eats pistachios in large quantities, things get worse. It can lead to gastrointestinal issues and pancreatitis.
What to do if your dog has eaten more pistachios than it should?
First, look out for the symptoms of pistachio poisoning. If affected, your dog will exhibit the following behaviors
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Greasy stool
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Swollen abdomen
- Orange urine
- Fever
If you see any of these symptoms, it is wise to take your dog to your vet immediately.
Your vet will diagnose the problem and offer the right treatment. If you delay, it can be fatal to your dog’s well being.
If you think pistachio is not worth all the risk, then, by all means, you should avoid it. There are better alternatives (like almond, peanut butter, etc.) that offer the same nutrients or even more with a lot less risk involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Can dogs eat pistachio?
Yes. Pistachios are not dangerous to your dog in nature. However, you should know how many make a healthy snack.
2. Are pistachios good for dogs?
Yes. Pistachios come with a lot of micronutrients that are great for your dog’s health. It contains Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene and minerals like Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Magnesium, and Selenium.
3. Are pistachios bad for dogs?
Maybe. Pistachios are not directly dangerous to dogs. Molded pistachios are a problem. Also, if you feed your dog too many pistachios, then it can lead to pistachio poisoning.
4. How many pistachios can I give my dog?
Pistachios have a lot of fat content. Though the fat present here is considered good cholesterol, too much of anything is not good. Be sure to stop at two or three pistachios if you want to play safe. Remove the shells and clean them well before feeding.
5. How frequently can I give my dog pistachios?
Like mentioned above, pistachios are fat-filled. Your dog’s digestive system can only digest so much. Pistachios should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet. Now and then is fine, but frequently is a big no-no.
6. My dog ate pistachio shells, what do I do now?
Immediately take your dog to your vet. The shells can get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract, so a proper medical plan is necessary for this situation. Your vet is the only qualified person to advise on what to do next.
Can Dogs Have Pistachios? – Our Advice
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Pistachios are safe for your dog.
If you can give a very limited number of pistachios, then there is nothing to worry about. Also, don’t make it a frequent snack.
There are some risks when your dog over-consumes pistachio.
But if you can keep an eye on how much your dog eats, then there shouldn’t be any problems.
Does your dog like pistachio? Share your story below. We’d love to hear it.