Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? With or Witout Shells? 

Whether you’ve had a canine for more than a decade or just gotten your first puppy, taking care of a dog is a continuous learning experience. It’s hard to know everything that there is to know about a man’s best friend. One of the things that we dog owners continue to learn about is the list of what our dogs can and cannot eat. For instance, we all know chocolate is forbidden.

However, even if you know a lot about the things that dogs can’t eat, your knowledge is bound to end somewhere. For instance, let’s talk about nuts – pistachios, in particular. Humans get so many great benefits from eating pistachios, but can we share them with our dogs?

That’s a great question, and fortunately, it is one that this article will set out to answer. Can dogs eat pistachios? Are pistachios safe for dogs? Don’t you worry. You’ll find out the answer in the next section. Keep reading!

Do you have a specific question about dogs eating pistachios? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Are pistachios bad for dogs?

Before feeding your dog any human food that you’ve never fed, it is a very good move to always make sure that that new food is safe. In this case, if you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering, are pistachios toxic to dogs?

Well, the answer that you’re looking for is no. Pistachios are not toxic to your dog, so if you decide to throw your fluffy friend a pistachio or two, or it happens to find its way into your pantry and steal a few for itself, you don’t need to fret. Your dog will be fine after eating pistachios!

Are pistachios good for dogs?

Now, they might sound like the same thing, but asking whether pistachios are bad for dogs and good for dogs isn’t the same. Are pistachios toxic to dogs? No. But are they good enough for dogs that you should turn them into your new form of dog treat to be handed out at every opportunity?

Well, sort of. Pistachios come packed with a lot of nutrients that can make them a good occasional snack for your dog. For instance, as a form of nut, they come with a significant amount of protein, which means pistachios for dogs are great if you’re looking for another form of protein besides meat.

They also have a lot of fiber, which is great for their bowel health. Finally, don’t forget the potassium and unsaturated fats, which have cardiovascular benefits. Potassium is also important in helping your dog grow strong bones.

If your dogs eat pistachios every once in a while, they can surely gain some benefits. However, before you go and give your dog a giant bowl of pistachios, there’s one more thing to ask yourself. Are pistachios safe for dogs?

Are pistachios safe for dogs?

When it comes to pistachios and dogs, these nuts are not inherently bad for your dog. While they have some nutritional benefits, they aren’t a superfood or anything.

Just like humans, pistachio nuts and dogs are not dangerous when eaten in moderation. However, some risks can arise if your dog eats too many delicious nuts.

One thing about pistachios is that they are full of fat and, as a result, heavy in calories. They may not seem that way, but 10 or so pistachios can contain close to 50 calories. Feeding your dog too many of these can contribute to obesity, which has risks in canines.

On top of that, the high-fat content can predispose your dog to many diseases, most commonly tummy problems and pancreatitis. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, and more.

The salt, seasonings, and other additives that pistachio nuts can sometimes contain can also be a problem for your little puppet.

So, while pistachio nuts and dogs aren’t necessarily enemies, they’re not a match made in heaven, either. Moderation is key.

Are pistachio shells bad for dogs?

Dogs can eat many hard things that we humans can’t, most notably bones. So, you might wonder whether feeding your dog pistachios with the shells on is such a big deal. Can dogs eat pistachio nuts with shells?

The answer to that is no. It’s a very bad idea to feed shelled pistachios to your dog for a couple of reasons. First of all, the shells can be a choking hazard to your dog. Still, on top of that, because they can’t be digested easily, they can also cause obstruction in the digestive tract, which can be a very serious problem.

Can dogs have pistachios?

Now, to finally answer your question, can dogs eat pistachios, and should they have them regularly? Again, the answer is simple: it depends on you.

We’ve been able to establish that eating a couple of pistachios won’t do any harm to your dog. While there are nutritional benefits, it is easy to find other foods that are delicious and beneficial to your dog.

However, if you decide to buy pistachios for dogs, you need to ensure that you get pistachios without the shells. If you buy shelled pistachios, make sure to remove the shells yourself.

Then, the pistachios that you give your dog are the best plain. They should not be salted as too much salt has health hazards in canines, and you should avoid those with any seasoning or additives. When it comes to pistachios and dogs, the plainer, the better.

Finally, when dogs eat pistachios, you shouldn’t give them more than a few daily. I’d recommend not turning pistachios into a form of dog treat, but if you must, I’d recommend no more than five a day for your pet.

 My dog ate pistachios, what should I do?

Suppose your dog accidentally eats a handful of pistachios. In that case, you likely don’t need to worry, though you should watch out for any symptoms. 

However, if your dog eats an entire bag of pistachios or eats a whole bunch that still had the shells on, it’d be a good idea to go and visit your vet. This will be the best way to ensure your dog isn’t at risk of any nasty side effects. 

Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com

Thanks for the blog graphics: Canva.com

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