Can dogs or cats eat pistachios?
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Can dogs eat pistachios?
No, pistachios aren't safe for your dog to eat. (More like "pistachi-NOs," right?) These nuts contain high amounts of fat, which isn't easy for dogs to digest. As a result, eating large amounts of pistachios or other tree nuts can lead to digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Pistachios also contain a substance called aflatoxin, which is highly toxic for dogs, especially when eaten in large quantities. Aflatoxin can cause liver damage and even death if your pup eats large amounts over an extended period of time.
Plus, pistachios are often salted and seasoned with various spices that are unhealthy for dogs. For instance, excess sodium consumption can result in dehydration and other health problems like kidney failure or high blood pressure. And many commercially available nuts, including pistachios, may come flavoured with garlic or onion powder, which contain compounds that are toxic — and very dangerous — for dogs.
On top of all this, hard nuts like pistachios can cause choking or intestinal blockages in your furry friend, especially if they're eaten with the shell still on.
The bottom line: Don't feed your dog pistachios. They pose severe risks to your pup.
If your dog does manage to eat some pistachios, you should reach out to your vet for advice, especially if you're observing lethargy, diarrhoea, vomiting, behavioural changes, or other signs of illness. And if your pup ever requires veterinary care due to eating unsafe food, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
Can dogs eat...
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Can cats eat pistachios?
Unfortunately, pistachios aren't safe for your feline friend. Cats who eat pistachios may encounter some serious health problems, especially if they eat them in large quantities. The high-fat content of pistachios can lead to weight gain and even obesity in cats. Plus, the hard shell of the nut can be a choking hazard or cause digestive blockages.
Another issue is that, like other tree nuts, pistachios often contain high amounts of added salt. Cats have a much lower tolerance for salt than humans do. Eating too much sodium can result in dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea, and eventually more severe medical conditions such as kidney disease.
Finally, it's important to note that many commercially available nuts including pistachios may come flavoured with garlic or onion powder, which contain compounds that are toxic — and very dangerous — for felines.
At the end of the day, feeding your kitty pistachios isn't wise. But if your cat does manage to eat some pistachios, you should reach out to your vet for advice, especially if you're observing lethargy, diarrhoea, vomiting, behavioural changes, or other signs of illness. And if your cat ever requires veterinary care due to eating unsafe food, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Information purposes only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Pet poison emergency protocol
If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).
Food safety statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet