Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?

Your dog can have a taste, but it's probably not worth the risk.

If the seeds are plain and unshelled, dogs can have pistachios as a small snack, but the risks of illness and choking hazard should have you looking elsewhere for a healthier treat.

Gabrielle Fadl, DVM and director of primary care at Bond Vet, says it's probably best for pistachios to remain a "once-in-a-while" treat for dogs rather than a consistent part of their diet. The faux-nuts do contain several health benefits for dogs, but they also possess high amounts of calories and fats that can upset your pups' digestive system. 

Plus, dogs can't eat pistachio shells because they can become an obstruction in their digestive system. Here's what else you should know about pistachios and dogs:

When Are Pistachios Bad for Dogs?

Pistachios can be unhealthy and dangerous for dogs when they're still in their shells and coated in flavoring. However, even when they're plain, too many pistachios can put your dog's health at risk. 

The seeds, even without shells, can become lodged in a dog's throat or intestine, Fadl says. That's especially true for small dogs. 

Pistachio flavoring is another worry. Onion and garlic, for

example, are toxic for dogs and can cause life-threatening anemia. Non-toxic flavors or salted pistachios can still upset dogs' digestive systems, and even plain pistachios can, too, Fadl says. It all depends on the individual pup. 

Plain, unshelled pistachios are the safest for dogs, but even they aren't without risk. Too much of the high-calorie snack can contribute to obesity, and there are serious, long-term risks, too.

Pistachios' Links to Canine Pancreatitis, Liver Disease

Too many pistachios or older, moldy pistachios can put your dog's health in serious danger. These cases are rare, however, and might only occur if your dog gets into a bag full of pistachios. 

"Although the fats in nuts are considered ‘healthy fats,’ they can still contain more fat than is healthy for dogs to ingest," Fadl says. 

That's why too many pistachios can lead to pancreatitis, a sometimes life-threatening affliction that requires immediate veterinary treatment.