As humans and dog lovers, we are always eager to share things especially food with our furry friend. Sometimes, you tend to share snacks and treats with your pets without having complete information of the effects of it on them.
In this high-tech world of internet, information is available at our fingertips. So it only makes sense to inquire what foods are safe for dogs to eat before we offer it to them. While snacking on your favorite pistachios you often wonder, Can my dog east pistachios too? Let us answer this for you!
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?
Yes, your dog could probably eat one or two nuts with their shells removed without any harm. Eating Pistachios is okay for your dogs, but it is not recommended as there are some risks involved that should not be taken lightly.
Pistachios are popular nuts to snack on for humans, as they do contain a good amount of protein and fiber, which can also help dogs in various ways. But there is also a high level of fat in pistachios which may harmful to the dogs.
That being said, pistachios should generally be avoided, as there are plenty of other “treats” that don’t pose the same health risks when eaten in excess.
Does Feeding Dogs with Pistachios Have any Benefits?
Pistachios are quite popular is due to their high omega-3 fatty acid content, calcium, potassium and Vitamin C. But in dogs, an excess amount of omega-3 fatty acid might lead to obesity.
Essentially, the fat intake of your dog should be closely monitored, and eating pistachios is not a good way to do that!
There are not many scientific experiments showing whether dogs would benefit from pistachios as a supplement to their diet.
Are There Any Health Dangers for Dogs Eating Pistachios?
The pistachio is not toxic to dogs though there is a high risk that some of the chemicals in the nut may cause problems with the canine digestive system.
When dogs eat pistachios regularly or eat a large amount in one sitting, it can often cause severe gastrointestinal distress due to the high-fat content and presence of certain proteins in these nuts.
Also, there are dangers of your dog eating high levels of salt or other chemicals that are often added to these nuts to flavor them.
Do not feed your dog which pistachio within the shell. Unshelled pistachios may be dangerous to dogs as the shells might tear its delicate digestive tissue.
The shells are also very difficult to pass during elimination, again causing damage to soft tissues and incredible discomfort for the animal.
Pistachio nuts naturally contain an oily liquid called urushiol. It is known to cause allergic reactions in humans, especially respiratory problems and skin rashes.
The rash is known as contact dermatitis. Dogs may have this same reaction after ingesting pistachios, especially on their faces and around their mouths.
Another natural chemical, phosphorus, is found in high amounts in pistachios. High levels of phosphorus are thought to be a cause of canine bladder stones.
Pistachio Poising in Dogs: Word of Caution
Canines who have ingested a large number of pistachio nuts may have certain symptoms of Pistachio Poisoning:
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Greasy Stools
- Orange Urination
- Loss of Appetite
If you find your dog with overall weakness, weight loss, swollen abdomen, dermatitis, or jaundice should be taken to the vet immediately.
Pistachio poisoning can lead to liver failure, bladder stones, and pancreatitis.
Eating Pistachios ~ Overall a Poor Choice for Your Dogs
If your dog accidentally eats a pistachio or two it probably won’t hurt him, however, with all the risks involved it is best for your dog to avoid eating these nuts.
With the numerous varieties of dog treats available, pistachios should be at the bottom of the list.