Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?
Can Dog Eat Pistachios?
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? The fat content in pistachios makes them harmful for dogs. “The nut is high in fat, salt, and can irritate the stomach in some canine patients,” says Dr. Klein. Fatty, salty treats lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Watch for diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Pancreatitis is risky and can quickly get out of hand. If your dog seems unusually tired or develops digestive problems after eating pistachios, reach out to a veterinarian right away.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Processed pistachios are not toxic to dogs, but there are several reasons why pistachio nuts should not be fed to dogs. Like most tree nuts, pistachios contain aflatoxin, a poison excreted by aspergillus mold. Too much of this and your dog’s gastrointestinal system will be killed by aflatoxin. Other than that, pistachio nuts contain urushiol—a poison contained in poison ivy. The urushiol creates allergy to dogs. Pistachios also contain plenty of salt and fat, something that is bad for your dog. Lastly, the tough pistachio shell is unsafe for your dog to choke on.
Toxic Components
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Pistachios aren’t directly poisonous to dogs, but they do contain substances that can be harmful to them. Poison ivy’s urushiol is the offending agent responsible for laying low dogs with an allergic reaction. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin derived from mold that grows on the pistachio shells. Consumption of aflatoxin induces weakness and lethargy in dogs, gastrointestinal upset, and even seizure.
A large quantity of pistachios will seriously get your dog sick. So, it’s best to keep those pistachios out of your dog’s reach. If your dog has eaten your pistachios or pistachio shells that were scattered around on the floor, it’s best to call your dog’s vet or your local emergency veterinary clinic right away.
Healthy Snack Substitutes for Dogs
Instead of pistachios, try rewarding your dog with one of the following safe, nutritious treat alternatives:
- Carrot sticks
- Apple slices
- Green beans
- Plain cooked chicken
Can Dogs Eat Pistachio Shells?
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Like all nuts, pistachios come with the possibility of choking—supposedly the shells. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of choking after consuming pistachios, which are:
- Panic
- Pawing at their mouth
- Coughing
- Unresponsiveness
- Loss of consciousness
If your dog shows signs of choking, carefully look inside their mouth and throat for a possible obstruction, then contact your vet right away. They can guide you on safely performing the Heimlich maneuver for dogs.
Apart from choking, pistachio with or without shell also causes an intestinal obstruction. The symptoms of the condition are:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
If you notice any of these symptoms or have reason to believe that your dog ingested something that would cause a blockage in the intestine, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Pistachios that we consume as snacks are typically salted or otherwise flavored. Excessive use of salt leads to diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, thirst, and tremor. It can also lead to excess fluid buildup in your pet and harm their kidneys. This is especially dangerous for dogs suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
High Phosphorus Content
The high phosphorus level in Nut will increase the risk of developing bladder stones.
Choking Hazard
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Puppies do not often chew food and swallow it whole. Therefore, pistachios constitute a choking hazard depending on the nut shape and size and hardness. Pistachios are often sold in their shells, which can crack into sharp pieces capable of causing injuries to the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract.
Pistachio Poisoning
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? The most poisonous substance present in nuts is aflatoxin, a toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus. Dogs are also susceptible to such toxins of certain fungi that develop on crops like cottonseed, peanuts, corn, and tree nuts (pistachios). Signs of aflatoxin poisoning from pistachios in dogs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Orange-colored urine
- Lethargy
- Jaundice
- Liver failure
Pistachios contain urushiol, which is the chemical found in poison ivy. Urushiol causes dogs’ allergy reactions, especially around and inside their mouth and face.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Pistachios contain aflatoxins, a product of aspergillus mold. Aspergillus mold develops on crops that are grown, such as peanuts, cottonseed, corn, and tree nuts. If your dog eats too many pistachios, they will get aflatoxin poisoning. Side effects vary from loss of appetite to vomiting, jaundice, and liver failure.
Before Sharing With Your Pooch
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Certain human foods can cause reactions in dogs, so it is always best to consult your veterinarian and find out if it’s okay to add them to your pet’s diet. The information provided here is intended purely for educational purposes and should not be taken as medical or nutritional guidance.
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