Can dogs eat pistachios?

Pistachio shells are hard and split into sharp halves. Dogs rarely spit them out; they crunch and swallow. The fragments can scratch the throat, irritate the gut or gather into a blockage, especially in small dogs. A bowl of shells left on a coffee table is as risky as the nuts.

Unopened pistachios with closed shells are even harder, and dogs may swallow them whole. Pick up any that drop to the floor straight away.

Each pistachio has about 4 calories, and they are roughly 45 percent fat. Most snack pistachios are roasted and salted. A dog that eats a large handful can take in a lot of fat and salt, leading to vomiting, diarrhea or, in susceptible dogs, pancreatitis.

Pistachios are among the nuts most commonly tested for aflatoxin, produced by Aspergillus moulds. Food for people is regulated, but old or badly stored nuts may still carry it. Aflatoxin damages the liver and has caused poisoning in dogs through contaminated food.

Pistachio ice cream, baklava, pistachio spreads and nougat bring sugar, butter and sometimes chocolate. Pistachio-crusted meats are seasoned. These are not suitable for dogs.

Estimate how many nuts and shells are gone and check whether they were salted or flavored. Offer fresh water. Watch for vomiting, belly pain, straining, loss of appetite and excessive thirst for the next 24 to 48 hours.