Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 15-pound dog ate two tablespoons of pesto pasta with crushed pistachios from my plate — is this dangerous?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

It is not an emergency, but it is worth watching your dog closely over the next few hours. The main concerns are the salt in the pesto and the pistachio shells, which can crack into sharp pieces and irritate the digestive tract. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of stomach discomfort such as restlessness or not wanting to eat. Offer plain water and let her rest; if she starts vomiting or seems distressed, call your vet.

Pistachios — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Usually salted, and the shells crack into sharp pieces. Avoid.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Pistachios is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

A heavy salt load drives up thirst and urination, and in the worst cases leads to sodium ion poisoning, which is a genuine emergency.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Pistachios food facts page.

Open the full food page: Pistachios food facts →