Can Dogs Eat Pesto? What You Need To Know

This green sauce is a staple in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, but can dogs eat pesto? Keep reading to learn how safe (or not) it is.

You’re taking the best first step – learning before sharing new foods with your furry friend. As you know, not all types of human foods are safe or a good addition to your dog’s diet. In this guide, we’ll look at whether pesto sauce is safe for dogs.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating pesto.

What Is Pesto

Pesto is a green sauce that originated in Italy. The main ingredients might change depending on who is making it. But most pesto recipes are made with olive oil, crushed pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and a hard cheese like parmesan cheese.

In some recipes, you might find macadamia nuts listed in the list of pesto ingredients. But traditional pesto (also called basil pesto) is made with pine nuts. I’ve also seen brazil nut listed as an ingredient in some recipes.

You might also find red pesto. This is made with a base of sundried tomatoes and includes garlic and pine nuts.

And instead of olive oil, some people make pesto with sunflower oil. But the traditional recipe uses olive oil.

How People Use Pesto

Some people use pesto as an herb spread, adding it to toasted bread. Others like to pour it over pasta or meat and eat it as a pasta sauce.

Can Dogs Have Pesto

So, can dogs eat pesto sauce? The good news is that a small amount (like less than a spoonful) of pesto probably won’t hurt your dog. But the short answer is that dogs shouldn’t eat pesto.

The common ingredients in pesto that dogs shouldn’t eat include salt and garlic. Excessive amounts of salt is harmful to dogs.

And garlic contains a compound called thiosulfate. When it builds up in your dog’s body, it can cause oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells and even contribute to anemia.

Is Pesto Good For Dogs

Even though pesto has health benefits for humans, they aren’t the same for dogs. The garlic and salt could cause adverse reactions in your pup.

A small portion might not hurt your dog, but it isn’t good for them.

Basil is good for dogs, but the additional ingredients in pesto are not good for dogs.

Is Pesto Bad For Dogs

Since pesto is made with garlic, it could cause issues for your dog’s digestive system. And dogs that eat too much garlic – even over a long period – could get health problems from it.

Pine nuts – in large quantities – are bad for your pet’s health too. They have been shown to contribute to a urinary tract infection in dogs.

Large amounts of pesto can be bad for dogs.

A bowl of pesto and ingredients around it.

Is Pesto Toxic To Dogs

Pesto is not toxic to dogs, but specific ingredients might harm your best friend, especially in large amounts.

Is your dog allergic to nuts? Pesto can be made with different types of nuts, so it’s best not to let your dog eat any, especially if you don’t know if they have a nut allergy.

If your dog eats pesto, watch for signs of an allergic reaction. This includes things like coughing, itching, or sneezing.

Store-bought pesto will also contain too much sodium. Even a small portion is bad for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Pesto Pasta

There is a good reason dogs shouldn’t eat pesto pasta, either.

A few bites of plain pasta can be a tasty treat for your dog, but be careful with how many carbs your dog eats in a day. Too many carbs can lead to unhealthy weight gain, which has a negative impact on your dog’s health.

Dogs that eat too much garlic or salt might experience digestive upset effects like abdominal pain or diarrhea.

A bowl of traditional pesto and fresh basil leaves beside it.

Can Dogs Eat Basil Pesto

As a dog owner, keeping the pesto away from your pet is a good idea. Large quantities could cause your pup to consume too much garlic, contributing to garlic toxicity.

Garlic toxicity is really bad for dogs. It can contribute to hemolytic anemia or the destruction of red blood cells.

The amount of salt in the pesto is another concern. Salt poisoning is a very real concern for dogs. If your dog eats too much salt, they will be very thirsty. Other signs include decreased appetite, lethargy, and even tremors or seizures.

Can Dogs Eat Pesto Chicken

Pet owners, it’s best if dogs don’t eat pesto chicken. Unless you make it without salt, traditional recipes will have too much salt to be safe for your pup.

The nutritional value of pesto doesn’t matter because it still has too much garlic and salt. It’s better to just give your dog some unsalted, cooked chicken without the pesto.

If your dog eats pesto chicken, it might give them an upset stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Red Pesto

No, dogs shouldn’t eat red pesto, either. Even though tomatoes are safe for dogs, your pup might experience negative effects from the garlic and salt.

Can you add red pesto to dog food? No, this is a bad idea, too. Your dog might suffer health issues from eating too much garlic and salt.

Pesto For Dogs

Since human pesto isn’t good for our pets, making homemade pesto without garlic and salt is a better idea. As long as your dog isn’t eating large amounts of salt and garlic, and the pesto doesn’t include other toxic ingredients (like macadamia nuts), it is safe for dogs.

In fact, olive oil contains essential fatty acids that are good for dogs. And there are benefits of fresh basil, too.

Dog-friendly pesto is made with basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. If your dog is allergic to pine nuts, you can make it without any harmful ingredients and use just a little bit of olive oil and basil.

My Dog Ate Pesto – What Do I Do

The first thing you should do is assess the situation. How much pesto did they eat? What else have they eaten that day?

Watch for signs of garlic toxicity. This includes anemia, lethargy, and having pale or yellow gums. If your dog is showing these signs, contact their vet immediately.

But if your dog just ate a lick of pesto, they will probably be just fine.

Final Thoughts

Do not give your dog pesto. Your pet’s diet should be high in animal protein and dog-safe vegetables.

If you want to share food with your dog, some safer choices include peanut butter or cottage cheese (as long as your dog can safely eat dairy products).

More Dog Food Resources

Here are some more helpful articles about seasonings, condiments, and sauces dogs can and can’t eat.

Find lots more articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!

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