Can Dogs Eat Pesto

Can Dogs Eat Pesto

Pesto might smell amazing to you and your dog, but it’s not safe for dogs to eat. This herby sauce, commonly made with basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts and cheese, contains several ingredients that can be harmful to dogs—even in small amounts. While a lick off a spoon might not lead to immediate harm, pesto is a food that should be kept off your dog’s menu altogether.

Why Pesto Is Unsafe for Dogs

The biggest concern with pesto is garlic. Garlic is toxic to dogs and can damage their red blood cells, potentially leading to anaemia. Many pesto recipes also include salt, oil, nuts (especially pine nuts or walnuts), and Parmesan cheese, all of which can upset a dog’s stomach or cause longer-term health problems. The high fat content in pesto can also trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious condition in dogs.

What Happens If a Dog Eats Pesto?

If your dog eats a small amount of pesto, they may be fine—but it depends on the ingredients and how much they consumed. Monitor for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, drooling, or lethargy. If the pesto contained garlic or onion and your dog ate a larger amount, contact your vet as soon as possible. Garlic toxicity can take a few days to show clear signs, so it’s important not to wait.

Is Basil Itself Safe for Dogs?

Yes—fresh basil in small amounts is safe and can even offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The issue with pesto isn’t the basil, but what it’s mixed with. If you want to share a herby taste with your dog, plain chopped basil sprinkled over their food is a far better option than giving them pesto.

Are There Dog-Friendly Alternatives to Pesto?

Yes. You can make a dog-safe pesto at home by blending fresh basil with a splash of water or dog-safe broth, a small amount of plain cooked chicken, and no garlic, salt, oil, or cheese. Use this as a flavour boost over their usual meals or freeze it in small portions for later.

What About Store-Bought Vegan or Nut-Free Pesto?

Even if pesto is labelled “vegan” or “nut-free,” it may still contain onion powder, garlic, salt, or excess oil, making it a risky choice. Always read ingredient labels carefully, and when in doubt, don’t feed it to your dog. Many ingredients safe for humans still pose risks to dogs.

Why Dogs Love Pesto (Even Though They Shouldn’t)

Dogs are drawn to strong-smelling, savoury foods—especially those containing cheese or oil. Pesto hits those marks, which is why dogs often hover when it’s being made or served. But as tempting as it is to let them have a lick, it’s best to resist and offer them something safer.

Summary

Dogs should not eat pesto. While basil itself is safe, the garlic, salt, nuts, cheese and oil found in most pesto recipes make it a dangerous mix for dogs. Even small amounts can cause stomach upset, and larger quantities may lead to more serious issues like garlic toxicity or pancreatitis. If your dog does eat pesto, monitor them closely and contact your vet if any symptoms appear. When it comes to strong, savoury sauces, keep them out of paw’s reach.