Can dogs eat pesto? No — why, and what to do
Quick answer: No — pesto is not safe for dogs and should never be given.
Quick verdict
Unsafe
Key risk
Garlic is toxic to dogs, and pesto is also high in oil and salt, with pine nuts adding extra fat.
Why
Pesto is best avoided for dogs because it usually contains garlic.
Keep pesto out of reach
Biodegradable Scented Dog Poo Bags — 50 or 200
Citrus-scented biodegradable poo bags with tie handles — breaking down in months rather than the centuries a standard plastic bag takes.
From£4.49
DIRTBAG Compostable Dog Poo Bags – Plastic-Free
Genuinely compostable, plant-based poo bags that break down in 180 days — strong, leak-proof, tie-handle bags with no hidden plastics.
From£6.99
LickiMat OH Bowl for Dogs — Slow Feeder with Tongue-Cleaning Tips
A vet-developed dog feeding bowl with raised rubber tips that clean the tongue as your dog licks — calming, dishwasher safe, and available in three sizes.
From£12.99
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Can dogs eat pesto, and why?
Pesto is best avoided for dogs because it usually contains garlic. Garlic is toxic to dogs, and pesto is also high in oil and salt, with pine nuts adding extra fat.
Dogs are omnivores, so most of their diet should be a complete, balanced dog food, with treats on top. They cope with a wide range of foods, but rich, fatty or sugary ones can cause stomach upset and, over time, weight gain or pancreatitis.
Warning — what to watch for
Garlic is toxic to dogs, and pesto is also high in oil and salt, with pine nuts adding extra fat.
If your dog has eaten pesto, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
🚨 Find an emergency vet near youMore foods dogs might eat
More for dogs
If your dog has eaten pesto, ring your vet — do not wait to see what happens. For preventing a repeat:
Tarhong Medallion Slow Feeder Puzzle Dog Bowl
A stylish BPA-free puzzle bowl that slows down greedy eaters — available in three sizes and a choice of colours.
From£10.99
Reusable Washable Puppy Training Pad
A quilted, machine-washable training pad that absorbs accidents and locks in moisture with a leak-resistant base. Reusable for puppy toilet training and senior dogs, in several bone and paw prints.
From£7.99
Grannicks Bitter Apple Spray — Chew & Lick Deterrent for Dogs
A non-toxic bitter-tasting spray that discourages dogs from licking wounds or chewing furniture and soft furnishings.
From£11.99
Chase Buddy Boredom-Busting Dog Toy
An interactive chase toy that gives a restless dog somewhere to put its pursuit instinct, providing mental and physical exercise indoors or in the garden.
£14.99
Feeding & nutrition guides
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat pesto?
Unsafe. Pesto is best avoided for dogs because it usually contains garlic.
What happens if my dog eats pesto?
Garlic is toxic to dogs, and pesto is also high in oil and salt, with pine nuts adding extra fat. If your dog has eaten pesto, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is pesto poisonous to dogs?
Unsafe. Pesto is best avoided for dogs because it usually contains garlic.
Free printable: safe & toxic foods for dogs
pesto is just one food — get the full one-page checklist of what’s safe, fine in moderation, or dangerous for dogs. Vet-sourced, yours to print and keep.
Check pesto for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether dogs can eat pesto draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.