Can dogs eat pesto?
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.
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
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding dogs well:
Portable Pet Travel Water Bottle & Food Bowl
A fun kettlebell-shaped travel bottle that keeps your dog or cat hydrated on walks. The base unscrews into a feeding bowl for food or water on the go, with a wrist strap for easy carrying. Approx 18.5cm tall.
Dried Meat Slice Pet Treats
Thinly sliced, slow-dried meat treats with no added flavourings or preservatives.
Tarhong Moroccan Melamine Pet Food Scoop — Single or Double
Sturdy melamine food scoops in a Moroccan-inspired design — BPA free, dishwasher safe, and available in two sizes.
Long-Range Remote Dog Training Collar
A long-range training collar set with a backlit handset and a reflective receiver collar. Choose between tone, vibration and static correction to recall and train your dog over open distances. USB rechargeable.
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.
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.