Can Frenchies eat pistachios?
If this is your query, you’ve come to the right place.
Come with me and learn everything you need about these tasty treats.
Can Frenchies Eat Pistachios?
Although not toxic when given in moderation, feeding pistachios to Frenchies is not recommended for many reasons. First, these nuts are high in calories and have high-fat content, which can cause obesity and pancreatitis in Frenchies if consumed in large amounts.
In addition, nuts can induce an upset stomach in Frenchies and an intestinal blockage, leading to more serious digestive problems. What’s more, their shells pose a choking risk. As such, it’s best to keep pistachios away from Frenchies.
Interesting facts about pistachios
- Pistachios are a popular snack in many parts of the world.
- Did you know that pistachios are one of the two nuts mentioned in the bible? Don’t just take my word for it. You check it out in Genesis 43:11.
- Humans have consumed this nutty treat for over 9000 years. Interesting, uh?
- Every 26th of February is National Pistachios Day in the United States. What more can I say?
- Pistachio trees thrive well in hot climates.
- Most pistachios come from Iraq, but in the US, the majority come from California.
- In addition to roasting, pistachios are salted to enhance their flavor.
Why Frenchies should avoid pistachios
Although these nuts are not inherently toxic, this is why Frenchies should not have them:
They are very high in fats
Pistachios nuts have a very high-fat content. These natural fats may be healthy for humans but not for canines. Too much fat presents weight risk leading to obesity and contributing to pancreatitis in Frenchies.
The signs of pancreatitis include vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, depression, and diarrhea, among others.
Pistachios are prone to mold
These nuts are prone to aspergillus mold, a common component in groceries and long-lasting cupboard essentials such as nuts. If consumed, this mold produces lethal aflatoxin, leading to liver problems in Frenchies.
They contain salt
Pistachios are prepared with added salt and other seasonings. Salt causes increased fluid retention in large amounts, leading to kidney problems in Frenchies. It also causes diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, excess thirst, and vomiting.
Choking risk
Frenchies are known for not chewing their food properly but tend to gulp it as a whole. Due to their size, shape, and hardness, pistachios are a choking hazard to Frenchies.
Additionally, they come in shells that can easily break into sharp or jagged bits that can obstruct or injure the esophagus or other areas of the digestive tract.
They contain high phosphorus levels.
This puts Frenchies at a higher risk of developing bladder stones.
What is Pistachios Poisoning
Pistachios are packed with numerous health benefits. They are protein and antioxidant-rich and make excellent sources of nutrients.
Besides all their benefits, these delicious green nuts contain dangerous components that can cause great harm to your furry friend.
As a cashew family member, pistachios are prone to Aspergillus mold, which produces aflatoxin, a toxic component to Frenchies.
Frenchies are most susceptible to this toxin, common in many crops, pistachios included. Aflatoxin is the most harmful component in pistachios and can cause severe damage to Frenchies’ health.
Symptoms of pistachios poisoning in Frenchies
A Frenchie that has ingested aflatoxin from the harmful Aspergillus mold will exhibit the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Orange-colored urine
- Liver failure
- Jaundice
Treatment of pistachios poisoning in Frenchies
The treatment will depend on the extent of the effects pistachios have caused on the Frenchie. However, the treatment options include the following:
- Administering antibiotics, stomach and liver protectants, antinausea, and pain management drugs to alleviate the symptoms.
- Supportive treatment, including IV fluids, can be given in case of immediate symptoms such as dehydration.
- Due to the risk of liver damage resulting from aflatoxin. Because there is no antidote for aflatoxin, supportive care is essential for recovery.
- Severe or persistent vomiting may indicate pancreatitis. As such, a vet may recommend withholding food by mouth for some days to allow the pancreas swelling to go down.
- A daily low-protein, low-fat, and high-fiber diet is recommended for a speedy recovery when the Frenchie can feed independently.
Recovery of pistachios poisoning in Frenchies
Keeping the Frenchie in a calm and quiet environment and ensuring that all medications are completed is essential for a speedy recovery.
Follow-up appointments may be necessary to check the liver functionality of Frenchies facing aflatoxin poisoning.
Frenchies diagnosed with pancreatitis must be on a restricted, low-protein, low-fat, high-fiber diet for the rest of their lives.
You can give pancreatic enzyme supplements for the relief of intense abdominal pain. This is, however, unlikely to change the course of the disease.
What to do if my Frenchie ate pistachios
If your Frenchie has taken pistachios, you will need to stay calm and assess the situation concerning your Frenchie’s size, the snack’s age, and the quantity taken.
If he took only a small amount, he’s likely to be okay. The best you can do is just watch the Frenchie for any reaction.
Look out for a possible intestinal blockage in a small Frenchie and a likely mycotoxin poisoning if your large Frenchie eats a whole bag of pistachios.
If he took large amounts large, look out for symptoms such as diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, tremors, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Consult your vet if these symptoms are present.
Other Dangerous Nuts to Avoid
Other nuts you should never give your Frenchie include macadamia nuts. In addition to severe lethargy, muscular spasms, vomiting, joint stiffness, inability to walk, and increased body temperature, these nuts also induce nerve and muscle damage.
Steer clear of black walnuts and pecans and contain juglone, a toxin that causes gastrointestinal anguish in Frenchies.
FAQs
Can pistachios kill Frenchies?
Yes, Frenchies can get poisoned by aflatoxin, a toxic substance from Aspergillus mold found in pistachios. When taken In large amounts, pistachios cause severe health complications, which can be fatal.
Can Frenchies eat pistachio ice cream?
No. Ice creams are made with milk. As such, it contains lactose which Frenchies are incapable of processing. Besides, it has a high sugar content that puts Frenchies at risk of obesity.
Can Frenchies eat pistachio shells?
No. Apart from some being poisonous, shells can also cause intestinal blockage and other digestive tract damage if they crack. As such, you should never feed them to Frenchies.
Can Frenchies eat salted pistachios?
No. While added salt enhances the flavor of pistachios, too much salt harms Frenchies as it can cause kidney failure. Therefore, you should never give salted treats; salted pistachios are included in Frenchies.
What happens if a Frenchie eats pistachios?
If only a small quantity is taken, then a Frenchie will likely be okay. However, if consumed in large amounts, the Frenchie may experience vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and diarrhea.
Frenchie Eating Pistachios: Final Verdict
There’s everything you need to know about pistachios.
So, can Frenchies eat pistachios?
Occasionally feeding your Frenchie one or two of these nutty snacks is harmful.
However, remember that pistachio shells can be harmful as they can choke your Frenchie or cause intestinal tract blockage.
These nuts are also fats and calorie-dense, leading to obesity, especially in overweight Frenchies. Pistachios are also salted, making them unhealthy for canines.
It’s best to stay safe and look for other safer and healthier snacks to treat your furry friend rather than risking it all with pistachios.