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Vet Reviewed

My dog ate pesto sauce — what should I do?

Quick Answer

Yes, pesto sauce is toxic to dogs. If your dog has ingested pesto sauce, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately.

For Dogs

TOXIC

For Cats

TOXIC
PESTO SAUCE

Your pet ate PESTO SAUCE?

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About PESTO SAUCE

Prepared pesto sauce is a mixture of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and occasionally other ingredients. It is commonly found in grocery stores or made at home as a pasta sauce or condiment. Regarding pets, particularly cats and dogs, prepared pesto sauce can be harmful. Garlic, a primary ingredient, is toxic to both cats and dogs as it can cause gastrointestinal upset and damage red blood cells, potentially leading to hemolytic anemia. Additionally, other ingredients like pine nuts and cheese can cause digestive issues or allergies in some pets. Due to the potential toxicity and health risks, it is recommended to avoid feeding prepared pesto sauce to cats and dogs.

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Emergency Pet Poison Hotlines

ASPCA Poison Control

(888) 426-4435

*Consultation fee may apply

Pet Poison Helpline

(855) 764-7661

*Consultation fee may apply

Related Information

Dr. Kamala Freeman

Dr. Kamala Freeman

DVMEmergency Veterinarian

Dr. Kamala Freeman is an emergency veterinarian with extensive experience in urgent pet care and toxicity cases. She works at an emergency veterinary hospital treating pets exposed to poisons, toxins, and other life-threatening emergencies.

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Sources: CHIVELAB