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Pantry & Oils

Can dogs and cats eat pesto?

Short answer on pesto: safe only with care for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

Dogs and cats both have a caution verdict.

The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line for your pet below.

  • Bottom line differs
Caution

Pesto safety for dogs

Traditional pesto contains garlic, which is toxic to dogs, along with concentrated fat and salt from oil, nuts, and cheese. Check the recipe and contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 when garlic is present.

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-19

Caution

Pesto safety for cats

Traditional pesto contains garlic, which is toxic to cats, plus concentrated fat and salt from oil, nuts, and cheese. Check the recipe and contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 when garlic is present.

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-19

Questions owners ask about pesto

Can dogs eat pesto?

Traditional pesto contains garlic, which is toxic to dogs, along with concentrated fat and salt from oil, nuts, and cheese. Check the recipe and contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 when garlic is present.

Is pesto safe for every dog?

Not necessarily. Traditional pesto contains garlic, which is toxic to dogs, along with concentrated fat and salt from oil, nuts, and cheese. Check the recipe and contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 when garlic is present. Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has an existing health condition or you are unsure.

Can cats eat pesto?

Traditional pesto contains garlic, which is toxic to cats, plus concentrated fat and salt from oil, nuts, and cheese. Check the recipe and contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 when garlic is present.

Is pesto safe for every cat?

Not necessarily. Traditional pesto contains garlic, which is toxic to cats, plus concentrated fat and salt from oil, nuts, and cheese. Check the recipe and contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 when garlic is present. Ask your veterinarian first if your cat has an existing health condition or you are unsure.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.