Animal safety
Cattle eat large amounts of plant food and spend many hours grazing. On species-rich pasture, unsuitable plants are often avoided, but they can still be eaten during forage shortage or when preserved in feed.
Quick help
Search for the plant first. The exact plant part, amount eaten, time of ingestion, possible symptoms, and the animal's weight are important for the next step.
Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to do so.
Practical guidance
This animal page helps you assess garden plants by urgency, plant part, and evidence level. For possible exposure, start with the action guidance. For garden planning, focus on critical plant parts and access control.
The rating helps with initial orientation, but it cannot replace an individual assessment. Amount, plant part, spoiled material, chemical residues, age, weight, and existing health conditions may all matter.
For cattle, pasture access, silage, hay, and accidentally mixed cuttings are decisive. Individual garden plants should not be fed without professional ration assessment.
The list shows which plants and plant parts are more suitable, restricted, or critical for cattle. It is not a feeding plan and does not replace individual ration advice.
Cattle
Cards start with the practical decision. Expand symptoms, reasoning, and evidence when needed.
180 plants visible
No matching plants found.
How to read the assessment: Status describes general suitability, urgency describes the recommended response after possible ingestion, and evidence describes confidence in the assessment. Low evidence is not the same as low risk.
Cattle
These plants or plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the animal, access control in the garden may also be advisable.
36 Plants
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All parts of the plant
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Hemolytic anemia, Weakness, Pale mucous membranes, Jaundice, Dark urine, Dyspnea
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Regular consumption
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) contains thiosulphates, which can cause hemolytic anemia in cattle if consumed in large quantities. Although wild garlic is milder than onions or cultivated...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Bulb, Green shoots (leaves), Flowers
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Blood in urine, Weakness, Increased heart rate, Heinz body anemia
Especially relevant: All Allium species contain disulfides that can cause hemolytic anemia in ruminants. Cattle are sensitive, particularly with repeated or large intake.
Onions are toxic to cattle due to N-propyl disulfide, which can cause hemolytic anemia. All parts of the plant are potentially hazardous.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Bark, Roots
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Rapid breathing, Tremors, Weakness, Staggering, Salivation, Bloat
Especially relevant: Access to plant material, Consumption of large quantities
Elder (Sambucus) contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in leaves, stems, bark, roots, and raw berries. These can cause cyanide poisoning in cattle, which can be life-threatening...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All parts, especially Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), concentrated essential oils
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Lethargy, Liver damage (with pulegone exposure)
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium)
No reliable species-specific assessment is available. Due to essential oils and known toxicity of Pennyroyal mint, feeding is not recommended.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Shaft, Flowers
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal irritation, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Ruminants more sensitive to Allium toxicity
Leek contains disulfides and thiosulfates that can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells in ruminants like cattle, particularly in larger quantities. While cattle are less sensitive...
Suitable: Sweet almond kernels (after hull and shell removal)
Critical: Bitter almonds, Leaves, Stems, Fruit hulls
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Tremors, Weakness, Staggering, Convulsions, bright red mucous membranes
Especially relevant: Access to wild or bitter almond trees, Consumption of leaves, stems, or unprocessed nuts
While sweet almond kernels in small quantities might be safe as a treat for some animals, bitter almonds, as well as leaves, stems, and fruit hulls, contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic...
Suitable: Fruit (processed or after frost)
Critical: Leaves, Seeds
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
No direct species-specific source was found for cattle. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks. Fruits might be considered in very small amounts...
Suitable: Young leaves, Flowers
Critical: Older leaves, Stems, Seeds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Liver poisoning with chronic overdose, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Long-term consumption of large amounts, Use of older, hairy leaves
Young leaves and flowers of borage can be used in small amounts as supplemental feed. Older leaves, stems, and seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may cause liver toxicity with...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset, Anemia (with high intake), Weakness
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Repeated ingestion
Chives contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause hemolytic anemia and gastrointestinal irritation in ruminants like cattle at high intake. While cattle are less sensitive than horses...
Suitable: Leaves, Young shoots, Stems
Critical: No critical parts listed
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: overconsumption
Leaves, young shoots, and stems are edible and contain mustard oil glycosides that may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. No indications of severe toxicity in cattle.
Suitable: Young pods (cooked), Mature seeds (cooked)
Critical: Raw pods, Raw seeds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain
Especially relevant: Raw consumption, Insufficient heating
Common bean contains the lectin phasin, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress when consumed raw. Thorough cooking destroys the toxin. Cooked pods and seeds are suitable for...
Suitable: Leaves, Young shoots, Flowers (sparingly)
Critical: Concentrated essential oils
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: High doses, Concentrated extracts
Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. No adverse effects are expected with normal culinary use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with epilepsy should avoid...
Suitable: Fruit (nut kernel)
Critical: Green fruit husks, Leaves, Roots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of leaves, husks, or roots, Feed contamination with fallen plant material
Nut kernels are edible for cattle and can be given occasionally as a treat. Other plant parts contain juglone, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. Feed should be...
Suitable: Leaves, Young shoots
Critical: Woody stems
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Woody parts difficult to digest
No direct species-specific source was found for cattle. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: leaves, young shoots, flower spikes
Critical: seeds, older tough stalks, roots
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Kidney strain with overconsumption
Especially relevant: High oxalic acid content in seeds and older stalks, Saponins may cause gastric irritation
Leaves, young shoots, and flower spikes of Good King Henry can be used in moderation as supplemental feed for cattle. Seeds, older stalks, and roots contain higher concentrations of...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Grazing animals, Fresh forage
Ground ivy contains essential oils and tannins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in cattle. While no specific cattle studies are available, a conservative assessment is made based...
Cattle
Plant part, amount, maturity, and the animal's individual situation can all matter here.
32 Plants
Suitable: Flesh
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds (raw)
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Overconsumption of seeds or green parts
The flesh of acorn squash is suitable for cattle in small amounts as a treat. Raw flesh may be difficult to digest. Seeds contain cucurbitacins, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation...
Suitable: Fruit flesh (without seeds), Peel (for untreated fruit)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds, especially wilted leaves and branches
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Access to fallen branches or pruned material, Ingestion of whole fruits (with seeds)
Apple leaves, stems, and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide upon digestion. Wilted leaves are particularly dangerous. While the fruit flesh may be safe...
Suitable: Ripe fruits (in very small quantities)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Mild gastrointestinal upset (if large quantities of raw berries are consumed)
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities of raw berries, Consumption of leaves, stems, or seeds
Aronia berries are generally considered non-toxic, but raw consumption in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to tartness. The plant is not a typical feed for cattle...
Suitable: Flesh
Critical: Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Seed ingestion
The flesh of the pawpaw is edible and nutritious for cattle, but the seeds are toxic and contain alkaloids that can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested. Only feed ripe flesh in small...
Suitable: ripe and unripe fruits
Critical: leaves, stems, seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, salivation
Especially relevant: High capsaicin content in leaves and seeds, Irritation of mucous membranes
Fruits can be fed in small amounts as a treat; leaves, stems, and seeds should be avoided due to capsaicin. Consumption of large amounts or in sensitive animals may cause gastrointestinal...
Suitable: ripe fruit (syconium)
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: Fruit pulp
Critical: Seeds, Leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Overconsumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds or leaves
No direct species-specific source was found for cattle. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Fruit skin
Critical: Seed/pit (contains cyanogenic glycosides), Leaves, Bark
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Trembling, Excessive drooling, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Access to fallen fruit with pits, Damaged or wilted leaves
The fruit flesh of the damson plum is safe for cattle in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized, leading to poisoning...
Suitable: Ripe fruit (flesh)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits, Green plant parts
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (if green plant parts or unripe fruit are consumed)
Especially relevant: Consumption of leaves, stems, or unripe fruit, Consumption of green plant parts
Ripe fruits are generally safe for cattle and can be fed in moderation as a treat. Green plant parts and unripe fruits contain solanine and are toxic. Feeding should be limited to ripe...
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Skin
Critical: Seeds (pit), Leaves, Bark
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Respiratory distress, Tremors, Mucosal irritation
Especially relevant: Pit ingestion, wilted leaves
Fruit flesh and skin are safe in moderation, but seeds, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which can release hydrogen cyanide. Contact a veterinarian if pit or leaf ingestion is suspected.
Suitable: fully ripe fruits
Critical: green unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
Especially relevant: consumption of unripe parts, ingestion of leaves or stems
Fully ripe goji berries may be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat, but unripe fruits and vegetative plant parts are potentially risky due to solanine content. No specific cattle...
Suitable: Fruit flesh
Critical: Seeds (pit), Leaves, Bark
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Cattle
These plants or plant parts are generally considered suitable based on the reviewed data. They are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
96 Plants
Suitable: Bulb, Leaves, Stems
Critical: Seeds in high concentrations, Essential oil
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset with overdose, Photosensitization possible at high doses
Especially relevant: Pregnancy, Excessive seed consumption
No direct species-specific source was found for cattle. This is a cautious inference from the sheep profile and the known plant-part risks.
Suitable: Leaves, Stems, Roots
Critical: Plants in the flowering stage (increased apiol content), Seeds (high furanocoumarin content)
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis) with very large quantities
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Consumption of flowering plants
Parsley is generally safe for cattle and is appreciated as feed. However, large quantities or consumption of flowering plants can lead to photosensitization due to apiol content. Quantity...
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: Roots
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overfeeding may cause digestive upset due to high water and sugar content.
Fruits are suitable for cattle as a treat; roots should be avoided as they are not known feed parts and may be indigestible. No known toxic compounds in the fruit.
Suitable: Leaves, Seeds, Flowers, Tender stems
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Phototoxicity possible with sap contact and UV light exposure
Dill is generally considered safe for cattle in normal feeding amounts. Essential oils may cause gastrointestinal irritation at very high doses. Phototoxic reactions are rare and occur only...
Suitable: Fruits, Leaves
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause digestive upset
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to cattle. Fruits and leaves can be fed as supplemental feed in moderation. No known toxic compounds or symptoms documented in cattle.
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers
Critical: Bulbs, Tubers
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption)
Especially relevant: Sensitive animals, Excessive consumption
Leaves and flowers are edible and can be fed in small amounts, but sensitive animals may experience gastrointestinal upset due to thiosulfates and disulfides, which are typical of Allium...
Suitable: Young shoots (asparagus spears)
Critical: Berries, Woody ends of spears, Mature fronds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of berries or mature plant parts, Overconsumption of young shoots
Young asparagus spears are tolerable for cattle in small amounts and can be fed as an occasional supplement. Berries and mature plant parts contain saponins and are toxic. Ingestion of...
Suitable: young leaves, flower buds
Critical: very pungent or old leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess, potentially thyroid issues in very high amounts
Especially relevant: excessive consumption, old or very pungent leaves
No reliable species-specific assessment for cattle is available. Yellow Rocket belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which can contain glucosinolates. Young leaves and flower buds can be...
Suitable: leaves, young shoots, flowers
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption, Concentrated forms (e.g., essential oils)
No specific toxicity data is available for cattle. However, basil is considered non-toxic to dogs and cats and is commonly consumed by humans as a culinary herb. In small, incidental...
Suitable: Root (taproot)
Critical: Leaves
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset, kidney strain with excessive intake
Especially relevant: excessive leaf consumption, pre-existing kidney issues
The taproot of beet is suitable for cattle in moderation as a supplemental feed, providing energy and some nutrients. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which in large quantities can cause...
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Roots
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption of leaves or stems., Wild foraging without washing (Echinococcus risk).
Fruits are safe in moderation and readily consumed by cattle. Leaves and stems contain tannins that may cause digestive upset if ingested in large quantities. When foraging wild, be aware...
Suitable: Seeds (beans), Very young pods, Tender shoot tips
Critical: Mature pod shells, Roots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Bloating, Diarrhea, Lethargy
Especially relevant: Raw consumption, Excessive consumption of mature pods
Edible parts (seeds, young pods, shoot tips) are suitable for cattle when cooked, but mature pod shells and roots contain lectins that may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Part-specific...
Cattle
The available evidence for this plant-animal combination is currently insufficient.
16 Plants
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
['Leaves and flowers of hyssop can be used in small amounts as a feed supplement, however consumption of essential oil or large amounts is not recommended due to thujone and pinene content...
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FAQ
The overview shows which plants are rated as suitable, restricted, critical, or unclear for cattle. Always check the specific plant part, such as fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, or tubers.
Restricted means that the plant or certain plant parts are not automatically unsafe, but may only be suitable for cattle in appropriate amounts, under control, or with extra caution.
Critical means the plant or certain plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the plant, access control in the garden may also be useful.
No. The information helps with garden safety decisions, but it does not replace veterinary advice. If risky plant parts were ingested, symptoms appear, or behavior changes, contact a veterinarian.
