Animal safety
Dogs usually do not eat plants as a main food, but they may nibble leaves, grasses, fruit, and twigs out of curiosity, play, or boredom. Puppies and young dogs in particular often explore with their mouths and may pick up unsuitable plant parts.
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.
In a dog-friendly garden, windfall fruit, stones, compost, harvest waste, and accessible stores often matter more than the growing plant. Clear these areas regularly and protect beds if your dog digs or eats plant scraps.
The list shows which plants and plant parts are more suitable, restricted, or critical for dog. It is not a feeding plan and does not replace individual ration advice.
Dog
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.
Dog
These plants or plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the animal, access control in the garden may also be advisable.
23 Plants
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: leaves, stems
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis
Especially relevant: long-term consumption, excessive intake
Borage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be hepatotoxic. While young leaves and flowers are considered edible in small amounts for humans, feeding to dogs is not recommended due to...
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, Hemolytic anemia, Weakness, Blood in urine
Especially relevant: Amount, Frequency of feeding
Chives contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and hemolytic anemia in dogs. All plant parts are considered toxic. Even small amounts may cause symptoms in...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Stomach upset, Colic
Especially relevant: Large amounts
Lemon verbena contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. Small amounts used in cooking as flavoring are generally safe, but ingestion of plant parts is not...
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, Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), Blood in urine, Weakness, High heart rate, Panting
Especially relevant: All parts of the plant are toxic, Even small amounts can be dangerous
Onion (Allium cepa) contains N-propyl disulfide, which can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs. All plant parts are toxic, including raw, cooked, and dried forms. Seek veterinary advice...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers, Young shoot tips
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Ingestion of plant parts
Oregano contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. The leaves, flowers, and young shoot tips are considered toxic. Ingestion may lead to vomiting and...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Plant as a whole (especially during flowering stage)
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis)
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Plant during flowering stage
Large quantities are needed to cause this effect. Apiol content increases during the flowering stage.
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation
Especially relevant: Leaves contain high oxalic acid concentration, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June
Rhubarb leaves and rhizome contain soluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic to dogs. Leaf stalks may be consumed in very small amounts but also contain oxalates and are not suitable as...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Bulb, Leaves
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal irritation, Lethargy
Shallots belong to the Allium genus and contain sulfur compounds such as disulfides and thiosulfates that can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs. Although specific studies on shallots in dogs...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: leaves, stems
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset, weakness, muscle fasciculations, potential seizures from hypocalcemia, secondary renal injury from crystals
Especially relevant: large amounts, chronic ingestion
Sorrel contains soluble oxalates, which are toxic to dogs. Small amounts typically cause gastrointestinal upset; very large amounts can lead to weakness, muscle fasciculations, seizures...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Fruit (berries)
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, kidney failure
Especially relevant: Even small amounts can be dangerous, Individual sensitivity varies greatly
Table grapes (wine grapes) are toxic to dogs and can cause acute kidney failure. The exact toxic substance is unknown, but the danger is well documented. All parts of the fruit should be...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Young shoots
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Mild vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption
Tarragon contains essential oils and estragole, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs if consumed excessively. Culinary amounts as a herb are likely safe, but larger quantities...
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: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Drooling, Anorexia, Dermatitis, Depression
Especially relevant: Fresh plant material, Dried plant material
Yarrow contains glycoalkaloids and other compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in dogs. Young leaves and flowers, while edible for humans, are not suitable for...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Shaft (white and light green), Leaves (tender, green parts), Flowers (as edible garnish), Roots
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Lethargy, Pale mucous membranes, Increased heart rate
Especially relevant: Amount, Frequency of feeding
All parts of the leek contain disulfides and thiosulfates, which can cause oxidative stress and hemolysis in dogs. Even small amounts can cause symptoms in sensitive animals. No parts are...
Suitable: young leaves, flower buds
Critical: very pungent or old leaves
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: vomiting, gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: excessive consumption, consumption of older or pungent leaves
Due to the potential for gastrointestinal upset, especially with older or pungent leaves, feeding is not recommended.
Suitable: cooked pods, cooked seeds
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, immature pods
Common bean contains the lectin phasin, which causes gastrointestinal distress in dogs when consumed raw. Cooking destroys the toxin, making the bean digestible. Only cooked pods and seeds...
Suitable: Fruit (nut kernel)
Critical: Green fruit husks (staining, contain juglone), Leaves (contain juglone), Roots (contain juglone)
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: Ingestion of leaves, husks, or roots, Consumption of unripe or moldy nuts
The edible nut kernels are generally safe for dogs in small amounts, but other plant parts (leaves, green husks, roots) may cause gastrointestinal upset due to juglone content. Moldy nuts...
Dog
Plant part, amount, maturity, and the animal's individual situation can all matter here.
36 Plants
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Peel (for untreated fruit)
Critical: Seeds, Stems, Leaves, Wilted material
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, stems, or leaves, especially in large quantities or if the material is wilted.
Apple flesh and peel (untreated) are safe for dogs in moderation as a treat. However, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic and can be metabolized into...
Suitable: Flesh (without the stone)
Critical: Stones (seeds), Leaves, Stems
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Ingestion of stones/seeds, leaves, or stems, Wilting plant material (increases toxicity)
Apricot flesh is safe for dogs in small amounts as an occasional treat. However, the stones (seeds), leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic and can lead to cyanide...
Suitable: Fruit, Flowers
Critical: Stems, Leaves, Seeds
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Cucumbers are safe for dogs in normal amounts. The fruit is non-toxic and often used as a low-calorie treat. Exercise caution with bitter-tasting fruits, as they may contain cucurbitacins...
Suitable: Leaves (in small amounts, from common culinary mints)
Critical: Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) (all parts), large quantities of other mint varieties, concentrated essential oils, Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Concentrated essential oils
Most common culinary mints are safe for dogs in small amounts. Large quantities or ingestion of Pennyroyal mint can cause gastrointestinal upset. Essential oils are concentrated and should...
Suitable: Fruit flesh
Critical: Seeds, Rind
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset from excessive consumption of seeds or rind
Especially relevant: Consumption of unripe fruit, Consumption of seeds in large amounts
The ripe fruit flesh of muskmelon is safe for dogs in moderation and is commonly used as a treat. Seeds and rind should be removed as they can cause digestive issues. The plant itself is...
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Skin
Critical: Pit (contains amygdalin), Leaves, Stems
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, brick red mucous membranes, panting, shock
Especially relevant: Consumption of wilted leaves or stems, Chewing or swallowing pits
Peach fruit flesh is safe for dogs in small amounts as a treat, but the pit, leaves, and stems contain amygdalin, which can metabolize to cyanide and cause poisoning. Wilted foliage poses...
Suitable: Flesh
Critical: Pits, Stems, Leaves
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Shock, Dilated pupils
Especially relevant: Ingestion of pits, stems, or leaves, wilted foliage increases risk
The flesh of sweet cherry is safe for dogs in small amounts, but pits, stems, and leaves are toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides. Wilted foliage poses an increased risk. If ingestion of...
Suitable: Flesh (cooked/baked)
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: Excessive consumption of leaves or stems, Consumption of raw seeds
The flesh of acorn squash is safe for dogs in small amounts and can serve as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and raw seeds contain cucurbitacins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset...
Suitable: Sweet almond kernels (shelled, unsalted)
Critical: Bitter almond kernels, Fruit hull, Hard inner shell (endocarp), Leaves
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Lethargy, Respiratory distress
Especially relevant: Ingestion of bitter almonds, Ingestion of shells or hulls (choking hazard, gastrointestinal obstruction)
Sweet almond kernels (shelled, unsalted) are generally considered safe for dogs in moderation. Bitter almonds, often found in wild varieties, contain amygdalin, which releases hydrogen...
Suitable: Ripe fruits (in moderation)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Overconsumption of fruits, Consumption of large quantities of other plant parts (leaves, stems, seeds)
Aronia berries are considered non-toxic to dogs. However, large quantities of the raw, tart berries or other plant material (leaves, stems, seeds) may cause mild gastrointestinal upset...
Suitable: Ripe fruit flesh (without seeds)
Critical: Seeds, Unripe fruits
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, Ingestion of unripe fruits
The flesh of ripe pawpaw fruit is considered safe, but the seeds are toxic and can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Unripe fruits can also cause digestive issues. Due to the risk...
Suitable: ripe and unripe fruits (without seeds)
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Fruits can be given in small amounts as treats, but seeds and cores should be avoided. No direct species-specific toxicity data for dogs is available, but general plant tolerance and the...
Dog
These plants or plant parts are generally considered suitable based on the reviewed data. They are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
107 Plants
Suitable: Bulb, Leaves, Seeds, 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: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Concentrated essential oil should be avoided.
Fennel is generally safe for dogs in typical amounts. All edible parts (bulb, leaves, seeds, stems, pollen) can be fed. Concentrated essential oil poses a risk and should be avoided. No...
Suitable: Fruits
Critical: Stems, Leaves, Seeds
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset due to sugar and fiber content.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
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: Excessive consumption
Excessive consumption, as with any plant material, could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
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 from sap contact with UV light (rare)
Dill is considered non-toxic for dogs. All commonly edible parts (leaves, seeds, flowers, tender stems) can be fed in small amounts as a treat. Contact with plant sap and sunlight poses a...
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 gastrointestinal upset
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to dogs. Fruits and leaves can be fed in moderation as treats. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. No known toxic compounds.
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers
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: Sensitivity to Allium compounds, Excessive consumption
Leaves and flowers of Allium ramosum are edible for dogs in small amounts but may cause gastrointestinal upset in sensitive animals. No known severe toxicity.
Suitable: Young shoots (asparagus spears)
Critical: Berries, Woody ends of spears, Mature fronds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Consumption of berries or mature plant parts, Overconsumption of young shoots
Young asparagus spears are suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat. Berries and mature plant parts contain saponins and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Woody ends are difficult to...
Suitable: Root (beetroot)
Critical: Leaves (in large quantities)
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Ingestion of large quantities of leaves, Individual sensitivity
Beetroot (root) is considered non-toxic to dogs and can be offered in moderation as a treat. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in large quantities. As...
Suitable: Fruits
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 excessive consumption
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset due to high fiber and tannin content., Wild-collected berries should be thoroughly washed to minimize the risk of fox tapeworm eggs.
Berries are safe for dogs in moderation and are occasionally fed as treats. Leaves can be used for tea but are not a regular part of canine diet. Excessive consumption can lead to temporary...
Suitable: Fruit (after frost or processed)
Critical: No critical parts listed
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Fruits are suitable in small amounts for dogs as a treat after frost or processing. Leaves and seeds should be avoided as they contain amygdalin, which can be converted to hydrocyanic acid...
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: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain
Especially relevant: Raw consumption of large quantities, Consumption of mature pod shells or roots
The edible parts (seeds, young pods, shoot tips) are suitable for dogs in small amounts as treats, but contain phasin, which is destroyed by cooking. Mature pod shells and roots are tough...
Suitable: flower buds, tender stems, young leaves
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: Gas and bloating from overconsumption
Broccoli is suitable for dogs in small amounts as a treat. The edible parts (flower buds, tender stems, young leaves) are non-toxic but may cause gas and bloating if overconsumed. Woody...
Dog
The available evidence for this plant-animal combination is currently insufficient.
14 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.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Guides
Guide
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Learn how to create a pet-safe herb garden with suitable herbs, thoughtful layouts, and practical maintenance strategies.
Guide
Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
Guide
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Guide
Learn how to grow tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants safely in pet-friendly gardens and understand plant-part risks.
FAQ
The overview shows which plants are rated as suitable, restricted, critical, or unclear for dog. 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 dog 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.
