Geese are strongly plant-oriented feeders and spend many hours grazing. They eat large amounts of plant material and may also browse garden plants, perennials, or young woody plants, so plant safety is especially important.
Quick help
Has your goose eaten a plant?
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.
Prevent further access to the plant.
Keep remaining plant material or take a clear photo of the plant.
Note the plant part, approximate amount, time, symptoms, and animal weight.
Check the urgency level and contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic if unsure.
Practical guidance
How to assess garden plants for goose
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.
After possible ingestion
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.
Do not wait for symptoms when immediate contact is recommended.
Do not give milk, oil, salt, or home remedies.
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately if severe restlessness, breathing problems, seizures, or rapid deterioration occur.
Plan the garden or enclosure
Geese graze intensively and also browse young woody plants. Provide enough suitable forage and clearly separate problematic plants from their range.
Keep critical plants and plant parts out of reach.
Remove cuttings, windfall fruit, wilted leaves, and compost regularly.
Check new plants before placing them in accessible areas.
As feed or a treat
The list shows which plants and plant parts are more suitable, restricted, or critical for goose. It is not a feeding plan and does not replace individual ration advice.
Offer only explicitly suitable plant parts.
Introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts.
Do not trial-feed entries with unclear evidence.
Goose
Search and compare plants
Cards start with the practical decision. Expand symptoms, reasoning, and evidence when needed.
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.
Goose
Critical / do not feed
These plants or plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the animal, access control in the garden may also be advisable.
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Blood in urine, Weakness, Elevated heart rate, Heinz body anemia
Especially relevant: All plant parts contain the toxic compound N-propyl disulfide, Geese are sensitive to hemolytic anemia from Allium compounds
Onions (Allium cepa) are toxic to geese due to N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolytic anemia. All plant parts are hazardous. No safe parts are known. Seek veterinary advice immediately...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Suitable: Shaft (white and light green), Leaves (tender, green parts), Flowers (as edible garnish)
Critical: Roots, Very tough, outer leaves, Woody flower stalk after bolting
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Anemia with repeated ingestion
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Repeated feeding
The edible shaft and tender leaves of leek can be given to geese in small amounts as an occasional treat, but repeated ingestion or large quantities pose a risk of hemolytic anemia due to...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Weakness, Tremors, Convulsions, Collapse, Death
Especially relevant: Ingestion of bitter almonds, Ingestion of leaves, stems, or bark
Sweet almond kernels are safe in very small amounts as a treat, provided they are shelled and processed. Bitter almonds and all other plant parts (leaves, stems, bark, fruit hulls) contain...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
Especially relevant: Seeds contain cyanogenic precursors, Leaves may be toxic
The fruit of blackthorn can be fed as an occasional treat in small amounts after processing or frost. Leaves and seeds contain amygdalin, which can hydrolyze to hydrogen cyanide and cause...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Liver strain with chronic intake
Especially relevant: Long-term consumption of large amounts, Consumption of older, hairy leaves
Young leaves and flowers of borage are tolerable for geese in small amounts but contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be hepatotoxic with excessive consumption. Older leaves, stems, and...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Lethargy
Especially relevant: Raw consumption, Consumption of large quantities
Edible parts (seeds, young pods, shoot tips) are suitable for geese when cooked, but mature pod shells and roots contain lectin-like compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Sensitive individuals
Chives contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in geese when consumed in large quantities. Leaves and flowers are suitable as an occasional treat in small...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Especially relevant: raw consumption, immature seeds
Common bean contains the lectin phasin, which causes gastrointestinal irritation when raw. Geese can tolerate cooked pods and seeds in moderation, but raw parts are toxic. No...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Suitable: Leaves, Young shoots, Flowers (sparingly)
Critical: Concentrated essential oils
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: High doses, Concentrated extracts
Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. Leaves, young shoots, and flowers can be fed in small amounts as treats, concentrated essential oils should be avoided. With normal...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of non-edible parts, Unripe or green nuts
The edible nut kernels are suitable for geese in small amounts as an occasional treat, but other plant parts contain juglone and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Feed only the shelled...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: High oxalate content may stress kidneys, Saponins can cause irritation
Leaves, young shoots, and flower spikes of Good King Henry may be suitable as supplemental feed for geese in small amounts, but they contain saponins and oxalic acid, which can cause...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Critical: All plant parts (especially in large quantities), Fumes during grating
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (in large quantities), Eye and mucous membrane irritation (from fumes)
Especially relevant: Large quantities of the plant, Sensitive animals
No specific information found regarding the toxicity of horseradish for geese. Glucosinolates may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. The plant is not known as a primary...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: High doses of essential oil, Neurotoxic effects at overdose
Leaves and flowers suitable as occasional treats in small amounts. Avoid essential oil due to thujone and pinene, which can be neurotoxic. Contact veterinarian if poisoning suspected.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Consumption of leaves, stems, or stones/seeds, Consumption of wilted plant material
While apricot fruit flesh may be safe in moderation as a treat for geese, leaves, stems, and stones/seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic. Geese with access to whole plants...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Cooked flesh of squash varieties is generally considered safe for birds, provided no sharp seeds or green plant parts are fed. However, data is limited.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Suitable: Fruit flesh (without seeds), Peel (for untreated fruit)
Critical: Seeds, Leaves, Stems, Bark
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock
Especially relevant: Consumption of seeds, leaves, stems, or wilted material, Consumption of large quantities
Apple fruit flesh (without seeds) can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Seeds, leaves, stems, and wilted plant material contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-05-29
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with large quantities or sensitive animals), Diarrhea, Vomiting (rare)
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Consumption of unripe fruits or other plant parts
Aronia berries are generally considered non-toxic, but raw berries can be very tart due to their high tannin content and may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess. Seeds...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Nausea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Consumption of seeds, Consumption of unripe fruit
Seeds and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and are toxic. Fully ripe flesh can be fed in small amounts as a treat, but overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset. No species-specific...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, restlessness
Especially relevant: hot cultivars, overfeeding
Ripe fruits may be given in very small amounts as an occasional treat, but irritation risk exists due to capsaicin. Leaves, stems, and seeds are unsuitable due to capsaicin and other...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Overconsumption of unripe fruits, Ingestion of seeds or leaves
The fruit pulp of Cornelian cherry is suitable for geese in small amounts as an occasional treat. Seeds are indigestible and leaves may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. No...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain
Especially relevant: Consumption of pits or leaves, Unripe fruit
The fruit flesh of the damson plum is suitable for geese in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin and can cause cyanide poisoning if ingested. Only feed ripe...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Respiratory distress
Especially relevant: Consumption of pits or leaves, Access to fallen fruit
The flesh of European plum is suitable for geese in small amounts as an occasional treat, however pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin which can release hydrogen cyanide. Poisoning is...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause digestive upset due to high water and sugar content., Leaves and stems contain small amounts of tannins that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities.
No direct species-specific source was found for geese. This is a cautious inference from the chickens profile and the known plant-part risks.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Especially relevant: Phototoxicity from plant sap contact combined with UV light
Dill is safe for geese in small amounts as a treat. All usual edible parts (leaves, seeds, flowers, tender stems) can be fed. Contact with plant sap combined with UV light poses a rare risk...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is edible and non-toxic for geese. Fruits and leaves can be fed as part of a varied diet. No known harmful compounds or species-specific poisoning cases...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
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.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of berries or mature plant parts, Overconsumption of young shoots
The young shoots of asparagus are suitable for geese in small amounts as an occasional treat. The red berries as well as woody ends and mature fronds contain saponins and can cause...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess, potentially thyroid issues in very high amounts
Especially relevant: overconsumption, old or very pungent leaves
No direct species-specific source was found for geese. This is a cautious inference from the chickens profile and the known plant-part risks of the Brassicaceae family. Young leaves and...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Especially relevant: Overconsumption
Basil is generally considered non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. There is no specific data on toxicity for geese, but due to its general safety profile and culinary use, it is considered...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Kidney strain with excessive intake
Especially relevant: Excessive leaf consumption, Pre-existing kidney issues
The root taproot is suitable for geese in small amounts as a treat. The leaves contain oxalic acid and should be avoided due to potential kidney strain and gastrointestinal irritation...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Especially relevant: Overfeeding may cause gas or digestive discomfort., Only feed fresh, unwilted parts.
Broccoli is suitable for geese in small amounts as a treat. The edible parts (flower buds, tender stems, young leaves) are nutrient-rich and well tolerated. Overfeeding may cause gas, as...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
The overview shows which plants are rated as suitable, restricted, critical, or unclear for goose. Always check the specific plant part, such as fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, or tubers.
What does restricted mean for goose?
Restricted means that the plant or certain plant parts are not automatically unsafe, but may only be suitable for goose in appropriate amounts, under control, or with extra caution.
What does critical mean for goose?
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.
Does this list replace veterinary advice?
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.
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