Animal safety
Pigs are intelligent, curious omnivores. They investigate their surroundings intensely and sample many reachable plants. In runs or gardens, they may therefore eat plants that other animals would ignore.
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.
Pigs dig up roots and tubers and readily eat windfall fruit. Secure compost, storage areas, and problematic root zones particularly well.
The list shows which plants and plant parts are more suitable, restricted, or critical for pig. It is not a feeding plan and does not replace individual ration advice.
Pig
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.
Pig
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: Entire plant (leaves, stems, bulbs, flowers)
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Hemolytic anemia, Weakness, Lethargy, Pale mucous membranes, Jaundice, Dark urine
Especially relevant: Ingestion of significant quantities
Wild garlic belongs to the Allium genus, whose species contain thiosulfates that can cause hemolytic anemia in many animal species, including pigs. Although no specific data for pigs and...
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 plant parts contain the toxic compound N-propyl disulfide, Even small amounts can cause hemolytic anemia in pigs
Onions (Allium cepa) are toxic to pigs due to N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolytic anemia. All plant parts are hazardous. No safe feeding recommended. Seek veterinary advice...
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: 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.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Repeated feeding
Leek is suitable for pigs in normal amounts as part of a balanced diet, but certain parts like roots and tough outer leaves should be avoided. Like other Allium species, excessive...
Suitable: Sweet almonds (shelled seed kernels)
Critical: Bitter almonds, Leaves, stems, Fruit hull
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Possible symptoms: Respiratory distress, Weakness, Tremors, Convulsions, Coma, Death
Especially relevant: Access to bitter almond trees, Consumption of leaves, stems, or unprocessed/unshelled nuts
Sweet almonds (shelled seed kernels) can be offered in moderation as a treat. Bitter almonds, as well as leaves, stems, and other plant parts, contain amygdalin, which releases hydrocyanic...
Suitable: Fruit (processed or after frost)
Critical: Leaves, Seeds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties
Especially relevant: Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds or leaves
Sloe fruits can be fed as an occasional treat in small amounts after frost or processing. Leaves and seeds contain amygdalin, which can hydrolyze to hydrogen cyanide and pose a poisoning...
Suitable: Young leaves, Flowers
Critical: Older leaves, Stems, Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Liver strain with long-term consumption
Especially relevant: Long-term consumption, Consumption of older plant parts
Young leaves and flowers are safe for pigs in small amounts. Older leaves, stems, and seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be hepatotoxic with excessive consumption. No...
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: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Large quantities, Sensitive animals
Chives contain N-propyl disulfide, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in pigs when consumed in large quantities. Leaves and flowers are suitable as an occasional treat in small amounts...
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: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Tremors, Seizures
Especially relevant: High doses of essential oils, Use of 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: 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, Vomiting
Especially relevant: High oxalate content may stress kidneys, Saponins may irritate mucous membranes
Leaves, young shoots, and flower spikes of Good King Henry may be suitable for pigs in small amounts as supplemental feed, but contain saponins and oxalic acid that can cause...
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, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Access to fresh plant material
Ground ivy contains essential oils, tannins, and saponins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in pigs. Although no species-specific toxicity studies are available, a conservative...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: Leaves, Flowers
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: High doses, Concentrated oil
Hyssop contains essential oils with thujone and pinene that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in pigs when consumed in larger amounts. Leaves and flowers are not suitable as feed...
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers, Young shoot tips
Critical: Heavily woody stems at the base
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
Suitable: Leaf stalks (petioles) until end of June
Critical: Leaf blades (high oxalic acid content), Rhizome/Rootstock, Leaf stalks after end of June
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation
Especially relevant: High oxalic acid content in leaves and stalks after St. John's Day, Rootstock contains high concentrations
Leaf stalks are suitable as occasional treats in small amounts before end of June. Leaf blades, rhizome/rootstock, and stalks after end of June are toxic due to high oxalic acid...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: All plant parts, especially leaves and flowers in large quantities
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), Potentially hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic in high doses
Especially relevant: Ingestion of large quantities, Young or sick animals
Rosemary contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially other toxic effects in large quantities. There is no specific data on safety for pigs, therefore...
Suitable: cooked pods (young), cooked seeds (mature and immature), cooked flowers, cooked root tubers
Critical: raw seeds, raw pods
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 seeds or pods, insufficient cooking
['Runner bean contains the toxin phytohaemagglutinin when raw, which is destroyed by cooking. Cooked parts are suitable for pigs in moderation, raw parts are toxic.']
Pig
Plant part, amount, maturity, and the animal's individual situation can all matter here.
34 Plants
Suitable: Flesh
Critical: Stone, Leaves, Stems
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock, Brick red mucous membranes
Especially relevant: Consumption of stones, leaves, or wilted material, Consumption of large quantities of flesh
The flesh of ripe apricots is safe for pigs in moderation. However, the stones, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic. Wilted plant parts, in particular, can be...
Suitable: Flesh (cooked or baked)
Critical: Raw flesh, 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, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Overfeeding, Consumption of raw or immature parts
Cooked or baked flesh of acorn squash is suitable for pigs in small amounts as a treat. Raw or immature flesh, leaves, and stems may contain cucurbitacins and cause gastrointestinal upset...
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Peel (untreated)
Critical: Seeds, Leaves, Stems, Roots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, shock, brick red mucous membranes, panting
Especially relevant: Access to the whole plant (especially leaves, stems, seeds), Consumption of large quantities of seeds or wilted plant material
Apple flesh and peel (untreated) can be offered to pigs in moderation as a treat. However, seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be fed. Wilted plant...
Suitable: Ripe fruits (in moderation, preferably processed)
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (if large quantities of raw fruits are consumed), Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities of raw berries, Consumption of leaves or stems
Aronia fruits are suitable for pigs in moderation and preferably processed as a treat. Raw fruits, due to their high tannin content and tartness, may cause gastrointestinal upset if...
Suitable: Flesh
Critical: Seeds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Seed consumption, Unripe fruits
The flesh of the pawpaw is safe for pigs in moderation and can be given as a treat. The seeds contain alkaloids and are toxic; they must be removed before feeding. Unripe fruits may cause...
Suitable: ripe fruits
Critical: leaves, stems, unripe fruits, seeds
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling
Especially relevant: variety heat level, amount consumed
Ripe fruits may be given in very small amounts as a treat, but irritation risk exists due to capsaicin. Leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruits are not suitable and may cause...
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 with excessive consumption
Especially relevant: Unripe fruits are very astringent and may cause stomach irritation, Seeds are indigestible and may cause intestinal blockage
No reliable species-specific assessment is available.
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, Tremors, Mucosal irritation, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Access to fallen or rotting fruit with exposed pits, Chewing or crushing of pits
The flesh of the damson plum is safe for pigs and can be given as an occasional treat. The pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when crushed and may lead to...
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 green plant parts, Consumption of unripe fruit
Ripe fruits are safe for pigs in moderation. Green plant parts and unripe fruits contain solanine and should be avoided. Consumption of large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Suitable: Fruit flesh, Skin
Critical: Seeds (pit), Leaves, Bark
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Breathing difficulties, Weakness
Especially relevant: Access to fallen fruit with pits, Damaged or wilted leaves
The flesh of the plum is suitable for pigs in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which can release hydrogen cyanide and lead to poisoning symptoms. Pigs...
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 fruits, excessive consumption
Fully ripe goji berries are suitable for pigs in small amounts as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits and other plant parts contain solanine and other alkaloids that can cause...
Pig
These plants or plant parts are generally considered suitable based on the reviewed data. They are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
98 Plants
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) if large amounts of plants in the flowering stage are consumed
Especially relevant: Consumption of plants in the flowering stage, Consumption of large quantities
Parsley is generally safe for pigs, especially the leaves, stems, and roots. Consumption of large quantities, particularly of plants in the flowering stage, can lead to photosensitization...
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 plant sap contact and UV light
Dill is non-toxic to pigs but should be fed in moderation due to its essential oil content. Young leaves and seeds can be offered as treats. Contact with plant sap and sunlight poses a low...
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: Overfeeding may cause gastrointestinal upset
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to pigs. Fruits and leaves can be fed as treats. Overconsumption should be avoided to prevent digestive upset. No known toxic compounds. Basis...
Suitable: Leaves, Flowers
Critical: Bulbs, Tubers
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption)
Especially relevant: Sensitivity to sulfur compounds, Overconsumption
Leaves and flowers are edible in moderation, bulbs and tubers contain Allium-typical disulfides that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in pigs. Not suitable as primary feed.
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: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of berries or mature plant parts, Overconsumption of young shoots
Young asparagus spears are edible for pigs and can be fed occasionally as a treat. The red berries as well as woody ends and mature fronds contain saponins and are toxic. Overconsumption of...
Suitable: young leaves, flower buds
Critical: very pungent or 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 pigs is available. Yellow Rocket belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which can contain glucosinolates. Young leaves and flower buds can be fed in...
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.
Basil is a popular herb that may be safe for pigs in small quantities as a treat. Large amounts or concentrated essential oils should be avoided.
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: Overconsumption of leaves or stems., Wild-collected berries should be washed to avoid parasites such as Echinococcus.
Fruits suitable in moderation as treats; other plant parts contain tannins and may cause gastrointestinal upset in large quantities. When foraging wild, be aware of Echinococcus risk and...
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, Consumption of mature pods
In pigs, mature pod shells and roots may be irritant due to lectins; cooked seeds and young pods can be fed in moderation. Favism risk in humans is not known to apply to pigs.
Suitable: flower buds, tender stems, young leaves
Critical: verholzte Stielteile, verfaulte oder verschimmelte Partien
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Possible symptoms: gas, gastrointestinal discomfort from overfeeding
Especially relevant: overfeeding causes gas and discomfort, woody parts are difficult to digest
Broccoli is safe for pigs in moderation and provides nutritional value. Flower buds, tender stems, and young leaves can be given as supplemental feed. Due to high fiber and sulfur content...
Suitable: Buds (sprouts), 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.
Possible symptoms: Gas, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Gas and bloating from overconsumption.
Brussels sprouts are edible and non-toxic for pigs, with the sprouts being the preferred part. Young leaves can also be fed but are less palatable. Large amounts may cause gas and bloating...
Suitable: Leaves
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: Excessive consumption
Leaves of buck's-horn plantain are edible for pigs and are occasionally fed as a treat. Other plant parts such as flower stalks or seeds are not commonly used and their safety is not...
Pig
The available evidence for this plant-animal combination is currently insufficient.
25 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.
:
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, young shoots, and stems of Cochlearia are edible for pigs in small amounts and have been historically used as a vitamin C source. However, due to the pungent taste from mustard oil...
Suitable: No clearly suitable parts listed
Critical: No critical parts listed
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
['The edible nut kernels are safe for pigs in moderation and can be given as a treat. All other parts of the tree contain juglone and are toxic. Ingestion of toxic parts may cause...
Guides
Guide
Learn how to design a chicken-friendly garden with suitable plants, protected beds, and well-planned activity areas.
Guide
Keep your garden dog-safe by managing windfall fruit, seeds, stored crops, and potentially problematic plant parts.
Guide
Learn how to identify risks near horse pastures, fences, turnout areas, fruit trees, and garden planting zones.
Guide
Learn how to create a pet-safe herb garden with suitable herbs, thoughtful layouts, and practical maintenance strategies.
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 pig. 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 pig 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.
