Pet safety
Is Buffaloberrytoxic to cats & dogs?
Shepherdia argentea
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Shepherdia argentea
Is buffaloberry safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Buffaloberry is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Shepherdia argentea is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is uncertain; note it is a different genus from the non-toxic ASPCA-listed Elaeagnus 'silver berry.' The ripe berries are traditionally eaten by people (though saponin-rich and soapy when raw), but treat as uncertain for pets and verify with a vet before allowing access. Keep cats, dogs, and horses from browsing it.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats buffaloberry?
Shepherdia argentea is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is uncertain; note it is a different genus from the non-toxic ASPCA-listed Elaeagnus 'silver berry.' The ripe berries are traditionally eaten by people (though saponin-rich and soapy when raw), but treat as uncertain for pets and verify with a vet before allowing access. Keep cats, dogs, and horses from browsing it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to buffaloberry, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate buffaloberry
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move buffaloberry out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of buffaloberry to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to buffaloberry
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Buffaloberry and pets — frequently asked questions
Is buffaloberry toxic to cats?
Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Shepherdia argentea is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is uncertain; note it is a different genus from the non-toxic ASPCA-listed Elaeagnus 'silver berry.' The ripe berries are traditionally eaten by people (though saponin-rich and soapy when raw), but treat as uncertain for pets and verify with a vet before allowing access. Keep cats, dogs, and horses from browsing it. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is buffaloberry toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like buffaloberry is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats buffaloberry?
Shepherdia argentea is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is uncertain; note it is a different genus from the non-toxic ASPCA-listed Elaeagnus 'silver berry.' The ripe berries are traditionally eaten by people (though saponin-rich and soapy when raw), but treat as uncertain for pets and verify with a vet before allowing access. Keep cats, dogs, and horses from browsing it. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to buffaloberry, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate buffaloberry?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of buffaloberry to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to buffaloberry?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full buffaloberry care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete buffaloberry care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.