Pet safety
Is New Zealand Spinachtoxic to cats & dogs?
Tetragonia tetragonioides
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Tetragonia tetragonioides
Is new zealand spinach safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags new zealand spinach as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. Tetragonia tetragonioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; treat it with caution and verify with a vet. It is also genuinely high in oxalic acid (this is why people blanch it before eating), so meaningful ingestion could cause GI upset and oxalate-related effects in pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats new zealand spinach?
Tetragonia tetragonioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; treat it with caution and verify with a vet. It is also genuinely high in oxalic acid (this is why people blanch it before eating), so meaningful ingestion could cause GI upset and oxalate-related effects in pets. 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 new zealand spinach, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate new zealand spinach
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move new zealand spinach 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 new zealand spinach 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 new zealand spinach
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)
New Zealand Spinach and pets — frequently asked questions
Is new zealand spinach toxic to cats?
New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Tetragonia tetragonioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; treat it with caution and verify with a vet. It is also genuinely high in oxalic acid (this is why people blanch it before eating), so meaningful ingestion could cause GI upset and oxalate-related effects in pets. 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 new zealand spinach toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like new zealand spinach is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats new zealand spinach?
Tetragonia tetragonioides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its pet status is unconfirmed; treat it with caution and verify with a vet. It is also genuinely high in oxalic acid (this is why people blanch it before eating), so meaningful ingestion could cause GI upset and oxalate-related effects in pets. 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 new zealand spinach, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate new zealand spinach?
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 new zealand spinach to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to new zealand spinach?
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 new zealand spinach care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete new zealand spinach care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.