Pet safety
Is Rainbow Chard toxic to cats?
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla 'Rainbow Chard'
No — rainbow chard is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Beta vulgaris is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses (the species page covers beet, chard and silverbeet). Note the practical caveat: mature leaves are high in soluble oxalic acid, so large raw quantities can cause GI upset and contribute to calcium-oxalate stones in susceptible pets.
Is rainbow chard toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is rainbow chard toxic to cats?
No — rainbow chard is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Beta vulgaris is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses (the species page covers beet, chard and silverbeet). Note the practical caveat: mature leaves are high in soluble oxalic acid, so large raw quantities can cause GI upset and contribute to calcium-oxalate stones in susceptible pets.
Is rainbow chard safe for cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists rainbow chard as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.
Is rainbow chard toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rainbow Chard is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full rainbow chard pet-safety guide for both species.
What other plants are safe for cats?
Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.
Full rainbow chard pet-safety
- Is rainbow chard toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is rainbow chard toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete rainbow chard care guide