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Pet safety

Is Asparagus toxic to dogs?

Asparagus officinalis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists asparagus as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Asparagus officinalis as toxic to cats and dogs due to sapogenins, especially the red berries on female plants. Spears are safe; berries cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

What to do if your dog ate asparagus

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move asparagus out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of asparagus to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten asparagus, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is asparagus toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is asparagus toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists asparagus as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Asparagus officinalis as toxic to cats and dogs due to sapogenins, especially the red berries on female plants. Spears are safe; berries cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats asparagus?

ASPCA lists Asparagus officinalis as toxic to cats and dogs due to sapogenins, especially the red berries on female plants. Spears are safe; berries cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to asparagus.

What should I do if my dog ate asparagus?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is asparagus toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Asparagus is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full asparagus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to asparagus?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full asparagus pet-safety