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Is Fava Bean toxic to dogs?

Vicia faba

Toxic to dogs

Yes — fava bean is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Vicia faba is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but it is a notable hazard: the beans contain vicine and convicine, which cause favism, a serious haemolytic (red-blood-cell-destroying) reaction in people and animals with G6PD deficiency, and the raw beans are otherwise hard to digest. Given this haemolytic risk, treat as toxic and keep beans, pods and plant parts away from pets; verify with a vet on any ingestion.

What to do if your dog ate fava bean

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move fava bean 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 fava bean to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is fava bean toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is fava bean toxic to dogs?

Yes — fava bean is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Vicia faba is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but it is a notable hazard: the beans contain vicine and convicine, which cause favism, a serious haemolytic (red-blood-cell-destroying) reaction in people and animals with G6PD deficiency, and the raw beans are otherwise hard to digest. Given this haemolytic risk, treat as toxic and keep beans, pods and plant parts away from pets; verify with a vet on any ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats fava bean?

Vicia faba is not individually listed on the ASPCA database, but it is a notable hazard: the beans contain vicine and convicine, which cause favism, a serious haemolytic (red-blood-cell-destroying) reaction in people and animals with G6PD deficiency, and the raw beans are otherwise hard to digest. Given this haemolytic risk, treat as toxic and keep beans, pods and plant parts away from pets; verify with a vet on any ingestion. 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 fava bean.

What should I do if my dog ate fava bean?

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 fava bean toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Fava Bean is toxic to cats as well. See the full fava bean pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to fava bean?

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 fava bean pet-safety