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Is Hottentot Fig toxic to dogs?

Carpobrotus edulis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hottentot fig 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. Carpobrotus edulis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs. The fruits are edible for humans with a salty, astringent, sour flavour and have a long history of food use in South Africa. However, the plant is not formally assessed by ASPCA for pets; large quantities of any succulent may cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. The fruits and leaves are the edible parts; consume ripe fruit in moderation.

What to do if your dog ate hottentot fig

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

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

Is hottentot fig toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is hottentot fig toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hottentot fig 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. Carpobrotus edulis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs. The fruits are edible for humans with a salty, astringent, sour flavour and have a long history of food use in South Africa. However, the plant is not formally assessed by ASPCA for pets; large quantities of any succulent may cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. The fruits and leaves are the edible parts; consume ripe fruit in moderation.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats hottentot fig?

Carpobrotus edulis is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs. The fruits are edible for humans with a salty, astringent, sour flavour and have a long history of food use in South Africa. However, the plant is not formally assessed by ASPCA for pets; large quantities of any succulent may cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. The fruits and leaves are the edible parts; consume ripe fruit in moderation. 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 hottentot fig.

What should I do if my dog ate hottentot fig?

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 hottentot fig toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to hottentot fig?

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 hottentot fig pet-safety