Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is New Zealand Spinach toxic to dogs?

Tetragonia tetragonioides

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists new zealand spinach 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. 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.

What to do if your dog ate new zealand spinach

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

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

Is new zealand spinach toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is new zealand spinach toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists new zealand spinach 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. 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.

What are the symptoms if a dog 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 — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to new zealand spinach.

What should I do if my dog ate new zealand spinach?

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 new zealand spinach toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: New Zealand Spinach is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full new zealand spinach pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to new zealand spinach?

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 new zealand spinach pet-safety