Pet safety
Is Prince's feather toxic to dogs?
Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Mildly. The ASPCA lists prince's feather 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. Amaranthus hypochondriacus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental and grain species of Amaranthus contain oxalates and nitrates, which can cause gastrointestinal and potentially systemic problems in pets and livestock at significant doses. Treat as mildly toxic around pets, discourage access and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.
What to do if your dog ate prince's feather
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move prince's feather out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of prince's feather to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten prince's feather, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is prince's feather toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is prince's feather toxic to dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists prince's feather 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. Amaranthus hypochondriacus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental and grain species of Amaranthus contain oxalates and nitrates, which can cause gastrointestinal and potentially systemic problems in pets and livestock at significant doses. Treat as mildly toxic around pets, discourage access and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats prince's feather?
Amaranthus hypochondriacus is not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the genus Amaranthus includes A. retroflexus (pigweed), which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses due to soluble oxalates. The ornamental and grain species of Amaranthus contain oxalates and nitrates, which can cause gastrointestinal and potentially systemic problems in pets and livestock at significant doses. Treat as mildly toxic around pets, discourage access and contact a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 prince's feather.
What should I do if my dog ate prince's feather?
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 prince's feather toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Prince's feather is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full prince's feather pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to prince's feather?
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 prince's feather pet-safety
- Is prince's feather toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is prince's feather toxic to cats?
- My dog ate prince's feather — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete prince's feather care guide