Pet safety
Is Scarlet Kale toxic to dogs?
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica 'Scarlet'
Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet kale 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. Garden kale (Brassica oleracea) is not individually listed by the ASPCA and is generally non-toxic to dogs, but it contains N-propyl disulfide and thiocyanate/isothiocyanate compounds that can cause Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in cats and GI irritation with repeated or large feeding. Treat as unsafe for cats in quantity and verify with a vet before feeding.
What to do if your dog ate scarlet kale
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move scarlet kale 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 scarlet kale to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten scarlet kale, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is scarlet kale toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is scarlet kale toxic to dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet kale 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. Garden kale (Brassica oleracea) is not individually listed by the ASPCA and is generally non-toxic to dogs, but it contains N-propyl disulfide and thiocyanate/isothiocyanate compounds that can cause Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in cats and GI irritation with repeated or large feeding. Treat as unsafe for cats in quantity and verify with a vet before feeding.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats scarlet kale?
Garden kale (Brassica oleracea) is not individually listed by the ASPCA and is generally non-toxic to dogs, but it contains N-propyl disulfide and thiocyanate/isothiocyanate compounds that can cause Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in cats and GI irritation with repeated or large feeding. Treat as unsafe for cats in quantity and verify with a vet before feeding. 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 scarlet kale.
What should I do if my dog ate scarlet kale?
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 scarlet kale toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Scarlet Kale is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full scarlet kale pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to scarlet kale?
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 scarlet kale pet-safety
- Is scarlet kale toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is scarlet kale toxic to cats?
- My dog ate scarlet kale — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete scarlet kale care guide