Is Zizania aquatica toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists zizania aquatica 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. Zizania aquatica is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Its grain is a traditional human food and waterfowl staple, but with no ASPCA classification for cats and dogs a pet-safe claim is not asserted.

Zizania aquatica is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Its grain is a traditional human food and waterfowl staple, but with no ASPCA classification for cats and dogs a pet-safe claim is not asserted. 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 zizania aquatica.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Zizania aquatica is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full zizania aquatica pet-safety guide for both species.

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.