Can dogs eat Mouldy food?
No - Mouldy food is toxic to dogs
No - mouldy food is dangerous and can cause rapid tremors and seizures. Mouldy bread, cheese, nuts and food waste contain toxins that act fast. Keep bins and compost secure.
Last reviewed
How much is safe?
None. Mouldy food is never safe for dogs - not even a little.
There is no safe amount of mouldy food for a dog. Anything past its best should go into a secure bin, not a dog. Compost heaps and open bins are a particular hazard, so it is worth keeping them fenced off or firmly closed to stop scavenging.
Symptoms to watch for
Signs come on quickly and include muscle tremors, twitching, agitation, a lack of coordination, drooling, vomiting, a raised temperature and, in serious cases, seizures. Because the toxins act fast, symptoms can appear within hours of a dog raiding the bin or the compost.
Think they have eaten Mouldy food?
Contact your vet or an emergency line immediately if your dog eats mouldy food and shows tremors, twitching, agitation or seizures, or if you know they have raided the bin or compost. The toxins act fast, so prompt treatment is important.
We read labels, we are not vets - in an emergency your vet is the only right answer.
What happens
Some moulds that grow on old food produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, substances that act quickly on a dog's nervous system and can cause tremors and seizures. Mouldy bread, cheese, pasta, nuts and general food waste are all possible sources, and compost heaps and bins are classic danger spots because they are full of decomposing food. The toxins can take effect within an hour or two.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can mouldy food really cause seizures in dogs?
Yes. Some moulds produce tremorgenic mycotoxins that act quickly on the nervous system, causing tremors and, in serious cases, seizures. Bins and compost heaps are common sources, so keep them secure.
My dog raided the bin - should I be worried?
Watch closely for tremors, twitching, agitation or a lack of coordination, which can appear within hours, and contact your vet if you see any or know there was mouldy food. Bins are a common source of these toxins.
Is it safe to feed food if I scrape the mould off?
No. The toxins can spread through food beyond the visible mould, so scraping it off does not make the rest safe. Throw spoiled food away in a secure bin rather than giving it to your dog.
Sources
Veterinary and animal-welfare references behind this verdict. We are not vets - these are the published sources we read.
- Food Hazards in Animals MSD Veterinary Manual
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Foods Dogs Can't Eat Battersea
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.