Can dogs eat Rhubarb?
No - rhubarb is toxic to dogs, especially the leaves. It contains oxalates that can affect the kidneys and drop calcium levels. Keep dogs away from the plant in the garden and from rhubarb desserts.
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How much is safe?
None. Rhubarb is never safe for dogs - not even a little.
There is no safe amount of rhubarb for a dog, and the leaves in particular should be treated as dangerous. It is not a food to offer at all. Fence off or supervise garden rhubarb, and keep rhubarb desserts, which also carry a lot of sugar, out of reach.
Symptoms to watch for
Signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and lethargy. Because the oxalates bind calcium, a dog may develop tremors, weakness and, in more serious cases, signs of kidney trouble such as increased or decreased drinking and urination. Larger amounts of leaf are the most concerning.
Think they have eaten Rhubarb?
Contact your vet if your dog eats rhubarb, especially the leaves or a large amount of stalk, or if you see drooling, vomiting, tremors or weakness. Because the kidneys can be affected, it is worth getting advice promptly rather than waiting.
We read labels, we are not vets - in an emergency your vet is the only right answer.
What happens
Rhubarb contains oxalates, natural compounds that bind calcium and can affect the kidneys. The leaves hold by far the most and are the most dangerous part, which is why they are not eaten by people either, but the stalks contain some too. Dogs are most often exposed by chewing rhubarb plants in the garden or by getting into rhubarb crumble and other desserts.
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Common questions
Are rhubarb leaves poisonous to dogs?
Yes, the leaves are the most dangerous part, holding the highest level of oxalates, which can affect the kidneys and drop calcium. Keep dogs away from rhubarb plants and dispose of trimmed leaves where they cannot reach them.
Can dogs eat rhubarb crumble?
No. As well as the rhubarb itself, desserts are loaded with sugar, and some also contain raisins or other problem ingredients. Keep rhubarb crumble, pie and stewed rhubarb out of reach.
My dog chewed a rhubarb plant - what should I do?
Contact your vet, particularly if leaves were involved or your dog is drooling, vomiting or seems weak. The oxalates in rhubarb can affect the kidneys, so prompt advice is sensible.
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.