✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last reviewed: 2026-04
Can dogs eat rhubarb?
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The full picture
Rhubarb is a classic British garden plant that causes vet visits every spring. The leaves are the most toxic part — high in oxalic acid and oxalate crystals that bind with calcium and can cause kidney problems. Stems contain less but still enough to cause issues. Rhubarb desserts add sugar and sometimes pastry. Keep dogs away from rhubarb plants in the garden and never offer rhubarb in any form.
If your dog has already eaten rhubarb
- Call your vet, especially if leaves were eaten
- Watch for drooling, weakness, tremors — call immediately if these appear
- Bring photos of the plant if possible
Risks to watch for
- Kidney damage from oxalates
- Low blood calcium
- Tremors
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Excessive drooling
Safe portion size
None.
Safer alternatives
- Apple slices
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
While you're checking what your dog can safely eat, make sure their flea and worm protection is up to date too.
Common questions
What happens if a dog eats rhubarb?
- Call your vet, especially if leaves were eaten
- Watch for drooling, weakness, tremors — call immediately if these appear
- Bring photos of the plant if possible
What are the symptoms of rhubarb poisoning in dogs?
Common signs include: Kidney damage from oxalates; Low blood calcium; Tremors. Symptoms may appear within hours. Contact your vet immediately.
How much rhubarb is toxic to dogs?
There is no safe amount of rhubarb for dogs. Even small quantities can cause harm depending on your dog's size and health. Treat any ingestion as potentially serious.
Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.