Can Dogs Eat Holly? No — Berries Cause GI Distress and Are Most Dangerous
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Holly plants including English holly and American holly are toxic to dogs. The bright red berries are most dangerous as dogs are attracted to them. Holly causes GI distress and in large amounts more serious symptoms.
Search another food
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, lethargy, head shaking, lip smacking (from bitter taste). Large amounts: more serious GI symptoms.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately.
What to Avoid
all parts especially berries
Preparation & Serving
Call vet if significant amount consumed especially berries. Monitor for GI symptoms.
Did you know?
Holly berries remain on the plant through winter because birds that eat them cannot digest the seeds but can pass them — dispersing holly plants over wide areas. Dogs attracted to the bright red berries during winter holidays face the same risk as any holly ingestion.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 0
- Safe frequency
- Never
Source
What You Need to Know
Holly berries contain saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens. While rarely fatal compared to some toxic plants holly causes significant GI distress. The berries are most dangerous and most palatable. Dogs often eat them from plants in the garden or from holiday decorations. Both English (Ilex aquifolium) and American (Ilex opaca) holly are toxic.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety quiz to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety quizRelated Foods
Stay in the loop
Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.