Not Safe for Dogs
Medium dog serving: never
Key warning: all parts of rhubarb — leaves are extremely toxic, stalks also dangerous
Can Dogs Eat Rhubarb? No — Oxalic Acid Causes Kidney Damage
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Rhubarb is toxic to dogs. The leaves contain very high concentrations of oxalic acid causing kidney damage. The stalks also contain oxalic acid though at lower concentrations. Both parts should be avoided entirely.
Search another food
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Oxalic acid toxicity: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, bloody urine, kidney failure. Leaves are much more toxic than stalks. Even small amounts of leaves can cause serious kidney damage.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 if significant amount consumed.
What to Avoid
all parts of rhubarb — leaves are extremely toxic, stalks also dangerous
Preparation & Serving
Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately especially if leaves consumed.
Did you know?
Rhubarb is one of the very few vegetables so toxic to humans in its leaves that it has caused fatal poisonings. During World War I when food was scarce British government officials mistakenly encouraged people to eat rhubarb leaves as a vegetable leading to illnesses and deaths. The leaves contain enough oxalic acid that even human consumption of large amounts is dangerous.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 21
- Safe frequency
- Never
Source
What You Need to Know
Rhubarb leaves are extremely high in oxalic acid and are classified as toxic to both humans and dogs. The stalks used in cooking contain lower but still significant oxalic acid levels. Dogs that access garden rhubarb or rhubarb desserts are at risk. Never give dogs any part of the rhubarb plant and keep garden rhubarb inaccessible.
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 quizIf Your Dog Ate This — Act Now
- Dog Food Toxicity CalculatorCheck severity based on your dog's weight
- Emergency GuideWhat to do in the next 60 minutes
- Dog Poisoning SymptomsKnow what to watch for
- Dog Poisoning TreatmentWhat vets actually do
- Emergency Vet CostHow much will treatment cost?
- Best Pet InsuranceBe prepared before the next emergency
Related Foods
Stay in the loop
Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.