Can dogs eat rhubarb?
No. Keep rhubarb away from dogs. Rhubarb is listed as toxic to dogs, and its leaves contain soluble oxalates in dangerous concentrations. Eating it can cause vomiting, drooling, trembling, low blood calcium and kidney injury.
Updated:
Why
Rhubarb leaves contain soluble oxalates (oxalic acid), which can cause problems with a dog's nervous system, digestive tract and kidneys and can lower calcium levels. Pet Poison Helpline says the stalks contain very little oxalate and are nontoxic, but the ASPCA lists rhubarb as toxic to dogs, so we use the stricter level and advise keeping all of it away. Dogs are rarely interested in the plant, because the leaves taste bitter.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Trembling
- Low blood calcium
- Signs of kidney injury, such as peeing a lot
What to do
If your dog ate rhubarb, especially the leaves, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline right away.
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Are rhubarb stalks safe for dogs?
The stalks contain very little oxalate, and Pet Poison Helpline calls them nontoxic. But the ASPCA lists rhubarb as toxic to dogs, so it is best to keep all of it away.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarium) — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (no date)
- Rhubarb — Pet Poison Helpline (no date)
- Rhubarb Toxicity — Pet Poison Helpline, Catherine Angle DVM (published 2014-10-21; modified 2026-05-27)
- Fruit and vegetables: safe and dangerous for dogs — Paddock Park Animal Care Center, Ocala FL (PetVet Care Centers; no author/date)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.