Can dogs eat rhubarb?
UnsafeNo — best avoided. Rhubarb leaves are toxic to dogs (they contain soluble calcium oxalates), and the stalks are high in oxalic acid. A lick of cooked rhubarb in a pie is low-risk, but raw plant material — especially the leaves — can cause real problems.
Rhubarb is one of those garden plants that's riskier than it looks. The leaves are the dangerous part, and dogs with access to a vegetable patch are the ones most likely to get into trouble.
Watch out for
- Leaves are toxic — they contain soluble calcium oxalates that can bind calcium and, in larger amounts, affect the kidneys.
- Stalks are high in oxalic acid — even the edible part irritates the mouth and gut and offers dogs no benefit.
- Early signs: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite.
- Larger ingestions: tremors, weakness, and (rarely) kidney involvement — a vet visit, not a wait-and-see.
- Garden risk — dogs are most likely to chew raw rhubarb leaves or stalks straight from the plant.
Frequently asked
My dog ate rhubarb — what should I do?
Note which part (leaf or stalk) and how much, then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control ((888) 426-4435). A small lick of cooked rhubarb is usually mild; raw leaves or a large amount warrant a prompt call.
Are rhubarb leaves poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the leaves are the most dangerous part. They contain soluble calcium oxalates that can cause drooling, vomiting, and, in larger amounts, affect calcium balance and the kidneys.
Can dogs eat cooked rhubarb or rhubarb pie?
It's still best avoided. Cooking doesn't remove the oxalic acid, and pie adds sugar (and sometimes xylitol, which is toxic). A small accidental lick rarely causes more than mild stomach upset, but it's not a treat to offer.
What are the symptoms of rhubarb poisoning in dogs?
Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite early on. Larger ingestions can cause tremors, weakness, and rarely kidney signs. Any of these after eating rhubarb means call the vet.
How much rhubarb is dangerous for a dog?
There's no precise safe dose — it depends on the dog's size and the amount and part eaten. Treat the leaves as toxic at any meaningful amount, and call your vet for guidance rather than guessing.
Primary sources
This guide draws on the following authorities. Specific clinical decisions for your pet should always be made with your vet.
More food guides
Check our toxic-food tool for quick answers, or ask CRO about your specific dog.
This guide is educational and based on US veterinary sources. Individual dogs react differently — introduce any new food slowly, and speak to your vet if your dog has medical conditions like pancreatitis, diabetes, or allergies.