Spoiled Food
Can dogs eat moldy food?
If your dog ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Moldy food, compost, and garbage can carry tremor-inducing mold toxins that act fast and can be life-threatening, so exposure is treated as an emergency.
Toxic principle: tremorgenic mycotoxins, commonly penitrem A, produced by Penicillium molds
Watch for
- vomiting
- muscle tremors
- incoordination
- rapid heart rate
- elevated body temperature
- seizures
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat moldy food?
Moldy food, compost, and garbage can carry tremor-inducing mold toxins that act fast and can be life-threatening, so exposure is treated as an emergency.
What should I do if my dog ate moldy food?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with moldy food and dogs?
vomiting, muscle tremors, incoordination, rapid heart rate, elevated body temperature, seizures. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
Read our methodology for how every dog food verdict is sourced and reviewed.