Onions, Garlic & Allium
Can dogs and cats eat chives?
Short answer on chives: toxic for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Call ASPCA: (888) 426-4435One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a toxic verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
Chives safety for dogs
Chives belong to the same Allium family as onions and garlic and carry the same red blood cell damaging risk for dogs.
Toxic principle: N-propyl disulfide and related organosulfur compounds (oxidative red blood cell damage)
Watch for
- lethargy
- pale gums
- elevated heart rate
- weakness
- reddish or dark urine
- vomiting
- collapse
Chives safety for cats
Chives are toxic to cats through the same mechanism as onions and garlic, and cats are considered more sensitive overall to Allium plants.
Toxic principle: N-propyl disulfide and related organosulfur compounds (oxidative red blood cell damage)
Watch for
- lethargy
- pale gums
- elevated heart rate
- weakness
- reddish or dark urine
- vomiting
- collapse
Questions owners ask about chives
Can dogs eat chives?
Chives belong to the same Allium family as onions and garlic and carry the same red blood cell damaging risk for dogs.
What should I do if my dog ate chives?
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 chives and dogs?
lethargy, pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, reddish or dark urine, vomiting, collapse. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat chives?
Chives are toxic to cats through the same mechanism as onions and garlic, and cats are considered more sensitive overall to Allium plants.
What should I do if my cat ate chives?
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 chives and cats?
lethargy, pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, reddish or dark urine, vomiting, collapse. 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.
More onions, garlic & allium
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.