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Can dogs and cats eat hops?

Short answer on hops: a veterinary emergency for dogs, toxic for cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

The verdict changes by species: emergency for dogs and toxic for cats.

The two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line, named hazard, and signs to watch for your pet below.

  • Safety label differs
  • Bottom line differs
  • Named hazard differs
  • Signs to watch differs
Emergency

Hops safety for dogs

Hops used in home brewing can trigger a runaway rise in body temperature in dogs that is often fatal without immediate treatment.

Toxic principle: unidentified compound that triggers a malignant hyperthermia-like reaction

Watch for

  • panting
  • restlessness
  • agitation
  • rapid heart rate
  • markedly elevated body temperature
  • seizures
  • death if untreated

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-12

Toxic

Hops safety for cats

Hops toxicity is far better documented in dogs than cats, but because no safe amount has been established, any hops exposure in a cat should be treated with the same urgency.

Toxic principle: unidentified compound suspected to trigger the same reaction seen in dogs; not well documented in cats

Watch for

  • panting
  • restlessness
  • agitation
  • rapid heart rate
  • elevated body temperature
  • seizures

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-12

Questions owners ask about hops

Can dogs eat hops?

Hops used in home brewing can trigger a runaway rise in body temperature in dogs that is often fatal without immediate treatment.

What should I do if my dog ate hops?

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 hops and dogs?

panting, restlessness, agitation, rapid heart rate, markedly elevated body temperature, seizures, death if untreated. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

Can cats eat hops?

Hops toxicity is far better documented in dogs than cats, but because no safe amount has been established, any hops exposure in a cat should be treated with the same urgency.

What should I do if my cat ate hops?

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 hops and cats?

panting, restlessness, agitation, 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.

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Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.