Onions, Garlic & Allium
Can dogs and cats eat leeks?
Short answer on leeks: 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
Leeks safety for dogs
Leeks are an Allium vegetable and carry the same anemia risk for dogs as onions and garlic.
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
Leeks safety for cats
Leeks pose the same red blood cell damage risk to cats as other Allium vegetables, and cats are considered especially sensitive.
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 leeks
Can dogs eat leeks?
Leeks are an Allium vegetable and carry the same anemia risk for dogs as onions and garlic.
What should I do if my dog ate leeks?
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 leeks 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 leeks?
Leeks pose the same red blood cell damage risk to cats as other Allium vegetables, and cats are considered especially sensitive.
What should I do if my cat ate leeks?
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 leeks 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.