Spoiled Food
Can dogs and cats eat moldy food?
Compare the dog and cat answers together, then open the full guide for the pet you are asking about.
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 emergency verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Compare the bottom line below, then use the full guide for your pet.
- Bottom line differs
Moldy Food safety for dogs
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
Moldy Food safety for cats
The same fast-acting mold toxins that endanger dogs can poison cats, and any suspected exposure should be treated with the same urgency.
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
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 verdict is sourced and reviewed.