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Can dogs and cats eat rhubarb?

Short answer on rhubarb: toxic for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.

One 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 and signs to watch for your pet below.

  • Bottom line differs
  • Signs to watch differs
Toxic

Rhubarb safety for dogs

Dogs should not eat rhubarb. Soluble oxalates occur throughout the plant and are most concentrated in the leaves. Contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 after an exposure.

Toxic principle: Soluble oxalates, with the highest concentration in the leaves

Watch for

  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Changes in thirst or urination

Sources

Reviewed 2026-09-26

Toxic

Rhubarb safety for cats

Cats should not eat rhubarb leaves or stalks. The plant contains soluble oxalates, concentrated most heavily in the leaves. Contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 after an exposure.

Toxic principle: Soluble oxalates, with the highest concentration in the leaves

Watch for

  • Mouth or throat irritation
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness

Sources

Reviewed 2026-09-26

Questions owners ask about rhubarb

Can dogs eat rhubarb?

Dogs should not eat rhubarb. Soluble oxalates occur throughout the plant and are most concentrated in the leaves. Contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 after an exposure.

What should I do if my dog ate rhubarb?

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 rhubarb and dogs?

Drooling, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Weakness, Changes in thirst or urination. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

Can cats eat rhubarb?

Cats should not eat rhubarb leaves or stalks. The plant contains soluble oxalates, concentrated most heavily in the leaves. Contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 after an exposure.

What should I do if my cat ate rhubarb?

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 rhubarb and cats?

Mouth or throat irritation, Drooling, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Weakness. 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.