Can dogs eat rhubarb?
If she already ate some, call now. Don’t wait for signs.
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Both answer 24/7 and charge a fee.
What to do if your dog ate rhubarb
If she ate rhubarb leaves, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 right away. Don't try to make her vomit at home.
No, rhubarb is listed as toxic to dogs. The leaves are the dangerous part, so keep her out of the rhubarb patch.
Raw, cooked and other forms of rhubarb
- ToxicLeaves and greens Hold dangerous levels of soluble oxalates, which can lower blood calcium and hurt the kidneys.
- Skip itStalks Pet Poison Helpline says stalks contain very little oxalate and are considered virtually nontoxic, but ASPCA lists the whole plant as toxic to dogs.
- Skip itRhubarb pie, jam or crumble Made from stalks, but sugary and not a dog food. Skip it.
Why rhubarb is toxic to dogs
Soluble calcium oxalates (oxalic acid), mostly in the leaves. They bind calcium in the blood, dropping her calcium levels, and can damage the kidneys.
Signs to watch for after she eats rhubarb
Drooling, vomiting and upset stomach, weakness, trembling or tremors, and extra urination. Larger amounts can lead to low blood calcium and kidney failure.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Rhubarb, Pet Poison Helpline: Rhubarb, Pet Poison Helpline: Rhubarb Toxicity
Reviewed by Adam Polosetski, DVM · Oct 20, 2026
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