- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Rhubarb makes delicious jams, pies, and crumbles. Like most vegetables, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to the human diet. But can dogs eat rhubarb?
Dogs can eat the stems of rhubarb but not the leaves, explains Dr. Renee Schmid, DVM, Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline.
Below, we’ll explore which parts of the rhubarb plant are safe for dogs to eat and what you should do if your dog eats some of the unsafe parts.
Is Rhubarb Safe for Dogs?
Dr. Schmid explains that rhubarb stems are safe to eat, but the leaves are toxic to dogs. The leaves of rhubarb contain soluble oxalate crystals, which can cause two main areas of concern:
- Calcium level drop: The soluble oxalate crystals will bind to calcium and cause a drop in calcium levels in your dog’s body.
- Kidney failure: The soluble oxalate crystals accumulate in the kidney and cause damage, which can result in kidney failure.
If you want your dog to experience the taste of rhubarb, only feed them the stalk, not the leaves.
What Are the Health Benefits of Rhubarb?
Rhubarb is packed with essential vitamins and minerals for a dog’s health. It includes an abundance of Vitamin K, potassium, and Vitamin A.
In research studies with dogs, rhubarb extracts have even been shown to:
- Improve the quality of life
- Help hypertension (high blood pressure) symptoms
- Lessen proteinuria (excessive amounts of protein in the urine) symptoms
- Reduce the level of blood glucose
Though this delicious vegetable is packed with health-boosting nutrients, your dog is unlikely to notice a health burst after eating rhubarb. The amounts they will be eating will be quite small to notice any significant changes. Instead, the positive enrichment they will receive from a new taste and experience is a far greater benefit.
How Much Rhubarb Can Dogs Eat?
Dr. Jeff Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, of Holistic Actions, explains that dogs can eat rhubarb stems in moderation if they are healthy and well-balanced.
He notes that the exact amount of rhubarb you can feed your pup will depend on their size and their GI sensitivity.
Dr. Schmid adds that too much rhubarb may cause stomach upset, so start off with a small amount to see if your dog tolerates the new food. As with other non-dog food, rhubarb stems and treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet. They can advise you on how much rhubarb is specifically safe for your dog.
7 Signs of Rhubarb Poisoning in Dogs
While stems are safe, eating any amount of the rhubarb leaves can lead to rhubarb poisoning in your dog. The symptoms of food toxicity include:
- Pawing at the mouth or mouth pain
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Not eating
- Excessive drooling
- Rumbling stomach
- Diarrhea
Dr. Feinman says that in rare cases, dogs that have eaten many leaves might have muscle tremors and changes in urine.
If you suspect your dog has eaten any rhubarb leaves, call your vet or an animal poison control hotline right away. Based on your dog’s size and symptoms, they’ll advise you on the best course of action.
It’s important to act early if your dog eats rhubarb leaves. Complications tend to arise most when immediate treatment isn’t sought.
When Should You See a Vet for Rhubarb Poisoning?
Dr. Schmid says ingestion of the rhubarb leaves must be treated by a veterinarian immediately.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking veterinary help. Rhubarb poisoning causes damage first, followed by symptoms. It can also progress quickly, so early intervention is key for a full recovery.
Generally, Dr. Schmid says rhubarb poisoning treatment often includes:
- Decontamination
- Bloodwork monitoring
- IV fluids to help protect the kidneys
- Potential medication for the pet’s symptoms
The best treatment for rhubarb poisoning is prevention. Try to keep any rhubarb leaves out of your dog’s reach. If you grow rhubarb at home, dog-proof your garden with reliable fencing.
What Veggies Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
While rhubarb requires additional care when feeding your pup, other veggies require less thought. Here are some dog-friendly veggies for your pup to try:
In moderation, these veggies can provide your dog with essential vitamins and minerals. While your dog’s regular food should contain all these nutrients, adding new tastes and experiences is a wonderful way to increase your dog’s enrichment and build a stronger bond between you two.
