Toxic — skip

Can dogs eat rhubarb?

Dogs should not eat rhubarb. Leaves contain oxalates that can damage kidneys and cause serious poisoning, and even stalks used in pies are too acidic and sugary to share—treat the whole plant as off limits.

Not medical advice — general pet-safety info only. Confirm with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.

Updated Aug 8, 2026 Category Nutrition

Safer alternatives to rhubarb

Garden rhubarb is not pet produce. These treats stay oxalate-free.

Carrot dog treats

Crunchy carrot treats replace scavenging garden stalks.

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Fruit dog treats

Dog-safe fruit treats beat tart pie fillings.

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Pumpkin dog treats

Pumpkin treats cover soft baked flavor without rhubarb acid.

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How much is okay?

Keep garden rhubarb fenced and compost piles covered.

Small under 20 lb
None
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.
Medium 20–50 lb
None
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.
Large 50+ lb
None
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.

Rule of thumb: treats of all kinds should stay under ~10% of daily calories.

How to prepare them

  • Never feed raw stalks, pie filling, or leaves from the garden.
  • Discard trimmings where dogs cannot scavenge.
  • Wash hands after harvesting if your dog licks skin.

Risks & exceptions

  • Leaves carry soluble oxalates linked to kidney injury.
  • Stalks in desserts add sugar and still upset guts raw.
  • Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, and tremors.

Rhubarb leaves are poisonous; stalks are not dog treats either.

If your dog ate any

A larger portion or the wrong preparation is most likely to cause trouble.

Call your vet / pet poison line if:

  • Any leaf ingestion
  • Tremors, bloody urine, or collapse
  • Repeated vomiting after garden access

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalates that can cause kidney damage. Contact a veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately if your dog ate rhubarb leaves or a large unknown amount.

FAQ

Can dogs eat rhubarb stalks only?

Skip stalks too—pie fruit is not a clean share.

Is cooked rhubarb safer?

Cooking does not make leaves safe; desserts are still sugary skips.

What about rhubarb in yogurt?

Skip flavored yogurts—often sugary and not dog-focused.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from product links. Safety guidance is editorial and may change — verify with your veterinarian for your dog.