Dog-Safe Gardening: Veggies and Herbs to Keep Out of Reach

Growing your own vegetables is a rewarding way to eat fresh and connect with nature, but if you have a dog, your backyard garden could be hiding some hazards you didn't know about. Many common garden plants, from tomatoes to onions, can be toxic to dogs if ingested, while others pose physical risks like choking or gastrointestinal blockages. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, knowing which vegetables and garden elements can be dangerous to your pup is important. In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common vegetable garden hazards for dogs and how to create a safer growing space for your furry companion.

You may also be interested in these posts: Plant Toxicity in Dogs, Hazardous Trees for Dogs, Which Houseplants Are Unsafe for Dogs?

Vegetable Garden Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs

1. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

• Toxic Parts: Leaves, stems, and unripe green tomatoes. (Ripe tomatoes are generally safe in small amounts)

2. Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

• Toxic Parts: Leaves, stems, and green or sprouted potatoes (Cooked, ripe potatoes are safe)

3. Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks (Allium family)

• Toxic Parts: Entire plant (bulb, leaves, stems) (Even powdered or cooked forms can be harmful)

4. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

• Toxic Parts: Leaves (The stalks are edible for humans but not recommended for dogs)

5. Hot Peppers (Capsicum spp.)

• Toxic Parts: Fruit (depending on heat level) (Not toxic in the classic sense, but can cause GI distress and irritation)

6. Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

• Toxic Parts: Leaves and stems (Fruit is less concerning when cooked and served plain)

7. Green Beans (in large raw amounts)

• Toxic Parts: Large raw quantities can be hard to digest (Cooked or in moderation is usually fine)

8. Fava Beans (Broad Beans)

• Toxic Parts: Raw beans and plant (Can affect red blood cell function in dogs)

9. Corn (on the cob)

• Toxic Parts: The cob (choking/blockage risk) (Kernels are usually okay in moderation

Here are a few safe garden veggies (in moderation)

These are generally non-toxic and often even healthy for dogs:

• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Zucchini
• Pumpkin (plain, cooked)
• Broccoli (small amounts)
• Spinach (in moderation due to oxalates)
• Peas
• Lettuce

A Few Garden Safety Tips

• Fence off veggie beds if your dog loves to dig or graze
• Supervise curious pups during planting or harvest
• Don’t use cocoa mulch or chemical pesticides in pet-accessible areas

Know the Symptoms of Plant Toxicity in Dogs

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Pawing at the mouth or face (from irritation or burning)
• Trouble breathing or coughing
• Increased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Tremors, seizures, or uncoordinated movement
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
• Skin irritation or rashes (from contact with certain plants)

What to Do If You Think Your Dog Has Ingested a Toxic Plant:

1. Stay calm – Panic can stress your dog more.
2. Remove your dog from the source of the toxin.
3. Call your veterinarian, Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435).
4. Provide details: What your dog ate, how much, and when.

If you have a GDB dog or you are a GDB client and you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, please contact your emergency vet and then reach out to our Support Center at 800.295.4050 for more information or assistance.