Yellow: with caution
Best avoided, and definitely no leaves. The ASPCA lists rhubarb as toxic to dogs. The position on the stalks is less clear.
Why rhubarb gets a yellow rating
The ASPCA identifies soluble calcium oxalates as the toxic ingredient and lists kidney failure, trembling and drooling as possible effects. It does not distinguish between leaf and stalk. The Pet Poison Helpline is more specific: the leaves contain dangerous amounts of oxalate. According to the Helpline, the stalks used in compote and cakes contain very little and are considered non-toxic. Because the sources conflict on this point, rhubarb gets a yellow rating. There is still no reason to offer it to your dog.
What to watch out for
- Secure the bed: Fence off rhubarb in the garden so your dog cannot reach the leaves.
- Dispose of the leaves: Do not leave cut leaves exposed on the compost heap if your dog sniffs around there.
- Cakes and compote: Rhubarb cake is very sweet. Sugar-free recipes may contain xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs.
What if your dog has eaten rhubarb?
If your dog has eaten leaves, call your vet or an emergency service immediately. Explain which part of the plant was eaten, roughly how much, when and how much your dog weighs. Do not give home remedies or try to induce vomiting yourself. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, effects can include vomiting, drooling, weakness, trembling, low calcium levels and kidney damage. A piece of cooked stalk is less alarming, but calling your vet is still sensible.
If you suspect poisoning, go straight to your vet or an emergency veterinary service.
Check whether your dog is getting the right amount of food in just a minute with our feeding calculator. Our book takes a closer look at feeding: “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). For those first weeks with a puppy, try our free Puppy Starter Pack, and for a picture of your dog to hang on the wall, explore dog portraits from your own photo or choose a single portrait.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food portions: how much your dog really needs
- Puppy checklist: essential supplies and the first 3 days
- Is my dog overweight? How to assess body condition and ideal weight
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarium), Toxic to Dogs, toxic component: soluble calcium oxalates; Pet Poison Helpline, Rhubarb; ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (Xylitol).
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