Are Leeks Toxic to Pets?
Yes — leeks are toxic to cats. Yes — leeks are toxic to dogs. Yes — leeks are toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Allium ampeloprasum
- Toxic compound
- Organosulfur compounds
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Also known as
- leek
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness or low energy
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing or heart rate
- Red or brown urine (anemia can appear several days later)
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness or low energy
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing or heart rate
- Red or brown urine (anemia can appear several days later)
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness or low energy
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing or heart rate
- Red or brown urine (anemia can appear several days later)
What to do
If your cat ate leeks
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate leeks
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate leeks
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Leeks are in the onion family and can cause red blood cell damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Are leeks toxic to cats?
Yes — leeks are toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or low energy.
Are leeks toxic to dogs?
Yes — leeks are toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or low energy.
Are leeks toxic to horses?
Yes — leeks are toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or low energy.
Which parts of leeks are toxic?
All parts.
What makes leeks toxic?
Organosulfur compounds.
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