Is Leek Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Allium ampeloprasum
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Thiosulfates and organosulfur compounds (damage red blood cells) |
| Onset of symptoms | GI signs within hours; anemia can take several days to appear |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Elevated heart rate (delayed anemia)
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Elevated heart rate (delayed anemia)
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What to do
Contact a vet, especially for repeated or concentrated exposure (garlic powder, sauces). Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Blood cell damage can appear days after ingestion, so a normal first day doesn't rule out a problem.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Leek is thiosulfates and organosulfur compounds (damage red blood cells).
What makes this plant different
Leeks share the Allium family's thiosulfate toxicity mechanism with garlic and onion; the delayed-onset anemia this causes means a pet can seem fine for several days after eating leek before symptoms appear.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Allium ampeloprasum
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Also known as
- Leek, Elephant Garlic
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control