Is Sweet Pea Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Lathyrus latifolius
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Aminopropionitrile (a lathyrogen affecting connective tissue) |
| Onset of symptoms | A single ingestion is usually mild; prolonged exposure to seeds carries more serious cumulative risk |
| 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
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Skeletal abnormalities with prolonged high-dose exposure
Symptoms in cats
- Tremors
- Weakness
Symptoms in horses
- Nervous system signs with prolonged grazing on the seeds
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What to do
Contact a vet, especially for repeated exposure to the seeds, which carry the highest concentration of the toxic compound.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Sweet Pea is aminopropionitrile (a lathyrogen affecting connective tissue).
Part-specific risk: Seeds are more concentrated in toxins than flowers or leaves.
What makes this plant different
Ornamental Sweet Pea should not be confused with edible garden peas — its lathyrogen-containing seeds pose a cumulative connective-tissue and neurological risk with repeated exposure that has no equivalent in true edible peas.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Lathyrus latifolius
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Also known as
- Sweet Pea, Perennial Pea, Everlasting Pea
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control