Celery Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,487 found this helpful

Celery is non-toxic to humans and common domestic animals including cats, dogs, and horses.

Celery leaves have moderate value as livestock forage, but stems are unsuitable for dried feed storage.

Celery has high confusion risk with multiple toxic lookalikes in the Apiaceae family, some of which are severely toxic.

FAQ

Is Celery toxic to Humans?

No expected toxic symptoms with normal consumption; rare mild allergic reactions may occur in sensitive individuals (Non-toxic)

Is Celery toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms from typical celery ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Celery toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms from typical celery ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Celery toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms from typical celery ingestion (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No expected toxic symptoms with normal consumption; rare mild allergic reactions may occur in sensitive individuals

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from typical celery ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from typical celery ingestion

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms from typical celery ingestion

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; entire plant is safe for consumption, stems are only unsuitable for dried livestock forage

Exposure RouteIngestion; no toxic risk from celery itself, only from ingestion of misidentified toxic lookalike plants

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic compounds associated with standard celery consumption

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingestion of a suspected toxic lookalike occurs, immediately rinse the mouth with clean water
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical professional or veterinarian
• Collect any remaining plant material to support accurate species identification

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or livestock has ingested an unknown Apiaceae plant suspected to be a toxic celery lookalike
• If your animal shows unusual symptoms like drooling, vomiting, seizures, or disorientation after plant ingestion
• If you cannot confirm the ingested plant is authentic non-toxic celery

Prevention

• Learn to distinguish celery from its toxic Apiaceae lookalikes before foraging wild celery
• Do not feed unknown wild Apiaceae family plants to pets or livestock
• Store commercially purchased celery separately from wild foraged plants to avoid cross-contamination

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific treatment is required for standard celery ingestion for healthy individuals
• For ingestion of toxic lookalikes, follow targeted treatment protocols for the specific toxic plant consumed
• Provide supportive care for mild gastrointestinal discomfort caused by overconsumption of raw celery

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameApium graveolens L.

AliasesGarden celery、Common celery

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs at risk from standard celery consumption; toxic lookalikes may target the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism associated with standard celery consumption; toxic effects only occur if misidentified toxic lookalikes are ingested

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, goats: No toxic risk; celery leaves are moderate quality forage, stems are not recommended for dried feed use

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No toxic risk; celery can be fed in small quantities as an occasional treat

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Golden Chervil Chaerophyllum aureum

Visually similar to celery; non-toxic, can be distinguished by its yellow-tinged fruits compared to celery's small grey-brown fruits

Rough Chervil Chaerophyllum temulum

Visually similar to celery; moderately toxic, has purple-spotted stems and hairy leaves unlike smooth, unspotted celery stems

Cowbane Cicuta virosa

Visually similar to celery; severely toxic, has thick, hollow, segmented roots that celery does not produce

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Related Toxic Plants

Heracleum mantegazzianum

Highly toxic

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.