Sweet Pea Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,463 found this helpful

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, but severely toxic to horses and pet birds

Seeds are the most toxic plant part, containing multiple harmful amino acid compounds

Long-term ingestion leads to cumulative damage that can result in permanent disability or death without veterinary care

FAQ

Is Sweet Pea toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity data available; ingestion of large seed quantities is not recommended due to toxic amino acid content, may cause mild gastrointestinal distress (Low)

Is Sweet Pea toxic to Cats?

Non-toxic, no known adverse symptoms from accidental ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Sweet Pea toxic to Dogs?

Non-toxic, no known adverse symptoms from accidental ingestion (Non-toxic)

Is Sweet Pea toxic to Horses?

Weeks after ingestion onset: agitation, skittishness, weakness, colic, unsteady gait, hindlimb paralysis, dyspnea, laryngeal stridor, difficulty swallowing, sweating, seizures, weak/arrhythmic pulse, nosebleeds, lip rashes, mane/withers hair loss, possible death by suffocation after months of exposure (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human toxicity data available; ingestion of large seed quantities is not recommended due to toxic amino acid content, may cause mild gastrointestinal distress

Cats

Non-toxic

Non-toxic, no known adverse symptoms from accidental ingestion

Dogs

Non-toxic

Non-toxic, no known adverse symptoms from accidental ingestion

Horses

Severe

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsMainly the seeds

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route, especially for grazing animals consuming plant matter or seeds over extended periods

Toxic CompoundsAminopropionitrite; Aminopropionitrile; Diaminopropionic acid; Diaminobutyric acid; Cyanoalanine

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all access to the plant immediately if ingestion is confirmed
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate veterinary identification
• Monitor exposed animals for early signs of weakness, agitation or abnormal gait

Contact Vet Immediately

• Horses, cattle or pet birds have ingested any quantity of the plant or its seeds
• Grazing animals display symptoms like unsteady gait, seizures, or breathing difficulty after exposure
• Hay or feed supplies are confirmed to be contaminated with Perennial Pea matter

Prevention

• Eradicate Lathyrus latifolius from horse, cattle and bird grazing/foraging areas
• Do not feed hay contaminated with Perennial Pea to livestock or pet birds
• Store sweet pea seeds out of reach of grazing animals and pet birds

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary-supervised decontamination for recent large-volume ingestion
• Symptomatic supportive care for seizures, respiratory distress, dehydration and cardiac arrhythmia
• Tracheotomy may be required if laryngeal obstruction causes severe breathing impairment

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameLathyrus latifolius

AliasesPerennial Pea、Everlasting Pea

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Nervous systemRespiratory tractCardiovascular systemMusculoskeletal systemSkin

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic amino acids interfere with connective tissue synthesis, damaging blood vessels, ligaments and respiratory structures

• Neurotoxic components impair central nervous system function, leading to paralysis, seizures and behavioral changes

• Long-term exposure causes cumulative damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems, potentially leading to fatal suffocation

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Birds: Severely toxic, ingestion may cause rapid onset of severe symptoms and death

Cattle: Toxic, symptoms include reduced milk production, weight loss, apathy, unsteady gait, dyspnea, progressive paralysis, and death after several days of exposure

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Edible Garden Pea Pisum sativum

Visually similar due to shared pea-like flowers and seed pods; key difference: Garden Pea has rounder, softer edible leaves, while Perennial Sweet Pea has broader, tougher leaves and toxic seeds

Annual Sweet Pea Lathyrus odoratus

Nearly identical flower appearance; key difference: Annual Sweet Pea is an annual species with fragrant flowers, while Perennial Pea has unscented flowers and is longer-lived, both have toxic seeds

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Related Toxic Plants

Castor Bean

Ricinus communis

Severely toxic to all mammals, birds and reptiles

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Highly toxic to horses, cattle and humans

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

Moderately to severely toxic to grazing livestock and dogs

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. 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.