Rhubarb Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 916 found this helpful

Rheum rhabarbarium

Rhubarb is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA toxicology data

The primary toxic compound present in rhubarb is soluble calcium oxalates

Ingestion of toxic doses of rhubarb can lead to life-threatening acute kidney failure in susceptible animals

FAQ

Is Rhubarb toxic to Humans?

Oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential kidney damage if large amounts of raw leaves are ingested (Moderate)

Is Rhubarb toxic to Cats?

Excessive salivation, tremors, acute kidney failure (High)

Is Rhubarb toxic to Dogs?

Excessive salivation, tremors, acute kidney failure (High)

Is Rhubarb toxic to Horses?

Excessive salivation, tremors, acute kidney failure (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Oral irritation, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential kidney damage if large amounts of raw leaves are ingested

Cats

High

Excessive salivation, tremors, acute kidney failure

Dogs

High

Excessive salivation, tremors, acute kidney failure

Horses

High

Excessive salivation, tremors, acute kidney failure

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsLeaves (the commonly consumed petioles/stems are non-toxic for human consumption when prepared appropriately)

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure via ingestion of toxic leaf material; dermal contact does not cause significant toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsSoluble calcium oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining rhubarb plant material from the exposed individual/animal's mouth and surrounding area
• Rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, cool water to eliminate residual oxalate crystals
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian or medical professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• You witness or suspect your cat, dog, or horse has ingested any quantity of rhubarb leaves
• Your animal develops unusual symptoms including salivation, tremors, or changes in urinary behavior after exposure
• A human has ingested a large serving of raw rhubarb leaves and is experiencing adverse symptoms

Prevention

• Store harvested rhubarb leaves securely and keep potted/garden rhubarb plants out of reach of pets, livestock, and small children
• Dispose of trimmed rhubarb leaves in sealed waste containers to prevent accidental foraging by animals
• Inform all household members that only rhubarb stems are safe for human consumption, while leaves are toxic

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer intravenous fluid therapy to support renal function and flush accumulated oxalate crystals from the body
• Provide gastrointestinal protectants to reduce digestive tract irritation from oxalate exposure
• Manage presenting symptoms such as tremors and electrolyte imbalances under the guidance of a licensed medical provider or veterinarian

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameRheum rhabarbarium

AliasesPie Plant

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsHigh

DogsHigh

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

KidneysGastrointestinal tractNeuromuscular system

Mechanism of Action

• Soluble calcium oxalates are absorbed through the gastrointestinal lining after ingestion of toxic rhubarb parts

• Oxalate molecules bind to circulating calcium in the body, forming insoluble crystalline deposits

• Crystals accumulate in the renal tubules, causing tissue damage and potentially leading to acute kidney failure

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Susceptible to oxalate poisoning and kidney damage if large quantities of rhubarb leaves are ingested while foraging

Sheep: Moderate risk of toxicity, with clinical signs including salivation, tremors, and renal failure following ingestion of toxic doses

Goats: Relatively higher tolerance to oxalates than other livestock, but large repeated ingestion can still cause renal damage

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Swiss Chard Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla

Visually similar broad colorful petioles and large leaves; key difference: Swiss chard leaves are edible, while rhubarb leaves are toxic, and rhubarb petioles have a more tart flavor

Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa

Both belong to the Polygonaceae family with large broad green leaves; key difference: common sorrel is smaller in size and has a more distinctly sour taste than rhubarb

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Related Toxic Plants

Japanese Knotweed

Fallopia japonica

Low to Moderate toxicity, can cause photosensitivity and gastrointestinal irritation in livestock and pets

Common Sorrel

Rumex acetosa

Moderate toxicity, high oxalate content can cause kidney damage with large repeated ingestion

Sheep's Sorrel

Rumex acetosella

Moderate toxicity, soluble oxalates present can lead to renal damage and digestive upset in animals

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

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

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