Cloves Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,226 found this helpful

No verified poisoning cases from cloves are recorded in peer-reviewed toxicology literature

Cloves and clove plant material are not suitable for use as feed for pets, horses, or livestock

Other Syzygium species and Bouvardia species that may be confused with cloves are non-toxic

FAQ

Is Cloves toxic to Humans?

No documented poisoning symptoms reported in available scientific literature (Non-toxic)

Is Cloves toxic to Cats?

No documented poisoning symptoms reported in available scientific literature (Non-toxic)

Is Cloves toxic to Dogs?

No documented poisoning symptoms reported in available scientific literature (Non-toxic)

Is Cloves toxic to Horses?

No documented poisoning symptoms reported in available scientific literature (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms reported in available scientific literature

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms reported in available scientific literature

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms reported in available scientific literature

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms reported in available scientific literature

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts are confirmed in published toxicology literature; all plant parts are unsuitable for use as animal feed

Exposure RouteIngestion is the only expected potential exposure route for both humans and animals

Toxic CompoundsNo specific toxic compounds have been identified in the referenced toxicology literature

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining clove plant material from the reach of the affected party immediately
• Rinse the mouth of the affected human or animal with clean, cool water to eliminate residual plant matter
• Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset for 24 hours post-ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or horse exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite after ingesting cloves
• If large quantities of cloves or clove products are ingested by any animal
• If you are unsure of the amount of cloves ingested by your pet or livestock

Prevention

• Never offer cloves or clove plant material as feed to pets, horses, or livestock
• Store dried cloves and clove-containing products out of reach of pets and grazing animals
• Correctly identify clove plants to avoid misidentification if grown in animal-accessible areas

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care is the primary recommended intervention if adverse effects occur
• Gastrointestinal protectants may be administered by a veterinarian to address mild irritation
• No specific antidote is required, as no severe toxic effects have been documented

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSyzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry

AliasesCaryophyllus aromaticus L.、Eugenia aromatica (L.) Baill.、Clove tree

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No specific target organs for toxicity have been confirmed in available data

Mechanism of Action

• No specific toxic mechanism has been identified, as no poisoning cases have been recorded in scientific literature

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): No confirmed poisoning cases reported, but cloves are not recommended for use as feed

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No documented toxic effects, but large ingestions may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Syzygium species Syzygium spp.

Other Syzygium genus members are visually similar to cloves, but all documented species are non-toxic. Cloves are distinguished by their characteristic aromatic dried flower buds.

Bouvardia species Bouvardia spp.

Bouvardia plants may be confused with clove plants in vegetative growth stages, but all Bouvardia species are non-toxic. Bouvardia produce clusters of tubular flowers, unlike clove's small aromatic buds.

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Related Toxic Plants

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus globulus

Moderately toxic, may cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms in pets and livestock if ingested

Tea Tree

Melaleuca alternifolia

Low to Moderate, concentrated oil is highly toxic to cats, and may cause systemic effects in dogs if ingested

Common Myrtle

Myrtus communis

Low toxicity, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in humans and pets

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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.