Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
dog safety reference
Is Leek safe for dogs?
Allium ampeloprasum
Leeks are members of the onion family that contain compounds capable of damaging red blood cells in pets. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset and potential anemia.
Allium ampeloprasumElephant GarlicLeek
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright herbaceous
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs: leeks belong to the Allium family alongside onion and garlic and are toxic to dogs. The toxic principle is N-propyl disulfide, which can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells. Japanese breeds (Akita, Shiba Inu) are more sensitive than average and need extra caution.
What to watch for
First-day signs are GI: drooling, oral irritation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The dangerous later signs are anemia-related: lethargy, pale gums, increased heart and respiratory rate, weakness, exercise intolerance, and dark or bloody urine.
Time window
GI signs can appear within 24 hours. Hemolytic anemia is delayed and may not show up for several days; for small ingestions, signs can appear up to about a week later. Bloodwork follow-up is common.
When to call the vet
Call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately for any known ingestion of leek (including cooked dishes and seasoned scraps). Toxic dose depends on body weight, and signs can be delayed — get advice the same day.
First aid at home
Take the leek away and try to estimate how much was eaten and when. Bring the food packaging or a sample if possible. Do not induce vomiting at home — your vet or poison control will direct decontamination based on the dose and timing.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
Escalation note
The toxic compounds in leeks can cause significant blood cell damage. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has consumed this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
Same dog verdict
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