Can Dogs Eat Elderberries?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat elderberries, as they are toxic! Raw elderberries are dangerous for people too, as they can cause stomach issues, vomiting, and diarrhea. The good news is that dogs can handle elderberries you’ve prepared for yourself, so as long as they are not raw, they are not dangerous for your dog.
My mom makes the best elderberry syrup (from the flowers) in the world! It’s our go-to summer refreshment, as we dilute it with some ice-cold water and enjoy it as a drink.
It never occurred to us to share any with our dogs, as we don’t give our dogs juice or concentrated sugar. But what’s reassuring is that cooked elderberry is not toxic to dogs!
Are elderberries safe for dogs?
No, they are not safe for dogs. If you think your dog ate some raw elderberries, please call your vet ASAP.
Signs of elderberry poisoning include:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy
- and sometimes bloody poop.
The reason why elderberries are dangerous is because they contain something called cyanogenic glycoside.
I wrote about it before, as passion fruit seeds have the same compound, as well as jackfruit, which makes them toxic to dogs. With passion fruit, the risk is very small because dogs won’t crush and chew the seeds, so they will pass through their system without releasing cyanide.
With elderberries, the risk is higher, as all parts of the plant are toxic. Leaves, stems, and fruit all contain toxic substances that can cause cyanide poisoning.
Now, what are the odds that your dog will eat some raw elderberries? I think they are minimal to none, but it’s good to stay informed and be careful.
Can dogs eat elderberry products?
Elderberries are a very popular natural remedy for coughs, and most people make elderberry syrup to boost their immunity during wintertime.
If your dog eats some elderberry syrup, don’t worry, as cooking kills the toxins, so it’s safe for dogs.
It’s not recommended since it’s high in sugar, but that’s something else. What’s important is that it’s not toxic.
Another thing that’s also very popular is elderberry jam and jelly! Again, cooked elderberries are not toxic to dogs, so you don’t need to worry about dogs eating your toast or pastries. On the other hand, jams and jellies are bad for dogs because of their high sugar content, so you shouldn’t share anything that sugary with your dogs.
When it comes to elderberry booze like wine, please don’t let your dog lick any. Alcohol is very dangerous to dogs, and you shouldn’t mess with it.
What happens if a dog eats an elderberry gummy?
If a dog eats an elderberry gummy, they are going to be fine. Elderberries in gummies are processed, and during the cooking and manufacturing process, the toxic parts—cyanogenic glycosides—are neutralized, so you don’t have to worry about that.
The main issue with gummies could be other ingredients, especially if you’re buying sugar-free versions that could contain xylitol, a sweetener extremely toxic to dogs. Other than that, if your dog accidentally eats elderberry gummies, everything is going to be fine.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can I give my dog elderberry syrup for cold?
No! Don’t give your dog your own syrups if you think they have a cold. They are not made for them, and they are so full of sugar that you’re just going to make things worse by causing an upset stomach on top of the cold. If you think your dog is ill, please call your vet. The first thing that you can do is put them in bed, keep them hydrated, and give them a high-protein meal so they have lots of strength to fight the cold.