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What happens if my 20 kg dog eats a few raw elderberries from the garden every day for several weeks?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Repeated small doses can lead to chronic cyanide poisoning, damaging the nervous system over time. Your dog might develop ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or even have seizures. The leaves and stems are also toxic, so daily nibbling adds risk. Stop allowing access to the plant immediately. If your dog has been eating them regularly, a vet visit is wise to check for underlying issues. Watch for any change in coordination or energy level, and call your vet if you notice wobbliness or unexplained tiredness.

Elderberry — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Raw berries, leaves, bark and stems all contain cyanogenic glycosides and cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Never feed.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Elderberry should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Raw animal protein carries Salmonella and E. coli risk, and those bacteria can spread to the people in the household too.

Elderberry has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Elderberry food facts page.

Open the full food page: Elderberry food facts →