Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 25 kg Labrador ate a handful of raw elderberries straight from the bush. How many berries are toxic?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

There is no established safe number of raw elderberries for dogs. All parts of the raw plant—berries, leaves, stems—contain cyanide-producing compounds. A handful could easily cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe poisoning in a dog of any size. The risk isn't just about counting berries; it's about the concentration of toxins, which varies. Since your dog ate a handful, you should treat this as a poisoning emergency. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately for specific advice.

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.

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

Open the full food page: Elderberry food facts →