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

My 5 kg dog ate half a cup of pomegranate arils and a piece of the rind about 15 minutes ago, and hasn't vomited yet—what should I do now?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

It’s not an emergency, just keep a close eye on your dog. Remove any remaining pomegranate pieces and offer fresh water. Watch for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort over the next hour. If any of those appear, call your veterinarian promptly.

Pomegranate — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

A few arils are fine, but the rind and inner membrane are high in tannins and can cause vomiting.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Pomegranate is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

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

Open the full food page: Pomegranate food facts →