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My 25 kg dog ate two large spoonfuls of venison stew with thick gravy and onions last night — what should I watch for?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

The venison itself is safe, but the onions in the gravy are toxic to dogs and can damage their red blood cells, leading to anemia. Signs like weakness, pale gums, or reddish urine may appear 1-3 days later. Also, the rich gravy could cause vomiting or diarrhea. Monitor your dog closely for any of these symptoms and contact your own vet if you notice anything unusual.

Venison — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

A lean cooked meat that is safe plain. Wild meat should be frozen or well cooked first.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Venison is not toxic to dogs. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

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.

Venison can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

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

Open the full food page: Venison food facts →