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

How many raw elderberries would make my 15 kg cocker spaniel sick, and what are the first signs?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

There is no safe amount of raw elderberry for dogs — even a few berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea due to cyanogenic glycosides. The first signs are typically gastrointestinal: drooling, nausea, vomiting, and possibly diarrhea, which can start within a few hours. Because the risk is high and unpredictable, you should contact your vet or the ASPCA poison line at 888-426-4435 immediately if your dog eats any part of the plant, including leaves or stems.

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 →