Can Dogs Eat Cactus? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Dogs are curious animals, which is why you will find them nosing around the house, looking for things to eat and play with. Plants often come under dogs' radar since many of them have a characteristic scent, and we all know dogs love nothing more than to smell everything in the area.

One of the plants they'll encounter in the home is the cactus. Cacti are spiky plants, keeping most humans and animals at bay, but you can't expect the same level of caution from dogs, especially if they are puppies. So, that raises the question: can dogs eat cacti? Is the plant safe for dogs?

The short answer is that dogs should stay away from all cacti as they are not appropriate for them to ingest and offer limited to no health benefits based on current research. 

Sap from some cacti is actually poisonous to dogs, while most will be irritating and may lead to drooling, ocular and oral damage, and stomach upset. The skin of cacti and spines can damage the dog’s skin and mouth, which will need veterinary attention.

Why Are Cacti Not Safe for Dogs to Consume?

First, let's break down the nutritional profile of cacti. Does the plant have any nutritional benefits? Cacti are rich in vitamins A and C, along with some antioxidants. They also have potassium and calcium.

However, that does not mean the plant should be in your dog's diet. While some cacti, such as the Mistletoe cactus and the prickly pear cactus, are not considered toxic to dogs, most cacti can be dangerous when consumed.

They are primarily water and carbohydrates, making them a poor source of nutrition for dogs. They can also cause intestinal blockage and damage to the stomach and intestines.

Moreover, cactus spines can lodge in your dog's digestive tract, mouth, or throat, causing them discomfort and pain that requires urgent veterinary attention.

Health Risks of Cacti for Dogs

As mentioned, cacti pose several risks to your dog's health. Here are some common ones:

1. Physical Injury

If you've ever grown a cactus or tried repotting it, you'd know the level of caution you have to take to prevent an injury. The spines of cactus plants can injure your pet if they take a bite out of the plant.

They can damage your pet's throat and digestive system. If you suspect that your dog has eaten a cactus and its spines are stuck in their mouth or throat, you must take them to the vet immediately to remove them. Some dogs may get sap in their eyes, which leads to irritation, swelling, ocular discharge, and pain.

Even after the spines are out, you should monitor your pet for any signs of discomfort or deteriorating health. If they have ongoing pain, fever, drooling, or nausea, consult a vet immediately.

2. Stomach Upset

While most cacti are not poisonous, they can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs. The sap from a cactus plant contains an irritant, which can cause stomach issues if consumed.

Plus, many cacti are grown using fertilizer-fed soil these days. The fertilizer from the soil can also enter your dog's stomach, causing discomfort and gastrointestinal problems.

Depending on the type of cactus, its consumption can also cause damage to your dog's skin or eye irritation. If you notice any of these signs, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

3. Toxicity

Some cactus species are toxic to dogs when ingested. Examples include the pencil cactus. Some common signs of cactus poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, irritation in the mouth, and anorexia.

Is It Safe to Feed Cooked Nopales to Dogs?

The edible part of the prickly pear cactus is called nopales. It is a part of Mexican cuisine and is cooked and diced. It is also a popular vegetable in Central America.

Your dog can eat cooked nopales in moderation. They taste like cucumbers and have a texture like green beans or okra. Nopales are also high in fiber, preventing bloating and constipation.

However, you should not feed your dog too many nopales since excess fiber can cause digestive system issues. Moreover, raw nopales also contain oxalic acid, the precursor to oxalate crystals.

These crystals can irritate the mouth and digestive tract, causing drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If ingested regularly or in significant amounts or by breeds predisposed to stone formation, they may lead to bladder stone formation in dogs, resulting in serious health issues. Therefore, serving cooked nopales as an occasional treat is best.

Which Cactus Species Are Toxic to Dogs?

If you grow cacti at home, you should know which species must be kept away from dogs at all costs. Here are some that are toxic to dogs, according to the ASPCA, and a few more that may have a harmful effect. Species other than the pencil cactus are based on anecdotal information from gardening sites, while scientific data is unfortunately lacking.

Frequent Asked Questions

Can Dogs Eat Succulents?

There is no need for dogs to eat succulents. They don't provide health benefits and pose several health risks to dogs. Bear in mind that some of them are extremely harmful. You should keep aloe vera, rubber, panda, jade, snake plants, mother-in-law’s tongue, and string of pearls away from your dog.

Which Cacti Are Safe for Canine Consumption?

Ideally, you should not feed your dogs any cactus plants. There are other ways to get the high-quality nutrition your dog needs every day. But some examples of ‘safe’ cacti to have in your garden, according to the ASPCA, include the Chinese Money plant (Pilea peperomiodes), Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum sp), Variegated Wax plant (Echeveria sp.), Bunny Ear cactus (Opuntia microdasys) and the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii). Classing them as safe just means they are not toxic to dogs but may still cause mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal irritation if your dog tries to ingest any.

What Do I Do if My Dog Eats a Cactus?

If you're unsure about the type of cactus or your dog shows any signs of discomfort, take your dog to the vet for a checkup. The veterinarian will develop a treatment plan based on the type of cactus and your dog's overall health. If your dog has consumed a cactus plant, check to see if there are any visible needles lodged in their mouth or lips that you can take out gently with tweezers.

In most cases, your vet must remove them from the dog’s mouth and throat under sedation to prevent further injuries. Check online, using verified sources like the ASPCA, if the cactus your dog has consumed is toxic or not. However, be aware that non-toxic succulents can also lead to stomach issues or other signs.

Conclusion

As a sweeping statement, we can say that some cactus plants are "safe" for dogs and can be kept in the house or garden. However, they should not be a part of your dog's weekly meal plan. They are not appropriate or safe to serve to dogs in any sense.

While some cacti are considered safe for consumption by many online sources, there is limited research and evidence-based data about their safety, meaning it’s not worth the risk. Some cacti can be toxic and even poisonous for the little pooch. Even the "so-called" safe cacti have prickly spines that can cause damage to your pet's skin, mouth, and digestive tract.

The best way to prevent any cactus-related problems is to keep your dog away from your plants. If they ingest a cactus, call your veterinarian immediately.

See also:

• Can Dogs Eat Clover? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

• Can Dogs Eat Boba? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: JumpStory