Household products
Is mouldy food and compost toxic to cats and dogs?
Also sold as mycotoxins, tremorgenic mycotoxins, compost bins, rotten food, bin raiding
Cats
ToxicDogs
Highly toxicMouldy food from bins or compost heaps can contain toxins that cause severe tremors and seizures in dogs within an hour or two. Mouldy walnuts, bread, cheese and dairy are common sources.
By Maya HartIf your pet got into it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine.
- Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing.
- Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to.
- Tremors can become severe quickly — go to the vet rather than waiting.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Restlessness and panting
- Wobbliness
- Muscle tremors
- High temperature
- Seizures
How much is dangerous
Small amounts of heavily mouldy food can be enough. The dose is unpredictable.
Keeping it safe
- Use secure bins with lids
- Fence off or cover compost heaps
- Pick up fallen walnuts and fruit
- Don’t feed leftovers that have gone off
The details
Bin raiding is a classic dog adventure, and most end in nothing worse than an upset stomach. Mouldy food is the exception. Some moulds produce toxins that act on the nervous system and cause tremors that look alarming and can escalate to seizures and dangerous overheating. With prompt treatment, most dogs recover within a day or two.
Questions owners ask
Is mouldy food and compost toxic to cats?
Yes — toxic.
Is mouldy food and compost toxic to dogs?
Yes — highly toxic.
How much is dangerous?
Small amounts of heavily mouldy food can be enough. The dose is unpredictable.
What should I do if my pet got into it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline now, even if your pet seems fine. Have the packet ready: the vet needs the name, strength and how much may be missing. Do not make your pet sick unless a vet tells you to. Tremors can become severe quickly — go to the vet rather than waiting.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts