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My dog eats umbrella plants. Does he need vitamins or is it toxic?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 8 years and 7 months old | 65 lbs

This guy loves to eat young umbrella plants. Doesn’t eat any of the other plants or grasses. Doesn’t vomit afterward. Might he need some vitamins or something?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on November 5th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Actually, most dogs that eat plants, grass or dirt do not do it because of a lack of minerals, vitamins or any other essential ingredients. With that in mind, while vitamins are not going to hurt, he may not really need them. In most cases, we never find out why they eat plants. I encourage avoiding this behavior as sometimes they do this because the grass or plant has been sprayed with chemicals that sometimes have a smell/taste to them which is a reason why they may do it. I would discourage this behavior as much as possible and if he is already eating a complete and balanced diet, there is no need to add vitamins or minerals of any sort. I would also avoid Blu from eating this plant as sometimes it can actually have a toxic effect causing gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea and can even be more toxic when large amounts are ingested. Good luck and have a great day!

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