All plants › Dogs › Malanga

Is Malanga Toxic to Dogs?

⚠️ Mildly ToxicSeverity: Mild
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Malanga is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. Chewing the raw corm or leaves releases calcium oxalate crystals that sting the mouth and stomach.

Also known as: Yautia, Tannia, Cocoyam, Xanthosoma sagittifolium · Xanthosoma sagittifolium

What makes it toxic

Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides in the corm and all raw tissue. The crystals pierce the lining of the mouth and gut when plant cells are crushed by chewing.

Warning signs to watch for

Sudden drooling, oral pain, pawing at the muzzle, vomiting and refusal of food. Signs usually settle within hours once the mouth is rinsed.

What to do if your dog eats it

Flush the mouth with water, let the dog drink and monitor. A vet call is only needed if vomiting persists or swelling interferes with swallowing or breathing.

Common questions

My dog dug up a raw malanga corm — will it be OK?

Expect significant mouth pain and drooling for an hour or two. Rinse well and call the vet only if symptoms do not fade or swelling spreads.

Why is malanga grown as food if it is toxic?

Cooking destroys the crystals — a staple food for humans, still dangerous raw to pets. Never share raw corms or leaves.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.