Is Nandina Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate

✅ 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.

Yes, nandina is toxic to dogs. Despite the bamboo-like look, the berries and foliage carry cyanogenic glycosides that can poison a snacking dog.

Also known as: Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo · Nandina domestica

What makes it toxic

Cyanogenic glycosides concentrated in berries, young leaves and shoots, releasing hydrogen cyanide when chewed tissue is digested.

Warning signs to watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy and bright red gums within hours; heavier berry consumption can cause tremors and breathing distress.

What to do if your dog eats it

Estimate the number of berries eaten and call your vet promptly. Breathing changes, tremors or collapse require an emergency clinic.

Common questions

My dog eats the red nandina berries off our hedge — how worried should I be?

Reasonably worried. Berries are the most concentrated source, and repeated snacking adds up. Call your vet and stop access to the fallen fruit.

Is nandina related to bamboo, since it is called heavenly bamboo?

No. It is a Berberis-family shrub unrelated to true bamboo, and unlike most bamboos it is genuinely toxic.

More plants checked for dogs

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