Can dogs eat it?
Are bay leaves toxic to dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Bay leaves are listed as toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. They are also stiff and sharp-edged, even after long cooking, so a swallowed leaf can scratch the throat or contribute to a blockage. Remove bay leaves from stews and sauces before sharing anything, and keep bay trees out of reach.
What makes bay a problem
Bay laurel leaves contain aromatic oils that irritate a dog's digestive tract. Pet poison references list the plant as toxic, with vomiting and diarrhea as the typical signs. The leaves do not soften much in cooking, so they stay tough and pointed.
A dog that gulps down a whole leaf from a plate of stew may gag, vomit or pass it with difficulty.
Common ways dogs find bay leaves
Casseroles, bolognese, curries, soups and stocks often have two or three bay leaves simmering in them. The leaves are fished out at the end and left on a spoon rest or dropped into the bin. Leftover stew scraped into a dog bowl can carry a forgotten leaf along with onion and garlic.
Cherry laurel is different
Cherry laurel, a common hedging plant in the UK and Europe, is sometimes simply called laurel. It is not the culinary bay tree. Its leaves and seeds contain cyanide-forming compounds and are much more dangerous. If your dog chews a laurel hedge, check which plant it is and call your vet.
Signs to watch for
After eating bay leaves, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, retching, loss of appetite and belly discomfort. Most mild cases settle within a day. Repeated vomiting or a dog that will not eat may point to a leaf lodged in the gut.
Potted bay trees
Bay trees in pots are popular by front doors and on patios. Fallen leaves collect underneath. Sweep them up regularly, especially if you have a puppy that picks up and chews everything in its path.
Key takeaways
- Bay leaves are listed as toxic to dogs.
- They stay stiff after cooking and can scratch or obstruct.
- Remove bay leaves before sharing any stew or sauce.
- Cherry laurel hedges are a different and more dangerous plant.