Can dogs eat it?
Are poppy seeds bad for dogs?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Poppy seeds are best avoided. The opium poppy plant contains opioid alkaloids, and the seeds can carry traces of them. The sprinkle on a bread roll is very unlikely to harm a dog, but larger amounts, such as a slice of poppy seed cake, or any part of the poppy plant, can cause sedation, wobbliness and other signs.
Why poppy seeds are different from other seeds
Poppy seeds come from Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy. The seeds themselves contain very little of the plant's alkaloids, but seeds can pick up residue from the pod during harvesting. Amounts vary a lot between batches. Poppy plants, pods and dried seed heads used in flower arrangements contain far more.
Poppies appear on pet poison lists as toxic to dogs.
Small sprinkles versus baked goods
A few seeds on a bagel crust are a tiny exposure. Poppy seed cakes, lemon and poppy seed muffins, Eastern European poppy seed rolls and poppy seed fillings pack seeds densely, and they come with sugar, butter and sometimes raisins. These are the foods to keep firmly out of reach.
Possible signs
Reported signs after eating poppy plant material or large amounts of seeds include sleepiness, wobbliness, pinpoint or widened pupils, a slow breathing rate and, occasionally, excitement or agitation. Vomiting may also occur. Small dogs are affected by much smaller amounts.
Garden and ornamental poppies
Oriental poppies, corn poppies and California poppies are common in gardens and wildflower meadows. They contain different alkaloids from opium poppies, but they are still best treated as unsafe for dogs to chew. Dried poppy pods in craft displays should be kept high up.
Everything seasoning
Everything bagel seasoning mixes poppy and sesame seeds with dried garlic and onion, which are toxic to dogs in their own right. A dog that eats this seasoning, or bagels topped with it, needs a call to the vet for the garlic and onion alone.
Key takeaways
- Poppy seeds can carry traces of opioid alkaloids.
- A sprinkle on bread is very unlikely to cause harm.
- Poppy seed cakes and fillings concentrate the seeds.
- Poppy plants and dried pods are more dangerous than the seeds.