Can dogs eat leeks?

No — toxic to dogs

No. Leeks are in the Allium family with onion and garlic. They damage red blood cells the same way, in raw, cooked, or powder form.

For a detailed calorie breakdown, see 247CalorieCheck.

✓ Reviewed against PDSA, Blue Cross & Animal PoisonLine guidance · Last updated: 2026-06-17

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The full picture

Leeks are part of the Allium family and contain the same organosulfoxide compounds that make onion and garlic toxic to dogs. They cause hemolytic anaemia — damage to red blood cells — and the effect is cumulative, so repeated small exposures add up. Leeks are often in soups, stews, and quiches (leek and potato soup, leek and mushroom risotto, cock-a-leekie). Cooking does not destroy the toxicity. Symptoms may not appear for several days. Treat any leek consumption the same as onion: call your vet.

Check individual ingredient safety at 247IngredientsCheck.

If your dog has already eaten leeks

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your dog consumed a significant amount. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Bring the packaging or a description of the product to any vet visit.

Risks to watch for

  • Hemolytic anaemia
  • Pale gums
  • Lethargy
  • Dark urine (late sign)
  • Vomiting, diarrhea

Safe portion size

None. No form of leek is safe.

Safer alternatives

  • Plain cooked carrots
  • Green beans
  • Courgette

Does size or breed matter?

No specific toxicity concern from leeks itself at any size — this is mainly a portion and preparation question. Always serve plain and cooked or chopped small where relevant, since whole or large raw pieces are a bigger choking risk for small and toy breeds than for large dogs. Introduce any new vegetable gradually, as too much fibre too quickly can cause loose stools regardless of the dog's size.

Common questions

Can dogs eat leeks?
No. Leeks are in the Allium family with onion and garlic. They damage red blood cells the same way, in raw, cooked, or powder form.
What if my dog accidentally ate a small amount of leeks?
For most toxic foods, a very small accidental taste is different from a significant ingestion — a lick is unlikely to cause the same outcome as eating a full serving. That said, some toxins (xylitol, raisins, grapes) have no safe threshold. If you're unsure whether the amount matters, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

Related foods

Onions no Garlic no Chives no
Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661 in the UK.