Can dogs eat mouldy food?
Toxic
No. Mouldy food can contain toxins that cause tremors and seizures in dogs. If your dog has eaten mouldy food or compost, call your vet or a poison helpline now.
Also searched as: mouldy bread, moldy food, mould, mold
If your dog ate mouldy food
Call your vet or an animal poison helpline now, even if your dog seems well. Do not wait for symptoms.
Signs can start within a few hours of eating mouldy food. Do not wait for tremors before calling.
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We do not list a poison helpline for your country yet. Contact your own vet or the nearest emergency vet straight away.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Agitation
- Incoordination
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Fever
- Fast heart rate
Why it is dangerous
Moulds growing on food or compost can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins. Pet Poison Helpline lists mouldy bread, pasta, cheese, nuts and compost as common sources. Merck Veterinary Manual notes that small amounts can cause muscle tremors lasting hours to days, while large amounts can cause seizures and death. Keep bins and compost out of reach.
Sources
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Pet Poison Helpline: Moldy food
checked 8 October 2026
These toxins may be found in moldy bread, pasta, cheese, nuts, or other decaying matter like compost.
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Merck Veterinary Manual: Tremorgenic neuromycotoxicosis in dogs
checked 8 October 2026
Toxins ingested in lower concentrations appear to cause fine muscle tremors lasting for hours to days
The predominant clinical signs in dogs are vomiting, tremors, intention tremors, hyperesthesia, ataxia, nystagmus, tachycardia, and seizures.
After ingestion, the onset of clinical signs can occur in a few hours.
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PDSA: Poisons and hazards for your pets
checked 8 October 2026
Mouldy foods can contain dangerous mycotoxins (fungi) which are potentially fatal to dogs.
Last reviewed . How we check foods
This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog ate something concerning, contact your vet or a poison helpline immediately.