Are Sunflowers Safe for Cats and Dogs?

Sunflowers (Helianthus spp. (Helianthus annuus)) are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

The ASPCA lists sunflowers as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing the petals, leaves or flower head is not expected to poison a pet.

Sunflower stems and leaves are coarse and hairy, and the big flower heads are fibrous, so a pet that eats a lot may still vomit or have loose stool from the plant material.

How to recognize it

Sunflowers are tall plants with thick, hairy stems, large rough heart-shaped leaves and big flower heads with yellow petals around a brown or dark center that later fills with seeds. Florist and dwarf varieties come in yellow, orange, red and bronze. They are popular in bouquets and as graduation and celebration flowers.

What to do

• If your pet ate a lot of a sunflower plant, watch for vomiting or diarrhea and call your vet if it continues.
• Check bouquets for lilies and other toxic flowers mixed in with the sunflowers.
• Keep salted, roasted sunflower seed snacks out of reach.

Does the ASPCA listing cover the common sunflower?

The ASPCA sunflower entry uses the scientific name of the swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius), a wild relative, under the common name sunflower. The common garden and florist sunflower is Helianthus annuus, in the same genus.

Veterinary toxicology sources do not list the common sunflower as a poisonous plant, and it is widely treated as pet-safe. It is still a large, fibrous plant, so the usual rule applies: a big meal of it can cause a brief upset stomach.

Are sunflower seeds the same as the flower?

No. The ASPCA rating is for the plant, not for seeds sold as a snack. Many sunflower seed snacks are roasted and heavily salted, and the ASPCA lists excessively salty foods among the people foods to avoid giving pets: too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and, in severe cases, seizures.

Flavored seeds may also be coated with seasoning that contains garlic or onion powder, which are toxic to cats and dogs. Keep snack bags closed and out of reach, and ask your vet before using seeds as a treat.

Which bouquet flowers to watch in a sunflower arrangement?

Sunflowers are often mixed with other bright flowers in bouquets for graduations, birthdays and celebrations. The sunflowers are safe, but the flowers next to them may not be.

• Lilies: even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure in cats.
• Chrysanthemums and daisies: listed as toxic, usually causing stomach upset and skin irritation.
• Daffodils and tulips in spring bouquets: listed as toxic to cats and dogs.
• Roses: non-toxic, but check for thorns on garden stems.

Toxic plants to tell apart from it

These look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the label before buying.

• Mildly toxicChrysanthemums (mums)
• ToxicLilies
• ToxicDaffodils

Common questions

Are sunflowers safe for pets?

Cats: Non-toxic. Dogs: Non-toxic. Yes. Sunflowers (Helianthus) are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Is it safe to keep sunflowers in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes. They are listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs. If your pet ate a lot of a sunflower plant, watch for vomiting or diarrhea and call your vet if it continues.

What should I do if my pet chews sunflowers?

There is usually no emergency, because sunflowers are listed as non-toxic. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset, so call a vet if vomiting continues.

Which toxic plants look like sunflowers?

Watch out for chrysanthemums, lilies and daffodils: they look similar or are often sold alongside it. Check the botanical name on the label before buying.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).