My dog

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Can dogs eat it?

Can dogs eat conkers?

No, toxic No. Conkers, the seeds of the horse chestnut tree, are poisonous to dogs if chewed and eaten, and a swallowed conker can block the gut.

Why

Conkers contain aesculin, which is toxic to dogs and is found in every part of the horse chestnut tree, including the bark and leaves (Blue Cross). Pet Poison Helpline says the seeds and leaves also contain saponins that cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and nervous system signs such as a staggering walk, tremors, collapse and seizures. Deaths are rare, but Blue Cross calls conker poisoning very serious. PDSA lists horse chestnut among the plants that can cause serious illness. Signs can start within 1 to 6 hours, or up to two days later (Blue Cross).

Signs to watch for

If your dog ate conkers (horse chestnuts)

Call your vet straight away if you think your dog has eaten a conker, even if they seem fine. Some dogs need a drip and medicine for vomiting and diarrhoea, and in rare cases surgery to remove a blockage (Blue Cross).

If your dog has eaten something toxic

Call your vet or the nearest emergency vet now. Do not wait for signs, and do not make your dog sick unless a vet tells you to. Take the packet with you.

Australia: poison advice lines
  • Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738. Open 24/7. Its own home page says consultations with a Poisons Information Consultant are available from $75 AUD. Older pages still call it free: RSPCA Australia's knowledgebase (last updated December 2023) and the helpline's own 2019 launch news, so ask about the fee when you call.
United States: poison advice lines
United Kingdom: poison advice lines
  • Animal PoisonLine: 01202 509 000. Open 24 hours, run by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service. £35 per call 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, £45 at all other times including bank holidays, paid by card (Amex not accepted). If your pet shows collapse, seizures or breathing difficulty, it says to contact your vet immediately instead.
Canada: poison advice lines
  • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. Its own site says it is available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, 24/7. A USD 89 per incident fee applies, which includes follow-up consultations.
New Zealand: poison advice lines
  • Animal Poisons Helpline: 0800 869 738. Open 24/7, the same service as in Australia. New Zealand's National Poisons Centre says it is available to all New Zealand pet owners and that charges do apply; the amount for New Zealand callers is not stated.
  • National Poisons Centre (for people). New Zealand's National Poisons Centre handles human poisonings and says it is not expert in animal poisonings. For a pet, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline.

This is general guidance, your vet sets the actual schedule. Puppies, small dogs and dogs with a health condition can react to smaller amounts. Check with your own vet before changing what your dog eats.

Other foods people ask about

Acorns No, toxic No. Acorns are poisonous to dogs. Their tannins can cause a bad stomach upset and, rarely, kidney or liver failure, and they can block the gut. Cat food Only with care A mouthful now and then will not harm most dogs, but cat food is too rich to be a regular part of their diet. Eggs Yes, in moderation Yes, fully cooked and plain. Eggs are a good source of protein. Avoid raw eggs. Gravy No, toxic No. Gravy often contains onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs even when cooked, and rich gravy is fatty. Hops No, toxic No. Hops used for brewing beer are toxic to dogs: they can cause a dangerously high temperature, panting and seizures, and can kill. Wild mushrooms No, toxic Treat it as an emergency. A few wild mushrooms, such as the death cap, can cause liver failure, and they are hard to tell apart.

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Sources

Last reviewed 2026-09-29.