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Fleas, traffic, thorns, ticks, body weight, and overall health are the main things on a pet parent’s radar, but what about plants? Non-toxic plants to dogs aren’t typically on the forefront of a dog owner’s list of concerns, but they should be!

In this article, I will introduce to you the most common non-toxic plants to dogs (from the indoors to the outdoors). You’ll love them as alternatives to dangerous ones!

Non-Toxic Plants to Dogs (Watermelon Peperomia)

The list of toxic plants to dogs can be overwhelming to plant and dog lovers. Some of the most popular flora out there are on the list. But there are lesser-known alternatives, not containing the chemicals that deem them toxic, that are safe for dogs.

Non-Toxic Plants to Dogs

The great outdoors can be a dangerous place for our pups. With all the obvious dangers we’re aware of, plants can be a silent and innocent-looking danger that escapes our attention.

You can’t control what’s growing out in the wild, nor can you hijack your neighbor’s yard and remove or replace plants that harbor toxic chemicals. But you do have control over what’s going on in your yard, and inside of your home.

The following lists of common plants, flowers, ferns, grasses, vegetables, herbs, and shrubs are all non-toxic to dogs. If you’ve recently realized your garden contains toxic plants to dogs and are looking for replacements, I’ve provided some solid suggestions broken down sectionally so you can easily find what you’re looking for.

Non-Toxic Plants to Dogs (Outdoors)

Garden plants (fruits and vegetables) include parts of the food that humans would not eat but discard (like roots, stems, leaves, etc.).

A dog might be just as likely to eat the leaves of a vegetable as it would be to eat the veggie itself. The edible part we care about might only be a portion of what the dog is interested in.

You’ll be pleased to know this list of well-known garden plants (and all their parts) including flowers safe for dogs, vegetables, and other shrubs and grasses, are categorized as safe for dogs!

Dog-Safe Garden Plants

Non-toxic Plants to Dogs (Garden Plants
  • Zucchini Plants
  • Rosemary Plants
  • Carrots
  • Spinach Plants
  • Dill Plants
  • Broccoli
  • Pineapple Sage Plant
  • Purple Basil Plant
  • Sunflowers
  • Creeping Thyme Plant
  • Cauliflower Plants
  • Fennel Plants
  • Sweet Potatoes

Dog-Safe Flowers

Non-toxic Plants to Dogs - Flowers
Non-Toxic Plants to Dogs (Flowers)
  • Petunia Plants
  • Orchid Plants
  • Zinnia Plants
  • Winter and Summer Jasmine Plants
  • Cranesbill Plants
  • Snapdragon Plants
  • Nasturtium Plants
  • African Daisy Plants
  • Camellia Plants
  • Marigold Plants
  • Stonecrop Plants
  • Creeping Jenny Plant
  • Creeping Phlox Plants
  • Forsythia Plants
  • Pansy Plants
  • Fuchsia Plants
  • Roses
  • African Violets

Dog-Friendly Shrubs, Plants, and Grasses

Non-toxic Plants to Dogs (Magnolia Bush)
  • Rabbit’s Food Fern
  • Magnolia Bushes
  • Camellia Shrubs
  • Oregon Grape Plant
  • Spleenwort Fern
  • Tropical Hibiscus Shrubs
  • Boston Fern
  • Cora Bell Plants
  • Figleaf Palm Shrub
  • Bamboo Palm Plant
  • Staghorn Ferns
  • Golden Bells Shrub
  • Japanese Holly Ferns

Non-Toxic Plants to Dogs (Indoors)

Few things brighten the mood of a home like some well-placed, fragrant, easy-on-the-eyes flora. After all, green thumbs don’t simply come off just because you’ve walked through a door, right?

Before you invest in cheap-looking artificial plants and flowers because you’re not sure what plants might harm your dog if ingested, take a look at this list of 24 indoor dog-friendly plants that are completely safe for your canine companion. You’ll find these can be just as beautiful (or more so!) as their more toxic indoor counterparts.

Any plants or flowers that are safe for the dog outside would be fine inside. Understanding that many of the above plants, shrubs, ferns, or flowers can be snipped and brought inside, they’ll be omitted from the “indoor” list to avoid repetition.

Non-toxic Plants to Dogs - Watermelon Peperomia Plant
Non-toxic-Plants to Dogs (Watermelon Peperomia)

Here’s your list of the safest indoor plants for dogs.

  • Watermelon Peperomia Plants
  • Spider Plant
  • Air Plants
  • Friendship Plants
  • Ponytail Palm Plant
  • Haworthia Succulent Plants
  • Rattlesnake Plant
  • Burro’s Tail Plant
  • Date Palm Plants
  • Chinese Money Plants
  • Bird’s Nest Ferns
  • Peperomia Plants
  • Gloxinia Plants
  • Parlor Palm Plant
  • Goldfish Plants
  • Venus Flytrap Plants
  • Calathea Orbifolia Plant
  • Hoya Heart Plant
  • Lipstick Plants
  • Polka Dot Plants
  • Baby Tears Plants
  • Prayer Plants
  • Cast Iron Plants
  • White Orchid Plants
Safe Indoor Plants for Dogs
Safe Indoor Plants for Dogs

Your Yard, Your Dog, and Pica: Making your Yard Safe

Some dogs can go through life without giving indoor and outdoor plants much attention, while others might try taste testing occasionally. But some dogs obsess over plants as if they’re starving for them!

To the plant-obsessed dog parents, it may seem like your pup has developed an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but there’s actually a name for this behavior called Pica.

Pica in dogs is a condition that causes them to crave eating items or substances that do not resemble what they should recognize as food – including plants.

As we know, not all plants are safe for dogs to munch on or consume. For the sake of your pet, it would be a good idea to look into what you have growing in your yard or within his or her reach inside. If any plants need to be replaced with non-toxic varieties, you’ll have plenty to choose from after reviewing the lists of safe plants for dogs.

Doing so will keep the dog safe from poisoning itself, while you work with your veterinarian to correct the potentially dangerous and destructive Pica condition.

Pet parents know that when left to their own devices, dogs may learn what’s good or bad for them the hard way. If something smells interesting enough, they’ll see if it tastes just as good.

However, you can do your part to keep your pup safe in your yard or home. All it takes is a bit of research, some close attention to what’s growing in the yard, and good old-fashioned training.

Where to Find Pet Friendly Houseplants

For a full list of safe plants for dogs, visit the ASPCA website, which also lists all the plants toxic to dogs.

If you’re looking to purchase a new plant for your home or as a gift to someone who has a dog, The Sill, Planterina, and Lively Root each have a shopping section dedicated to pet-friendly houseplants. You’ll find safe flowers for dogs, palms, ferns, trees, succulent plants safe for dogs, and more!

Conclusion

Pet parents know that when left to their own devices, dogs may learn what’s good or bad for them the hard way. If something smells interesting enough, they’ll see if it tastes as good as it smells.

However, you can do your part to keep your pup safe in your yard or home. All it takes is a bit of research, some close attention to what’s growing in the yard, and good old-fashioned training.

I hope this list of common non-toxic plants for dogs gives you some peace of mind. There are so many options out there to keep pet parents and their pups safe and happy.

What safe plants for dogs do you proudly display in your home? Any surprises on this list? Let me know in the comments!


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