Beware: Taro (Gabi) is Toxic to Dogs

By Niko Gabriel Salgado

Taro, known in the Philippines as gabi, is a starchy root vegetable widely used in various culinary dishes throughout Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.

While it is a nutritious and versatile food for humans, pet owners should be aware that taro is dangerous for dogs. Despite its popularity in human diets, taro can pose significant health risks to our canine companions.

Why is Taro Dangerous to Dogs?

“The main concern with taro lies in its natural calcium oxalate crystals, which are present in both the raw root and the leaves,” said Dr. Jerry Taylor in “Can Dogs Eat Taro? What To Do If Your Dog Eats Taro?” on the American Pet Society website.

“These microscopic needle-like crystals can cause intense irritation, swelling, and pain when chewed or ingested by dogs,” added Dr. Taylor.

Calcium oxalates belong to a group of compounds that, when ingested, embed themselves into soft tissues like the tongue, gums, and throat. This can lead to:

• Immediate mouth and throat irritation
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Drooling and vomiting
• Pawing at the mouth
• Potential obstruction of airways in severe cases

Raw taro contains high levels of these crystals, making it especially toxic. While proper cooking for humans typically reduces the danger by breaking down oxalates, this does not guarantee safety for dogs, as even small amounts or improper preparation can still cause serious effects.

Symptoms of Taro Poisoning in Dogs

According to Dr. Taylor, if a dog consumes raw or improperly cooked taro or its leaves, symptoms can begin almost immediately. Common signs of taro toxicity include:

• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Swollen tongue, lips, or throat
• Oral pain or pawing at the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

In severe cases or with large ingestion, taro poisoning can become life-threatening due to swelling of the airways or internal complications.

Potential Long-Term Risks

Aside from acute symptoms, prolonged exposure to calcium oxalates in taro can potentially lead to:

• Kidney problems: Oxalates can bind with calcium in the body and form crystals or stones, which can damage the kidneys over time.
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: If vomiting or diarrhea persists, a dog may become dehydrated and suffer additional complications.

It is important to note that even if your dog seems “okay” after eating a small piece, oxalate toxicity can be cumulative or delayed depending on the individual animal’s health and size.

Can Cooked Taro Be Safe for Dogs?

Although cooking taro significantly reduces calcium oxalate levels, veterinarians still do not recommend feeding it to dogs. There are three main reasons for this:

1. Incomplete cooking: Unless thoroughly boiled or baked for a specific amount of time, residual crystals may still remain.

2. Portion control: Dogs have much smaller and more sensitive digestive systems than humans, and even small amounts can cause issues.

3. Risk of additives: Cooked taro is often seasoned with salt, garlic, or onions — all of which are toxic to dogs.

Due to these risks, it is best to avoid giving any form of taro to your dog, even as a treat or leftover.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Taro

Dr. Taylor advises pet owners that if a dog has eaten taro or its leaves, take the following steps immediately:

• Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.
• Check for signs of oral discomfort, drooling, swelling, or vomiting.
• Rinse your dog’s mouth gently with clean water to remove irritants if symptoms appear.
• Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away.
• If possible, bring a sample of the plant or dish your dog consumed to help the vet with diagnosis and treatment.

Prompt medical attention can prevent complications and ensure a safe recovery.

This article also appears in the Manila Standard