Can dogs and cats eat Aloe vera?
The gel is not very harmful, but the outer leaf contains saponins and anthraquinones that cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Why
Saponins, anthraquinones (aloin)
Signs to watch for
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
- red urine (rare)
Good to know
Usually mild to moderate stomach upset. Don't apply aloe products to areas your pet can lick without vet advice.
If you think your pet has been poisoned
If you suspect your dog or cat has eaten or touched something poisonous, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately, even if your pet seems fine – some poisons take hours or days to show signs, and early treatment works best. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to, as this can cause more harm. Take the packaging, label or a piece of the plant with you, and note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
Sources
Sources
Checked against these sources in October 2026.