§ Toxic plants · Polygonaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is common buckwheat toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include skin irritation, sunburn-like skin reactions to light and agitation. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Polygonaceae plants toxic to pets
Common buckwheat belongs to the Polygonaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about common buckwheat and pets
Is common buckwheat toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists common buckwheat as toxic to cats.
Is common buckwheat toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists common buckwheat as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats common buckwheat?
Signs include skin irritation, sunburn-like skin reactions to light and agitation. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.