Is Autumn Olive Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)

Eleagnus spp.

Autumn Olive (Eleagnus spp.)

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Safe
Safe
Safe

Quick facts

Toxic to dogsNo
Toxic to catsNo
Toxic to horsesNo
Toxic componentN/A — non-toxic
Onset of symptomsN/A
Indoor / outdoorboth

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What to do

No treatment is needed if a dog eats the berries or leaves while out on a walk or in the yard.

Toxic component and mechanism

Autumn Olive is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to dogs, cats, or horses.

What makes this plant different

Autumn Olive is confirmed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. It's a shrub with distinctive silvery-scaled leaves and small red berries that are edible to wildlife and people alike. Worth knowing if you're clearing land: it's classified as invasive in parts of the US, so what looks like a hedge of it is often an unplanted volunteer stand rather than something someone put in intentionally.

Plant identification

Scientific name
Eleagnus spp.
Family
Elaeagnaceae
Also known as
Autumn Olive, Silver Berry, Russian Olive
Typically found
both

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See all Elaeagnaceae plants →

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Plant toxicity data is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database. If you believe your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control