Is Bamboo Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)

No treatment is needed for true bamboo (Phyllostachys and similar grass-family species). If you have a "lucky bamboo" arrangement in a vase, treat that as a separate, toxic plant and keep it out of reach — check our lucky bamboo entry if your pet has access to one.

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

Bamboo is confirmed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA — this entry refers to true bamboo, a member of the grass family (Gramineae). This is worth being precise about: "lucky bamboo" sold in home and garden stores is almost always a completely different plant, Dracaena sanderiana, which is NOT the same species and is toxic to dogs and cats. The stalks look similar, but true bamboo and lucky bamboo are unrelated plants.

Scientific name

Phyllostachys aurea

Family

Gramineae

Also known as

Bamboo, Golden Bamboo, Fishpole Bamboo, true bamboo

Typically found

both