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Nandina berries (heavenly bamboo) and pets
Nandina berries (heavenly bamboo) is toxic for dogs and toxic for cats. The plant, not a food, but the berries are sometimes eaten — cyanide compounds.
Not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something concerning — or shows vomiting, lethargy, tremors or seizures — call your veterinarian or a pet poison line immediately; waiting to see how it goes is the one thing that reliably makes it worse.
The reason
The plant, not a food, but the berries are sometimes eaten — cyanide compounds.
If it just happened
Call your veterinarian or a pet poison line immediately — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (US) runs 24/7, and every EU country has its own veterinary emergency service. Have the food, the amount and the pet's weight ready when you call.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control — toxic and non-toxic foods · WSAVA Global Nutrition Toolkit · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog eat nandina berries (heavenly bamboo)?
Toxic. The plant, not a food, but the berries are sometimes eaten — cyanide compounds.
Can my cat eat nandina berries (heavenly bamboo)?
Toxic. The plant, not a food, but the berries are sometimes eaten — cyanide compounds.
What do I do if my pet already ate it?
Call your veterinarian or a pet poison line now — with what was eaten, how much, and the pet's weight. Do not wait for signs.
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The pet log, kept simple
TempoLife tracks meals, walks and weight — for the humans and, with a habit, for the four-legged family too.