Spoiled Food
Moldy Food: Safe for Dogs and Cats?
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Moldy food, compost, and garbage can carry tremor-inducing mold toxins that act fast and can be life-threatening, so exposure is treated as an emergency.
Toxic principle: tremorgenic mycotoxins, commonly penitrem A, produced by Penicillium molds
Watch for
- vomiting
- muscle tremors
- incoordination
- rapid heart rate
- elevated body temperature
- seizures
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
The same fast-acting mold toxins that endanger dogs can poison cats, and any suspected exposure should be treated with the same urgency.
Toxic principle: tremorgenic mycotoxins, commonly penitrem A, produced by Penicillium molds
Watch for
- vomiting
- muscle tremors
- incoordination
- rapid heart rate
- elevated body temperature
- seizures
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.