Moldy Food (Mycotoxins)
Moldy Food (Mycotoxins)
foods
Alternate names
aflatoxin, Aspergillus, moldy food, mold, penitrem, roquefortine, tremorgenic mycotoxins, compost, Penicillium
Toxicity to pets
Ingestion of moldy food from the garbage or a compost pile puts dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and even wildlife at risk for toxicity due to tremorgenic mycotoxins. These toxins may be found in moldy bread, pasta, cheese, nuts, or other decaying matter like compost. Clinical signs include vomiting, agitation, incoordination, tremors, seizures, and elevated body temperature. A specific mycotoxin called aflatoxin can even cause liver failure. Be sure to keep moldy food and compost out of your pets’ reach!
Dogs
Cats
Toxicity Level
Severe
Cows
Toxicity Level
Severe
Horses
Toxicity Level
Severe
Birds
Toxicity Level
Mild
Disclaimer
The content of this page is not veterinary advice. A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.