What Happens If Your Dog Eats Moldy Food? Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Discovering your dog has eaten moldy food can send your heart racing. It’s a scary moment that leaves many pet parents wondering what happens next. If your dog eats moldy food, they may experience vomiting, tremors, or seizures due to mycotoxins that can cause serious poisoning requiring immediate veterinary attention. At Barepets.com, we’ve seen how quickly this situation can turn dangerous. Mold isn’t just gross—it’s potentially toxic to your furry friend. Different types of mold produce various mycotoxins that affect dogs differently, with some causing mild tummy troubles and others leading to more serious issues. Don’t wait to see if symptoms develop. If you catch your pup snacking on something moldy, call your vet right away. The sooner your dog gets treatment, the better their chances of a full recovery. We always tell our customers that prevention is much easier than dealing with the aftermath of mold poisoning.

Key Takeaways

• Moldy food contains mycotoxins that can cause severe poisoning symptoms in dogs, from vomiting to seizures.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten moldy food, as prompt treatment improves outcomes.
• Store pet food properly and regularly check your home for moldy items to prevent accidental ingestion.

What Happens If a Dog Eats Moldy Food?

If a dog eats moldy food, it risks mycotoxin poisoning, a dangerous condition caused by toxic compounds produced by molds. Symptoms can range from mild digestive upset to severe neurological issues, often appearing within 24 to 48 hours of ingestion.

Common symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Tremors & seizures
• Incoordination or agitation
• Fever

Left untreated, mycotoxin poisoning can be fatal.

Understanding Moldy Food and Its Risks

Moldy food can be extremely dangerous for dogs, containing harmful substances that may cause illness ranging from mild stomach upset to severe poisoning. The type of mold and amount consumed determines how sick your dog might become.

Types and Dangers of Mold in Food

Mold is a type of microscopic fungi that grows on food when conditions are right. You’ll typically find it in warm, moist environments where food has been left out too long. Common molds that affect pet food include Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium species.

Common Molds in Dog Food

Several mold species are particularly dangerous to dogs because they produce toxic mycotoxins:

Mold Type	Common Food Sources	Harmful Mycotoxins	Effects on Dogs
Aspergillus	Grains (corn, wheat, rice), nuts, dry dog food	Aflatoxins	Severe liver damage, cancer risk
Penicillium	Blue cheeses, cured meats	Tremorgenic toxins (some species)	Tremors, seizures
Fusarium	Cereals, grains	Fumonisins	Neurological issues

Key Notes:

• Mold can still grow on refrigerated foods, such as cheese and cured meats.
• Mycotoxins may spread beyond visible mold spots; even a “small moldy patch” can be toxic.
• High-risk foods include bread, cheese, fruits, nuts, and wet dog food that has been left unrefrigerated.

Not all molds look the same. Some appear as fuzzy green or blue patches, while others might be white, black, or even pink. What you see is just the tip of the iceberg – mold spores have already spread throughout the food even if you only see a small spot. Food most likely to develop harmful mold includes bread, cheese, fruits, nuts, and wet dog food left out too long.

Mycotoxins and Mycotoxicosis

Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain molds. These invisible toxins remain in food even if you remove the visible moldy parts. When dogs consume these toxins, they can develop mycotoxicosis – mold poisoning.

Common Mycotoxins	Possible Effects
Aflatoxins	Liver damage, cancer
Tremorgenic Mycotoxins	Tremors, seizures
Fumonisin	Neurological problems

The Most Common Mycotoxins Affecting Dogs

The three most concerning mycotoxins for dogs are aflatoxins, fumonisins, and tremorgenic toxins:

Mycotoxin	Source Mold(s)	Target Organ/System	Effects on Dogs
Aflatoxins	Aspergillus spp	Liver	Liver failure, jaundice, hemorrhage, death
Fumonisins	Fusarium spp.	Nervous system	Neurological damage, seizures, brain softening
Tremorgenic toxins	Penicillium & Aspergillus	Nervous system	Tremors, seizures, hyperexcitability

Symptoms of mycotoxicosis can appear quickly or develop slowly over time. Your dog might experience vomiting, reduced appetite, jaundice, or even seizures depending on the type and amount of toxin consumed. We’ve seen cases where dogs developed liver failure from eating moldy bread or nuts containing aflatoxins. These toxins are particularly dangerous as they can cause permanent damage.

Immediate Effects of Mold Ingestion in Dogs

Dogs who eat moldy food can experience several serious health problems within minutes to hours. The effects range from stomach issues to more dangerous neurological problems depending on the type of mold consumed.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Vomiting is often the first sign your dog has eaten something moldy. Most dogs will throw up within 1-2 hours after eating moldy food. This is actually their body’s natural defense mechanism trying to get rid of the toxins. Diarrhea typically follows and can range from mild to severe. You might notice your dog suddenly needs to go outside urgently or has accidents in the house. Nausea signs include excessive drooling, licking their lips, or swallowing repeatedly. Some dogs might eat grass to make themselves throw up when feeling sick.

Allergic Reactions to Mold

Just like humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to mold. Symptoms often show up quickly and can include excessive scratching, red and irritated skin, or hives. In more severe cases, we might see facial swelling, particularly around the muzzle and eyes. This can be scary to witness and requires immediate vet attention. Some dogs with existing mold allergies may show more intense reactions when they actually eat moldy substances compared to just being around them in the environment.

Neurological Effects of Tremorgenic Mycotoxins

Tremorgenic mycotoxins are dangerous substances produced by certain molds that affect the nervous system. These toxins can cause muscle tremors that often start within 30 minutes to a few hours after eating moldy food.

Symptom	What It Looks Like	Severity
Mild Tremors	Slight shaking, might look like shivering	Concerning
Severe Tremors	Uncontrollable shaking, inability to stand	Emergency
Seizures	Full body convulsions, loss of consciousness	Life-threatening

Other neurological signs include restlessness, pacing, and unusual behaviors. Your dog might seem disoriented or bump into things. In the worst cases, dogs can experience seizures or even fall into a coma. We’ve seen cases where dogs recover fully when treated quickly, but delays in treatment can lead to permanent damage.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mold Exposure

Quick veterinary intervention is crucial when your dog has eaten moldy food. The right diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in how quickly they recover from mold toxicity.

Clinical Diagnosis by a Vet

If you suspect your dog has eaten moldy food, call your vet immediately. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors may indicate mycotoxicosis (mold poisoning). Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen! Your vet will perform a physical exam checking your dog’s temperature, heart rate, and signs of gastroenteritis. They’ll ask about the moldy food your dog ate and when it happened. Blood tests can show liver or kidney damage from mycotoxins. In severe cases, your vet might recommend neurological testing if your dog shows tremors or seizures.

Treatment Options for Mold Ingestion

Treatment usually begins with decontamination. Your vet may induce vomiting if the ingestion was recent (within 2 hours). This helps remove toxins before they’re absorbed. Activated charcoal is often given to bind remaining toxins in the digestive system. IV fluids are crucial to prevent dehydration and support the immune system while it fights the toxins.

Symptom	Treatment
Vomiting/Diarrhea	Anti-nausea meds, probiotics
Tremors/Seizures	Anti-seizure medication
Liver damage	Liver support supplements

Most dogs recover well with prompt treatment. We at Barepets.com recommend keeping your dog under observation for 24-48 hours after treatment to ensure all symptoms resolve.

How Do Veterinarians Treat Mold Poisoning in Dogs?

There’s no antidote for mycotoxin poisoning; treatment focuses on decontamination, symptom control, and supportive care.

Decontamination methods

• Inducing vomiting (if ingestion was recent)
• Gastric lavage (stomach pumping)
• Activated charcoal to bind toxins and reduce absorption

Medications

• Anticonvulsants (diazepam, pentobarbital) for seizures
• Methocarbamol for tremors & muscle rigidity
• Antiemetics (maropitant, ondansetron) for vomiting
• Intravenous lipid emulsion therapy in severe cases (binds lipid-soluble toxins)

Supportive Care

• IV fluids for hydration & kidney support
• Cooling measures if fever/hyperthermia develops
• Monitoring for shock, metabolic acidosis, or rhabdomyolysis

Prevention and Safety Measures

Keeping your dog safe from moldy food requires proper storage and quick action when mold appears. These simple steps can protect your furry friend from potential health risks.

Storing Food Properly

Proper storage is your first defense against mold growth. We recommend keeping all dog food in airtight containers in cool, dry places. Wet food should be refrigerated after opening and used within 3-4 days. Check expiration dates regularly on all pet foods. Bread products and rice can grow mold quickly when exposed to moisture. We suggest freezing extra bread to prevent mold growth. Human foods like blue cheese (which contains safe, controlled molds) should be kept separate from your dog’s food area. Even though some molds are safe for humans, they can be harmful to dogs.

How to Prevent Mold in Dog Food

Following pet food safety recommendations can drastically reduce mold risks:

Storage Aspect	Dry Food	Wet Food
Container	Airtight container (keep original bag inside)	Airtight lid/plastic wrap after opening
Temperature	Cool, dry, under 80°F	Refrigerate ≤40°F
Expiration	Check & discard expired	Use within 3–5 days

Recognizing and Addressing Mold Growth

Mold can appear as fuzzy spots in various colors – green, white, black, or blue. Check food regularly, especially in humid conditions.

Food Type	Signs of Mold	Action Needed
Dry dog food	Discoloration, fuzzy patches	Discard entire bag
Wet food	Fuzzy growth, off smell	Discard immediately
Rice/grains	Yellow/green discoloration	Discard completely

If you find mold on any food, throw it away completely. Never cut away moldy portions, as microscopic mold spores can spread throughout the food. This includes moldy bread, rice with unusual coloring, or dry food with moisture damage. Clean food storage containers regularly with vinegar or mild soap to prevent yeast and mold growth. We recommend washing your dog’s food bowl daily to prevent harmful bacteria buildup.

Emergency Veterinary Contacts 

If your dog has eaten moldy food and is showing symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, or seizures, don’t wait. Every minute counts. Contact a veterinarian immediately.

• Philippine Animal Hospital Association (PAHA) Accredited Clinics, a directory of licensed animal hospitals nationwide.
• VETS IN PRACTICE (Metro Manila): Most branches are open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, but the Mandaluyong Animal Hospital offers after-hours emergency care (7:01 PM to 8:59 AM). For urgent cases, please call (02) 8531 1581 to 83 or +63917 551 5898.
• Animal House (Multiple branches, 24/7 hotlines): +63 917 847 5233

Pro Tip: Save the number of your local emergency vet in your phone right now. In cases of mold poisoning, fast action can save your dog’s life.