Most vegetables in the vegetable garden are perfectly safe for animals, which is evidenced by the many small mammals that regularly nibble garden plants. The toxic plant list from American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals contains a few vegetable plants that are toxic to pets and wildlife. Most of these plants are toxic to humans, as well. To keep pets safe, fence your garden or install a motion-sensitive water sprinkler to deter them.
The Solanaceae plant family includes potatoes and tomatoes, along with the more sinister deadly nightshade. Although tomatoes and potatoes won't harm animals, the plants' leaves and stems will. Consumption might cause diarrhea, pupil dilation, slow heart rate and depression of the central nervous system. Tomato and potato plant parts are toxic to humans as well as animals.
Ripe, red rhubarb stalks are nontoxic, but the leaves and green stalks are poisonous to both animals and humans. These parts contain oxalic acid, which in large amounts can cause tremors, stomach upset, diarrhea, burning of the mouth and even death. Frostbitten rhubarb stalks have also been known to cause poisoning. Goats, horses, dogs and cats have been poisoned by this plant.
Members of the onion family including onions, chives, garlic and leeks can cause poisoning in dogs and cats. These aromatic root vegetables are related to daffodils, which are highly toxic. Dogs and cats like the aroma and flavor of these plants so grow them with care.
In addition to toxic plants, another common problem is that of cocoa mulch on garden pathways. This attractive mulch is made from cocoa hulls and has a sweet odor that is attractive to dogs. Chocolate, in all its forms, is toxic to dogs, and eating the hulls can cause serious illness, including diarrhea, seizures and elevated heart rate.
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