Dog-Friendly Plants for Denver Gardens: What's Safe, What's Not, and What Grows Beautifully Here
Here in Denver, the unofficial planting date is just after Mother's Day — once the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up enough to give your garden a real start. If you're already thinking about what to plant this spring, you're right on time.
However, if you're a dog owner, there's one more thing on your planning list that most people don't think about until it's too late: making sure your garden is actually safe for your dog.
Some of the most popular Colorado garden plants are toxic to dogs. A curious sniff, a nibble on a fallen leaf, or a dig through a flower bed can send a dog to the emergency vet. And with Denver's dog bite and toxicity reports rising every year, this is worth taking seriously before you plant a single seed.
The good news is that a beautiful, dog-safe garden is absolutely possible in Denver. Here's everything you need to know.
Why This Matters More Than You Might Think
Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Puppies especially will chew on almost anything — and even adult dogs will occasionally sample something in the yard out of curiosity or boredom. Toxic plants don't always cause obvious immediate reactions either. Some cause vomiting and diarrhea. Others cause kidney failure, neurological damage, or worse — often hours after ingestion.
Knowing what's in your yard is one of the simplest ways to protect your dog. And choosing dog-safe plants from the start means you never have to worry.
Dog-Friendly Plants That Grow Well in Denver
All of the plants below are considered non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA and grow beautifully in Denver's climate.
Herbs - These are wonderful additions to any Denver garden — easy to grow, useful in the kitchen, and safe for your dog.
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Lemon Balm
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
Fruits and Vegetables - These do double duty — great for your table and safe if your dog sneaks a taste.
- Acorn and Butternut Squash
- Beets
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Flowers and Other Plants - Beautiful, low-maintenance, and dog-safe — all great choices for Denver yards.
- Bamboo
- Buckwheat
- Daisies
- Holly Fern
- Spider Plants
- Sunflowers
- Sword Fern
- Snapdragons
- Petunias
- Roses (thorns aside!)
- Marigolds
- Asters
- Camellias
Plants That Are Toxic to Dogs — Avoid or Fence Off
These are common in Denver gardens and landscapes — but all pose risks to dogs ranging from mild stomach upset to serious organ damage.
High Toxicity — Keep Dogs Completely Away:
- Sago Palm — one of the most toxic plants for dogs, causes liver failure
- Foxglove — causes heart problems, can be fatal
- Oleander — extremely toxic, affects the heart
- Azalea and Rhododendron — causes vomiting, low blood pressure, tremors
- Autumn Crocus — causes severe organ damage
- Yew — every part of this plant is toxic and fast-acting
- Lily of the Valley — causes heart arrhythmia
Common Garden Plants to Watch:
- Daffodils — especially the bulbs, causes vomiting and tremors
- Tulips and Hyacinths — bulbs are the most toxic part
- Aloe Vera — causes digestive upset and lethargy
- Jade Plants — causes vomiting and coordination problems
- Lavender — toxic in large amounts, use caution
- Sweet Pea — causes weakness and coordination problems
- Apple Trees — seeds and fallen fruit can be problematic
- Garlic and Onion — toxic to dogs even in small amounts
- Grapes — can cause kidney failure even in small quantities
- Nightshades including tomato plants, peppers, and eggplant — the plants themselves are toxic even though the ripe fruit is generally safe
A Note on Peppermint: Small amounts are generally fine but large quantities or concentrated peppermint oil can cause digestive issues and liver problems in dogs.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Don't wait for symptoms. If you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic plant:
- Remove your dog from the area immediately
- Try to identify exactly what they ate and how much
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435
- Bring a sample of the plant or a photo if you can
Time matters with plant toxicity. Acting quickly makes a significant difference in outcomes.
Practical Tips for a Dog-Safe Denver Garden
- Know what you have. Walk your yard right now and identify every plant. If you're not sure what something is, the ASPCA toxic plant database at aspca.org is the most comprehensive and reliable resource available.
- Use raised beds for anything risky. If you love lavender or want to grow tomatoes, raised beds with low fencing keep your dog out while letting you enjoy the plants you love.
- Pair your garden with good training. A dog who knows "leave it" and "get back" reliably is a dog you can trust in the garden. These are two of the foundation skills we teach in our Delightful Dog Class here in Denver — and they are genuinely life-saving commands in a yard with plants.
- Supervise puppies and new dogs. A dog new to your yard doesn't know the rules yet. Supervise them closely for the first few weeks and redirect immediately if they show interest in plants.
Plant Safe. Train Well. Enjoy the Whole Summer.
A dog-safe garden and a well-trained dog go hand in hand. The training piece — teaching your dog to leave plants alone, stay out of garden beds, and come when called — is just as important as what you choose to plant. If you want help with any of that, Noble Beast has been supporting Denver dog owners through exactly these kinds of real-life challenges for 18 years. That's what we're here for.
For more ideas on setting up your entire backyard for success, read our companion post:
Dogscaping — How to Build the Perfect Dog-Friendly Backyard in Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tomato plants safe for dogs? The ripe tomato fruit is generally safe in small amounts, but the plant itself — leaves, stems, and unripe fruit — contains solanine which is toxic to dogs. If you grow tomatoes, keep your dog out of the garden bed.
My dog ate a daffodil bulb. What do I do? Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Daffodil bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant and can cause serious symptoms. Don't wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Is lavender safe to plant if I have dogs? Lavender is considered mildly toxic to dogs. Small incidental contact is unlikely to cause serious harm, but ingesting larger amounts can cause digestive upset. If you love lavender, plant it in a raised bed or a fenced area your dog can't access.
Can dogs eat strawberries from the garden? Yes — strawberries are non-toxic and most dogs love them! Just keep servings moderate as the natural sugar content is high. The strawberry plant itself is also safe.
How do I stop my dog from digging up my garden? Digging is almost always about energy, boredom, or instinct. A dog who gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation digs far less. Teaching "leave it" as a reliable cue also helps enormously. Check out our Dogscaping post for more backyard management strategies — and our Delightful Dog Class for the foundation training skills that make it all work.
Noble Beast Dog Training has been Denver's relationship-first training company for 18 years.
We are one of Denver's 110 Legacy Businesses and the only dog training company on that list.
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Want to make sure your dog is safe and well-trained this spring?
From "leave it" to recall to backyard manners — Noble Beast has been helping Denver dogs and their families thrive for 18 years. Whether you're starting from scratch or working through a specific challenge, we have a class or service that's right for you.
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