By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Last updated: 30 October 2026
Pizza-flavoured Goldfish are a popular snack, and the orange fish shapes tend to end up wherever children eat them, from the car seat to the rug. A cat may bat one around and then crunch it. For a single cracker that is rarely a problem. The seasoning, though, includes onion powder, which makes the amount eaten important.
Key takeaways
- Pepperidge Farm lists tomato paste, cheddar and onion powder in Pizza Goldfish.
- Onion can damage a cat's red blood cells. Cats are the most susceptible species, and signs may not show for several days.
- One or two crackers are unlikely to cause harm. A handful or more is worth a call to your vet.
- Tomatoes and salt are on the RSPCA list of foods to avoid for cats.
- Do not make your cat vomit at home. Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 for advice.
What is in Pizza Goldfish?
Pepperidge Farm lists enriched wheat flour, vegetable oils, tomato paste and cheddar cheese, followed by smaller amounts (2 percent or less) of salt, yeast, baking soda, spices, celery, paprika extract, monocalcium phosphate and onion powder. The crackers contain wheat and milk.
Onion powder
The Merck Veterinary Manual describes onion and garlic as causing oxidative damage to red blood cells, which leads to Heinz body anaemia. Merck notes that cats are the most susceptible species, that concentrated forms such as powders are most often involved, and that toxicosis has been reported in cats after less than a teaspoon of cooked onion. Red blood cell breakdown typically shows up three to five days after exposure.
Onion powder is a minor ingredient in these crackers, and the label does not give the amount. Your vet will weigh how many your cat ate against its size. Our onions guide has more detail.
Tomato
Tomatoes appear on the RSPCA list of foods that can be harmful to cats. The tomato paste here is cooked and is a small part of each cracker, so it is less of a worry than the onion. It is still another reason these crackers should not become a habit.
Salt and cheese
Salt and fatty foods are also on the RSPCA list. The ASPCA notes that large amounts of salt can cause thirst, increased urination, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and seizures, and that pets lack much lactase, so dairy can cause diarrhoea. A few crackers are far from a salt poisoning risk, but they can upset a sensitive stomach.
Signs to watch for
Early:
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- drinking more than usual
Days later, if a larger amount was eaten:
- lethargy, weakness or hiding
- pale or yellow-tinged gums
- fast breathing
- dark or reddish urine
What to do now
- Estimate how many crackers your cat ate. A 30 g serve is about 55 Cheddar Goldfish, so each fish is very small.
- Keep the packet to read the label to your vet.
- If your cat ate more than one or two, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
- Do not make your cat vomit unless a vet or the Helpline tells you to.
- Keep watching for a week, because anaemia can be delayed.
When to see a vet urgently
- weakness, collapse or breathing changes
- pale or yellow gums, or dark urine
- repeated vomiting
How vets approach it
Your vet may recommend blood tests to look for red blood cell damage if a meaningful amount of onion could have been eaten. Testing is sometimes repeated over several days. Treatment depends on what the examining vet finds.
Safer snacks
- small pieces of plain cooked chicken or fish
- freeze-dried meat treats for cats
- a few pieces of your cat's usual food as rewards
FAQ
What about a bite of real pizza?
Pizza often contains onion and garlic in the sauce and toppings, plus cheese, salt and processed meats. It is a bigger concern than a single cracker. Call your vet if your cat ate a slice.
Is the cheddar version safer?
Cheddar Goldfish also list onion powder. Neither flavour is a good treat for cats. See our guide to Goldfish crackers.
My cat ate one and seems fine. Do I need to do anything?
One cracker is very unlikely to cause problems. Keep an eye on your cat and call your vet if you notice anything unusual.
Talk with a vet
If you are unsure how many crackers your cat ate or whether to worry, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you weigh it up. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. Pizza Baked Snack Crackers.
- Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. Cheddar Baked Snack Crackers.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.