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Can Dogs Eat Garlic? | PUPPYFAQS

Can Dogs Eat Garlic?

can dogs eat garlic
(Last Updated On: December 18, 2022)

While garlic is not toxic to dogs in small amounts, it is a member of the allium family, which also includes onions and chives. These vegetables can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities, as they can cause anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells).

Symptoms of anemia include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your dog has eaten a large amount of garlic or any other member of the allium family, it is important to contact your veterinarian for treatment.

In addition to the potential for toxicity, Fresh garlic can also cause digestive upset in some dogs, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to introduce garlic gradually to your dog’s diet and to start with small amounts to see how your dog tolerates it.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach or any other pre-existing health conditions, it may be best to avoid feeding garlic altogether.

Despite the potential risks, some people believe that garlic can have health benefits for dogs, including boosting the immune system and repelling pests such as fleas and ticks. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence, and it is not clear whether the potential benefits of garlic outweigh the risks.

not safe for dogs to eat

No, your dog shouldn’t eat garlic. 

Garlic is toxic to dogs. Garlic belongs to the Allium family (which also includes onion, chives, and leeks) and are poisonous to dogs. Garlic powder & garlic salt seasoning are not safe either.

In this article, we will discuss:

  • What is garlic?
  • Is it safe for dogs to eat garlic?
  • How much garlic is toxic to dogs?
  • Treating garlic toxicity in dogs
  • Can garlic be good for my dog?
  • How to feed garlic to your dog
is garlic safe for dogs

What Is Garlic?

Did you know that garlic is a member of the lily family, along with onions, shallots, and leeks? It grows underground in the form of a bulb. 

The edible cloves are contained and covered with an inedible white paper-like skin.

The intense flavor of garlic makes it a trendy ingredient in cooking, being indispensable in the cuisines of many different cultures. 

It has extensive health benefits for humans and can be incorporated into both cooked and raw dishes. 

Humans have used garlic for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, to help prevent and treat many different illnesses.

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What is Anemia in Dogs?

Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, or the red blood cells are not functioning properly. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are an essential part of a dog’s circulatory system. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues, and for carrying carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs to be exhaled. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, and they have a lifespan of about 120 days before they are replaced by new cells.

There are several different causes of anemia in dogs, including:

  • Blood loss: Anemia can occur when a dog loses a significant amount of blood, either due to injury, surgery, or a bleeding disorder.
  • Bone marrow disorders: Anemia can occur if the bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells. This can be due to a variety of underlying conditions, such as cancer, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
  • Nutrient deficiencies: Anemia can occur if a dog is not getting enough of the nutrients that are necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells, such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
  • Poisoning: Anemia can occur if a dog ingests certain toxins, such as those in certain plants or chemicals, which can damage the red blood cells. Garlic poisoning should be avoided.

Symptoms of anemia in dogs may include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate. If you suspect that your dog has anemia, it is important to seek veterinary care for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may include blood transfusions, medication, and changes to the diet.

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are an essential part of a dog’s circulatory system. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues, and for carrying carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs to be exhaled. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, and they have a lifespan of about 120 days before they are replaced by new cells.

Dogs that have ingested large amounts of garlic or other members of the allium family, such as onions and chives, may develop anemia due to the damaging effects of these vegetables on the red blood cells. The compounds in these vegetables can cause the red blood cells to break down and become damaged, leading to a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells in the body.

Anemia can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, anemia can be life-threatening. It is important to seek veterinary care if you suspect that your dog has ingested a large amount of garlic or any other member of the allium family, as treatment may be necessary to correct the anemia and prevent further complications.

It is important to note that while garlic is not toxic to dogs in small amounts, it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, and to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Garlic?

Garlic is considered to be about 5 times as potent as onions and leeks, both of which are part of the Allium family, along with garlic, and said to be toxic to dogs and cats. Eating garlic can affects a dog’s red blood cells if they consume too much garlic. It is best not to allow your puppy to eat any garlic.

When looking online, however, you may find some contradictory information. 

Natural health advocates often promote garlic as a beneficial supplement for dogs. So in this article, we will present both sides of the story.

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Garlic and the other members of the allium family contain something called Thiosulfate, and it is this that is considered unsafe for your dog. 

This is because it causes the breakdown of blood cells, which leads to hemolytic anemia.

How Much Garlic Is Toxic To Dogs?

The good news is that your dog would have to eat a lot of garlic to get sick—approximately 15 to 30 grams per kilograms of body weight. 

When you consider that single garlic cloves from an average supermarket bulb weigh between 3 and 7 grams, it can help to put things into perspective. 

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Of course, it depends on the individual dog as well as some dogs are more sensitive than others.

If you are concerned about the adverse health effects of garlic, don’t be too worried if your dog occasionally consumes food that has been cooked or prepared with garlic. 

If, for example, your dog eats garlic bread, they are more likely to experience an upset stomach from the other harmful ingredients than the garlic itself. 

Garlic bread usually contains high amounts of butter, oil, herbs, and often cheese, all of which may aggravate your dog’s digestive system. 

Garlic bread is also a high carb and high-calorie food with absolutely no nutritional benefits for your dog. 

You are feeding human foods like this as treats regularly can cause your dog to put on weight and lead to other health problems.

garlic is unsafe for dogs

Treating Garlic Toxicity In Dogs

Overdosing in garlic consumption rarely leads to garlic toxicity in dogs, it may be the long-term effects that have a more negative impact on your dog’s health than an accidental binging spree on garlic bread or other high-garlic human food.

If you are concerned about your dog and they are showing signs of illness, you should take them to see a veterinarian to be on the safe side. 

Your vet can help your dog to feel more comfortable, for example providing intravenous fluids for hydration and medications to control vomiting.

If the case is severe and your dog is suffering from hemolytic anemia, they may require a blood transfusion.

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Can Garlic Be Good For My Dog?

While feeding garlic to your dog requires some caution, there are also many beneficial things about garlic.

  • Garlic can be an anti-platelet, meaning that it prevents the formation of blood clots.
  • Garlic is also a vasodilator, meaning it widens the blood vessels.
  • It can decrease the build-up of cholesterol
  • It helps to remove waste by stimulating the lymphatic system
  • Garlic is a powerful antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic
  • Garlic has also been known to prevent the formation of tumors.

Did you know that garlic could be used as a very useful and natural flea and tick repellent? 

It takes a few weeks to build up in the natural oils of the dog’s coat, but if you feed it just before the bug season begins, it does a great job of keeping them off your dog during flea and tick season. 

The trick is not to bathe your dog with lots of soapy cleansers, as these will strip the coat of natural oils.

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If you want to introduce garlic and other natural health ingredients and foods into your dog’s diet, it can be a good idea to work with a qualified holistic practitioner to help guide you in the right direction for your dog’s health.

Is Cooked Garlic Bad for Dogs

In small amounts, cooked garlic is generally not toxic to dogs. However, it is important to be aware that garlic can cause digestive upset in some dogs, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

It is also a member of the allium family of vegetables, which includes onions and chives, and these vegetables can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities, as they can cause anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells).

It is generally recommended to avoid feeding garlic to dogs, as the potential risks outweigh any potential benefits. If you do choose to feed garlic to your dog, it is important to introduce it gradually and to start with small amounts to see how your dog tolerates it.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach or any other pre-existing health conditions, it may be best to avoid garlic altogether.

It is also important to note that cooked garlic may be more potent than raw garlic, as the cooking process can increase the concentration of compounds that can harm dogs. It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet and to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

Is Garlic Powder Okay for Dogs?

It is generally recommended to avoid feeding garlic powder to dogs. While garlic powder is not toxic to dogs in small amounts, it can cause digestive upset in some dogs, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

It is also a member of the allium family of vegetables, which includes onions and chives, and these vegetables can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities, as they can cause anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells).

If you do choose to feed garlic powder to your dog, it is important to introduce it gradually and to start with small amounts to see how your dog tolerates it. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or any other pre-existing health conditions, it may be best to avoid garlic powder altogether.

It is also important to note that garlic powder may be more potent than raw garlic, as the grinding process can increase the concentration of the compounds that can be harmful to dogs.

It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, and to monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

Garlic belongs to the Allium family

How To Feed Garlic To Your Dog

Allicin is an essential ingredient found in garlic, formed from a combination of two enzymes that are found separately inside the garlic cloves:

  • Alliin – This first enzyme is a non-volatile and odorless sulfur amino acid.
  • Alliinase – When the first enzyme comes into contact with this second one (i.e., when the garlic clove is cut or chewed), they become allicin, which is a pungent and volatile sulfur compound, and also the smell and taste we know so well.

Because allicin is so unstable, it will convert into other compounds it not stabilized during manufacturing. Heat, for example, can have a massive impact. 

This means that if you choose to feed dried garlic, it is crucial to get garlic that has not been heat-treated.

Unfortunately, not all dogs will readily eat fresh raw garlic. Even when added discretely to their meals, they can detect the taste and aroma a mile off! 

You may have more luck with pure cold-pressed garlic oil, often available in gelatinous capsules.

A low dose will be required at first, building up to the recommended treatment for your dog over a couple of weeks.

Suggested dosages:

  • A whole crushed clove for large dogs per day, or half a teaspoon equivalent if feeding cold-pressed powder or granules.
  • Half a clove for medium-sized dogs, or a quarter teaspoon of powder or granules
  • A quarter clove for small dogs, or a pinch of powder or granules.

Ongoing daily dosages are not recommended, so give your dog a break, or if you are treating a seasonal condition, gradually decrease dosage once the dog has improved and is maintaining improvement.

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Summary

It can be very confusing to have two conflicting viewpoints on whether garlic is safe to feed to a dog or not. How do you know what is best for your dog? 

Nobody wants to do their dog any harm after all; we all want what is best for our pets. 

If you are curious about the health benefits of garlic for dogs, why not continue doing your research and find out what other people are saying about their own dogs’ reactions to garlic? 

And if you want to try your dog with garlic, start slowly and observe your dog, see any improvement or adverse effects. 

Don’t forget that all dogs are different, and some may take garlic better than others. 

At the very least, get the opinion and advice of not only your veterinarian but also some holistic practitioners who may be able to offer you the reassurance and information you need.

can dogs eat garlic

Liz

I'm a self-employed blogger, life-long pet parent, and lover of dogs. I have always loved animals, especially puppies. So when my family got our first dog 15 years ago, it was love at first sight. We named her Sassy because she was so small, cute, and had a sassy personality! Once we got her home, I wanted to know everything about caring for her, so I researched online. Eventually, this led me to create the PUPPYFAQS website, where I write about nutrition, health, and care of puppies and the latest news in the world of puppies. In my spare time, I volunteer at my local shelter, which is run by volunteers who are passionate about helping homeless dogs find their forever homes. If I'm not working or volunteering for dogs, you can find me spending time with my family, friends, and my puppy. I have been writing professionally online since 2009. In addition to PUPPYFAQS, I also write for several other pet-related publications.

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