Why is Garlic Safe for Dogs, but not Onions? PLUS: How to safely Feed Garlic

It's a commonly held belief that garlic is toxic to dogs.  This is a myth that has been debunked!  Garlic is safe to feed to dogs and can have some health benefits, but onions (which are part of the same vegetable family) are still on the toxic list!  Keep reading to find out why! 

(Make sure to read to the end for a complete list of foods that are truly toxic to dogs)

Garlic & Onions: Same but Different

Onions and garlic are from the Allium family of vegetables. This family also includes:

• Shallots
• Green Onion (Scallions)
• Chives
• Leeks

All of the items above should be avoided when feeding your dog. Garlic is an exception (more on that below).

Onions contains large amounts of Thiosulfate which can cause red blood cells to break down and lead to Heinz body anemia in dogs. This can be life threatening as it prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen through the body.

While garlic does contain Thiosulfate, it is in much smaller amounts. Onions have about 15x the amount that garlic has.

If your dog ingests an onion family member, the initial sign of toxicity is vomiting and digestive upset.  Depending on how much was eaten, additional symptoms that will occur over the course of a couple days are:   

• decreased appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• drooling
• elevated heart rate
• panting
• weakness/lethargy

Your dog should go to their vet immediately if you know they got into toxic foods or  suspect they experiencing food toxicity.  

Garlic Data Needs an Update

Fresh garlic is safe (and nutritious) for dogs but only when given in proper amounts. Garlic becomes toxic when fed in large amounts - more than the average person would ever offer their dog.

There was a study done in 2000 by Dr. Osamu Yamato that prompted the advice against garlic was based off 5 grams of garlic extract (not fresh) per kilo per day to the dogs.

That would be four heads of garlic (approximately 40 garlic cloves) for one 75 lb dog.

That's too much garlic for any human or dog! 

Dr. Osamu Yamato retracted their original findings and issued a new study with findings that garlic can be fed safely to dogs in appropriate amounts.  A 2004 study offers that the compound allicin found in garlic is beneficial for dog cardiovascular health.  

Instead, when we focus on fresh garlic and the right amounts for a healthy dog, they can enjoy numerous benefits.  

Fresh garlic ensures your pup is getting the active enzymes and true benefits. The nutrition from the jar starts to degrade over time.

There are some dogs that should not eat garlic as they have a higher sensitivity to Thiosulfate.  Garlic can also interfere with certain medications like blood thinners.  It is recommended that garlic should be avoided by: 

• Puppies
• Pregnant Dogs
• Akitas or Shiba Inus
• Dogs suffering from leaky gut/inflammatory bowel disease/irritable bowel syndrome
• Dogs who are taking medications like: Immune suppressants, Heart medications, Chemotherapy drugs, Blood thinners, Insulin, Antacids, High blood pressure drugs

OK, but why would I feed my dog Garlic?

If you have ever talked to me about your dog's diet, you will know I am a big proponent of feeding dogs a variety of foods.  The more variety they get in their diet, the more nutrients they are exposed to.  This leads to a strong immune system and resiliency (i.e. prevents food pickiness & intolerances!).  Garlic is just one more tool in the tool box to offering your dogs a variety of food options. 

Garlic is a prebiotic which feeds the good bacteria in your dog's good gut helping create a healthy microbiome and immune system.

READ: Probiotics & Prebiotics: Why They are Essential for your Dog's Health

Garlic is antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic.

Garlic provides your dog with a number of vitamins and minerals and can support your pup's immune system and heart health.  It can decrease a dogs's blood pressure and inflammation.

Garlic is antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic.

Serving Recommendations

How to serve garlic to your dog(s):

1. Peel clove(s)
2. Chop or mince the garlic
3. Let sit for 10 minutes to let the active medicinal ingredients activate
4. Measure and serve with food

Need a visual?  Check out our Instagram Video with a step by step!  (Don't forget to press follow for more healthy dog food tips!)

Recommended serving amounts:

5lbs: 1/6 tsp
10lbs: 1/3tsp
15 lbs: 1/2 tsp
20lbs: 2/3 tsp
30 lbs: 1 tsp

You don't need to supplement garlic every day, but can offer it with their meals every other week for general health benefits.  

Hands up if you have ever eaten raw garlic 😝🙌🏻.  The taste is potent!  So it's very possible your dog won't like it or will need it heavily mixed into their food.  When I make my bone broth for the dogs, I always include some garlic cloves.

READ: Crock Pot Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs

Toxic Foods for Dogs

Foods that are truly toxic to dogs are:

• grapes/raisins
• onion family (as noted above)
• chocolate
• macadamia nuts
• nutmeg

Did you expect the list to be longer?  Most do!  That's the beauty of exploring the world of fresh food food for our pets.  It opens doors and a world of options to share with our pets to support their quality of life.

Will you add garlic to your feeding routine?

Thanks so much for being here!  Is garlic something you plan to add to your dogs feeding routine?  Tell me why or why not in the comments below!

Amanda Monsma (she/her)

Grand Dog Essentials Co-Owner & Pet Nutrition Specialist

info@granddog.ca or 877-494-0682

If you liked this, you might also like: 

What is High Quality Protein for Dogs and Cats?

Pumpkin Soup Recipe for Dogs

Tips for Feeding a Blended Diet of Kibble & Raw 

Sources: 

Book: The Forever Dog, Rodney Habib & Dr. Karen Shaw Becker 

VIDEO: Is Garlic Toxic for Dogs? by Rodney Habib & Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/can-dogs-eat-onions/

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/garlic-for-dogs-poison-or-medicine/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30497454/

https://ivcjournal.com/garlic/

https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/pet-health-articles/onion-garlic-chive-and-leek-toxicity-in-dogs

Disclaimer: All information presented on this website is for informational and/or educational purposes only and based on our experience and those shared by our clients. These statements have not been evaluated by a veterinarian. This website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not intended to be a substitute or replacement for any medical treatment. Please seek the advice of a holistic veterinarian for your dog’s specific health concerns.