Can cats or dogs eat garlic?

Garlic is a flavorsome and highly used condiment, but one of the things I’m surprised to learn as a veterinarian is that many pet owners don’t realise that garlic is toxic to our furry friends. Be it raw garlic or mixed into sauces, feeding garlic to your pet is not advised. So, why is garlic toxic and what are the signs of garlic poisoning in pets? Let's explore further. Can dogs eat garlic? The answer to this question is no. Garlic, like onions and leeks, are from the allium family. These plants contain N-propyl disulfides and thiosulfates. These compounds can cause breakdown of the red blood cell walls, and subsequent destruction of the red blood cells. Red blood cells are crucial as they transport oxygen to your dogs’ organs, keeping them alive and well. Destruction of red blood cells can lead to anemia, weakness and lethargy if destroyed in great enough numbers. How much garlic is toxic to dogs? The toxic dose of garlic in dogs is between 15 and 30mg of garlic per kilo of your dogs bodyweight. The more garlic your dog eats, the more likely you are to see the symptoms of garlic toxicity. What are the symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs? If your dog consumes a small amount of garlic, you may not notice any symptoms as the volume ingested is likely well under the toxic dose we mentioned in the question above. Now, if your dog consumes a large amount of garlic they may display a range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If your dog starts displaying any of the following symptoms seek veterinary care straight away: Can my dog eat garlic bread? No, garlic bread if not to be fed to your dog. The garlic in the butter is a toxic ingredient, and the fat content of the butter can lead to gastrointestinal irritation. This often results in mild symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea . Can my dog eat garlic powder or salt? No, you shouldn’t feed your dog garlic powders or salts. These products are more concentrated than regular garlic and this increases their toxic potential per gram ingested. Most garlic toxicity treatments needing veterinary care are caused by the ingestion of more concentrated garlic powders or salts, so keep these containers well out of reach of pets. Can my dog eat wild garlic? No, wild garlic is also from the allium family and is therefore still toxic to your dog. If your dog eats any when out on a walk, contact your vet immediately. Can my dog eat other varieties of garlic such as black or dried? No, dogs cannot eat varieties of garlic such as black or dried garlic as they contain the same toxic compounds present in standard garlic. Can my dog eat garlic sauce? No, the garlic in the sauce is toxic, and the sauce will contain other harmful ingredients like onions or salt. These ingredients can make your dog unwell. From mild symptoms such as bloating, flatulence or diarrhoea, right the way through to severe poisoning symptoms of collapse and lethargy. It is best to steer clear of garlic in any form as all are toxic for your dog. If you are worried that your dog has consumed garlic or is showing symptoms of garlic poisoning, contact your veterinarian for help. Can cats eat garlic? No cats cannot eat garlic. Garlic contains N-propyl disulfides and thiosulfates which when ingested cause the breakdown of red blood cells. This destruction of red blood cells leads to anemia, which can make your cat feel lethargic, weak and cold. How much garlic is toxic to cats? Cats are more sensitive to garlic than dogs, and more frequently present to vet clinics for treatment compared to dogs. A 5kg cat can show symptoms of haemolytic anemia after the ingestion of as little as 1-2 cloves of garlic. The powdered variety is more potent- just ⅛ of a teaspoon can lead to toxic signs. Sadly there is no antidote to garlic toxicity, and the treatment is often based on supportive care. What are the symptoms of garlic poisoning in cats? If you believe your cat has eaten garlic do not panic. Try to work out how much was eaten and when. Signs of garlic poisoning develop one to two days after ingestion. Symptoms include: Can my cat eat garlic bread? No, you shouldn’t feed garlic bread to your cat. Garlic is toxic for your cat. The butter in garlic bread is also high in fat and may lead to diseases such as pancreatitis. Can my cat eat garlic powder or salt? No. Garlic powder or salt is a more concentrated form of garlic and therefore can be very toxic to your cat even in small amounts. Can my cat eat wild garlic? No, wild garlic is from the allium family so contains the same oxidative compounds that can cause toxicity symptoms in your cat. Can my cat eat other varieties of garlic such as black or dried? No, cats cannot eat special varieties of garlic such as black garlic or dried garlic. These still contain the same toxic compounds found in other types of garlic. Can my cat eat garlic sauce? The ingredients found in garlic sauce are a cocktail of misery for your cat. Not only is garlic toxic, garlic sauces contain salt, an irritant to the gastrointestinal tract. The butter is dairy, which many cats are intolerant to. The likely outcome of garlic sauce consumption is indigestion symptoms such as nausea, bloating and diarrhoea.

Can cats or dogs eat garlic?

Content

Can cats or dogs eat cherries?

Can cats or dogs eat cucumbers?

Can cats and dogs eat rice?

Dr Corinne Wigfall

Best (and worst) dog breeds for seniors

How much does a vet prescription cost in the UK?

Heart murmurs in dogs and cats

The four stages of a female dog's heat cycle, explained

Puppy teething: A survival guide for sore hands

Our plans

Resources

Company

Follow us

Country