Can dogs or cats 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.

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:

• Ataxia (loss of coordination)

• Brown or red urine

• Hypersalivation (excessive drooling)

• Lethargy

• Pale, blue or grey coloured gums

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Weakness

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.