Can Dogs Eat Garlic? An Expert’s Verdict

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No doubt garlic is one of the delectable items which makes people hungry. But note that dogs have metabolism far different from humans. Some food items which are happiest for humans are not good for our four legged companions. So if you wonder can dogs eat garlic? No! It is a toxic and unhealthy treat for our canines. The compounds N-Propyl Disulfide & thiosulfates can cause toxicity in canines even if taken in small amounts and severe problems in case fed on large amounts. 

Read to know why garlic is harmful for dogs! 

Can dogs eat garlic?

No because garlic has N-Propyl Disulfide & thiosulfates which may not cause toxicity in humans but severe negative effects in dogs. Also keep the garlic containing meals away from your pup’s reach.

Why is garlic toxic for dogs?

Untreated garlic toxicity can even kill your dog either he fed on raw or cooked. Leaks, onion and garlic belong to the Allium family and all these contain N-Propyl Disulfide with thiosulfates which can destroy the RBCs in dogs, when they get metabolized by pets. Gaelic causes gastrointestinal irritation like vomit and diarrhea but in severe cases it can also affect RBCs when fed on huge amounts. RBCs are for oxygen supply, the disturbed RBCs means oxygen is supplied less than required to the body which ultimately causes weakness and lethargic effects.

How much garlic can be toxic for your dog?

15-30 g of garlic per kg of dog weight can cause toxicity in dog’s blood, according to scientific research. 3-7 grams is the weight of an average garlic clove, so your dog will have to eat a lot of garlic to meet the negative effects. However, just like humans, dogs also have different garlic toxicity levels as compared to others. Severe problems can occur due to having toxic dosage. Intentionally feeding your dog on garlic can have huge health problems than unintentionally feeding a dog itself on some garlic containing food. 

Symptoms of garlic poisoning in the dog:

If you see any of these symptoms, immediately call your veterinarian. 

  • Vomit.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Drool.
  • Weakness.
  • Panting. 
  • Gums become pale.
  • Brown or red urine.
  • Cyanosis.
  • Ataxia. 

Why do some experts suggest feeding garlic to dogs?

You might have heard about the benefits of garlic for dogs but have you ever thought how garlic can be toxic or beneficial simultaneously for dogs? The chances of suffering from toxic reactions, depend upon the garlic quantity your dog has consumed. Some people think that garlic can be beneficial but also in small amounts it can be dangerous. But the optimal quantity is difficult to find and risky. 

Your canine can get all the nutrients and vitamins from another balanced diet, why go for risk? So, keep your dogs away from garlic. 

How to treat the garlic toxicity in dogs?

In case your dog fed on a huge amount of garlic, you should immediately go to the veterinarian. Although garlic and onion poisoning can rarely be fatal, still your four legged partner needs auxiliary care and treatment. Your vet may give some medications to induce vomit in the dog. To keep your pup’s body hydrated, veterinarians may also suggest intravenous fluid. 

Conclusion

If the fragrance of fried garlic makes you feel hungry, go for it as a healthy diet. But as a canine owner keep the garlic and even garlic containing meals far away from the reach of your dogs. We might love the taste of garlic bread but not just the small amounts of garlic but also oil, butter and other spices in it can cause toxicity in dogs. Also do not feed them on garlic supplements. 

FAQs

Is garlic bread good for dogs?

Even very small amounts of garlic can be harmful for your dog, so don’t even try to give garlic bread to dogs. Also garlic bread has oil, butter and salt with other spices, which can be toxic for your dog. 

Can I feed garlic salt or garlic powder to my dog?

Even small amounts of garlic salt or garlic powder can cause negative effects in your dog as these are the concentrated garlic forms. Major food toxicity in dogs is due to these forms of garlic in foods. So avoid them. 

Are there any alternatives of garlic for dogs? 

A healthy diet is a balanced nutritional diet. So you can go with dog safe veggies and fruits in very small amounts to make valuable nutritional benefits to your pup. 

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