Can dogs eat garlic?
Garlic is a popular ingredient in many kitchens, known for its health benefits in humans.
But when it comes to dogs, garlic should be treated with caution.
While small amounts may not cause harm, garlic can be toxic to dogs in larger quantities, leading to serious health issues.
In this post, we’ll explore whether dogs can eat garlic, the risks involved, and safer alternatives.
The Risks of Garlic for Dogs
Garlic contains thiosulphate, a compound that can be harmful to dogs in large quantities.
Dogs lack the enzyme needed to break down thiosulphate, which can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Symptoms of garlic toxicity include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Rapid heart rate
- Pale gums or jaundice
Even small amounts of garlic can cause digestive upset, so it’s essential to be cautious with how much garlic your dog consumes.
How Much Garlic Is Toxic for Dogs?
The toxicity level depends largely on the dog’s weight. For example, a 10-15 lb dog might show signs of toxicity after consuming just half a clove of garlic. As a general rule:
- 10–15 lbs: ½ clove/day
- 20–40 lbs: 1 clove/day
- 45–70 lbs: 2 cloves/day
Anything beyond these amounts can have harmful effects. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that garlic is not a regular part of your dog’s diet.
Different Forms of Garlic and Their Risks
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a popular snack for humans, but it should never be given to dogs. Besides garlic, garlic bread contains butter, cheese, and oil, which can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal upset.
The high-calorie, high-fat content also makes it unsuitable for dogs, particularly older or overweight ones.
Garlic Powder and Garlic Salt
Garlic powder and garlic salt are highly concentrated and contain more thiosulphate than fresh garlic. This makes them even more toxic to dogs. Consuming these products can result in:
- Dehydration
- Salt toxicity
- Severe anemia
In addition to garlic, garlic salt contains sodium, which can lead to salt toxicity and further health complications.
If your dog consumes garlic salt or garlic powder, watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive thirst, and seek immediate veterinary care.
Cooked Garlic
While cooking garlic does not destroy its toxic properties, small amounts of cooked garlic can have some potential health benefits, such as antimicrobial effects or liver detoxification.
However, this should not be a regular treat, and you should be cautious about how much you offer.
Can Garlic Have Benefits for Dogs?
Despite the risks, garlic in very small amounts may offer certain health benefits.
Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can help support a dog’s immune system.
Some believe that garlic can help repel parasites like fleas and ticks, though this benefit is not well-documented and should be used sparingly.
Additionally, small amounts of garlic can contribute to heart health by potentially reducing cholesterol and supporting circulation.
However, the health benefits of garlic are not significant enough to outweigh the risks, especially when safer, more effective alternatives exist.
Safer Herb Alternatives for Dogs
Instead of garlic, there are several herbs that are not only safe for dogs but can also offer a range of health benefits:
- Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help with digestion, reduce nausea, and even relieve joint pain in dogs. It’s also great for pets that suffer from motion sickness.
- Parsley: A common herb that supports dental health by freshening breath. Parsley also contains vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin and immune function and is safe for weight management.
- Thyme: This herb helps with digestive issues, such as gas and bloating, and can support overall gut health. It also has anti-parasitic properties, making it helpful for dogs prone to worms.
- Basil: Basil is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with conditions like arthritis. It also has mood-boosting effects and supports overall wellness in dogs.
- Rosemary: A safe herb that contains iron and calcium, supporting bone health and reducing the risk of anemia. Rosemary also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
These herbs can be safely incorporated into your dog’s diet to provide various health benefits without the risks associated with garlic.
Garlic Dog Food Recipes You Can Try
While garlic should not be a staple in your dog’s diet, you can occasionally make dog-friendly treats with garlic (in small, safe amounts). Here are a couple of simple recipes you can try at home:
Garlic Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup powdered milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 6 tbsp meat drippings
- 1 egg
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, powdered milk, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
- Cut in meat drippings, then add egg and water. Knead until soft.
- Roll the dough to ½ inch thickness, cut into shapes, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Cheddar Garlic Dog Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅔ cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Add olive oil and water to form a smooth dough.
- Roll out to ¼ inch thickness, cut into shapes, and bake for 30 minutes or until golden.
Can Dogs Eat Commercial Dog Food with Garlic?
Many commercial dog food manufacturers use small amounts of garlic in their recipes.
These amounts are generally too low to cause harm and are considered safe. Some examples of dog food brands that include garlic in their ingredients are:
- Solid Gold Garlic Doggie Bagels (treats)
- Tiki Dog Luau Succulent Chicken Canned Food
- The Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food
Always check the ingredient list and consult your vet if you’re concerned about any specific ingredients in your dog’s food.
Conclusion
While garlic may offer some health benefits in small doses, it’s not worth the risk of toxicity, especially when there are safer alternatives available.
If you decide to incorporate garlic into your dog’s diet, do so with caution and always in minimal amounts.
Pay attention to symptoms of garlic toxicity, and if in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
Above all, focus on offering your dog a balanced diet with safe, nutritious ingredients that promote long-term health and well-being.
