Garlic and Dogs: A Safe Superfood or Hidden Danger?

Garlic is a staple in kitchens worldwide, praised for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits for humans. But when it comes to feeding garlic to dogs, opinions are sharply divided. While some experts warn of its toxicity, others argue that, in controlled amounts, garlic can be a powerful natural supplement for canine health.

The confusion largely stems from garlic’s presence on lists of toxic plants for dogs. While it’s true that excessive consumption can be harmful, the key lies in dosage and preparation. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind garlic’s effects on dogs, debunk common myths, and help you understand how to safely incorporate it into your pet’s diet—if at all.

Why is garlic consumption controversial for dogs?

Dogs metabolize garlic very differently from humans, making its safety a topic of debate among pet owners and veterinarians. Garlic, a member of the Allium family (which includes onions, leeks, and chives), contains compounds like n-propyldisulfide and thiosulfate, which in high quantities can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells. This can lead to hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced.

Some experts believe that while small amounts of garlic may offer health benefits, excessive or prolonged consumption can have serious consequences, including anemia and, in extreme cases, death. Understanding the risks and proper dosage is essential to ensure your dog’s safety.

Health Benefits of Garlic for Dogs

However, garlic can provide numerous health benefits for our canine friends when given in appropriate amounts. Rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and B-complex, as well as minerals such as zinc, selenium, and calcium, garlic supports overall canine health. Some key benefits of garlic for dogs include:

Improves circulation & heart health: Research on humans indicates that garlic may aid in regulating blood pressure and enhancing circulation, contributing to better heart health – and these benefits could extend to our furry friends. Its antioxidant properties may aid in reducing oxidative stress, lowering the risk of heart disease in dogs.

Lowers cholesterol levels: The allicin in garlic has been shown in studies to reduce LDL cholesterol

Acts as a vasodilator: Studies have shown that garlic causes blood vessels to dilate, allowing blood to flow more easily through them. This may benefit older and overweight dogs, who tend to have high blood pressure and heart conditions.

Digestion aid: Garlic also plays a vital role in digestion and detoxification by promoting beneficial gut bacteria and supporting liver function.

Infection protection: Its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties may help protect against infections

Flea and tick repellent: Garlic is a natural repellent; over time it could provide protection from flea and ticks bites.

Cancer prevention: Garlic has been linked to cancer prevention, as it stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins and may help inhibit tumor growth.

While some dogs with digestive sensitivities may experience mild bloating, for most dogs garlic could serve as a powerful natural supplement that strengthens immunity, supports heart health, and enhances overall well-being.

What does the research say about giving garlic to dogs?

Despite widespread concerns, research suggests that garlic is only harmful to dogs in extremely high doses. Studies indicate that toxicity occurs at 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of a dog’s body weight, yet a single clove of garlic weighs just 3 to 7 grams—far below dangerous levels when fed appropriately.

Many studies that have shown garlic is toxic to dogs used unrealistically high doses, such as a 2000 study where a 40-pound dog would have needed to consume 20 cloves daily to see adverse effects. In contrast, a 2018 study found that small, controlled amounts (90 mg/kg) not only caused no harm but actually enhanced antioxidant activity.

While garlic contains thiosulphate, which in large amounts can damage red blood cells and lead to Heinz body hemolytic anemia, safe dosages do not contain enough to be harmful. Additionally, dogs continuously produce new red blood cells, making moderate garlic intake non-threatening. The fear of garlic toxicity likely originated from outdated concerns about foods in the garlic family affecting livestock, but modern research shows that responsible garlic feeding is not only safe, but beneficial.

How to safely feed your dog garlic

To safely incorporate garlic into your dog’s diet, it’s crucial to use fresh cloves rather than pre-chopped, jarred, or imported garlic, particularly from China, which may contain contaminants.

When introducing garlic to your dog’s diet, start with small amounts and gradually increase while monitoring for any adverse reactions.

Dr. Pitcairn, author of The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, recommends the following dosage per day:

10-15lbs: ½ a clove

20-40lbs: 1 clove

45-70lbs: 2 cloves

75-90 lbs: 2.5 cloves

100 lbs and over: 3 cloves

Another safe way to incorporate garlic into your dog’s diet is through Grandma Lucy’s all-natural dog foods. High-quality freeze-dried garlic is included in several recipes, including our Artisan line, as well as Pureformance (except for the Fish recipe). These recipes have been carefully formulated to provide the perfect balance of proteins and superfoods, with no added preservatives or chemicals to harm your pet.

While small, controlled amounts of fresh garlic may support a dog’s health, puppies, anemic dogs, and those undergoing surgery should avoid it. Additionally, some breeds, like Shiba Inus and Akitas, are more sensitive to garlic, so consulting a vet before introducing it is advised. Fresh cloves or high-quality canine garlic supplements are the best options.

When to avoid giving your dog garlic

There are certain situations where feeding garlic to dogs should be avoided. Puppies under six months old should not consume garlic, as they do not yet produce new red blood cells efficiently. Pregnant and nursing dogs may also need to avoid garlic, as it can alter the taste of their milk and affect their puppies—consulting a veterinarian is essential.

Some breeds, particularly Japanese breeds like Akitas and Shiba Inus, are more sensitive to garlic’s hemolytic effects and may experience adverse reactions even in small doses. Additionally, dogs with existing health conditions such as anemia, ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or colitis should not be given garlic.

If your dog is on medication—especially blood thinners, heart medications, insulin, chemotherapy drugs, or immune suppressants—garlic could interact negatively, so it’s crucial to seek veterinary advice before introducing it into their diet. Garlic should also be avoided at least two weeks before surgery due to its blood-thinning properties, which could interfere with clotting and healing.

If a dog consumes too much garlic, symptoms such as pale gums, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and weakness may appear—immediate veterinary attention is necessary in such cases. As always, consulting a vet before making any dietary changes ensures your dog’s safety and well-being

Symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs

While garlic can offer many benefits for dogs, it's essential to monitor for any adverse reactions. Signs of garlic sensitivity or toxicity can include stomach pain, dehydration, lethargy, excessive drooling, diarrhea, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, and pale gums.

Some dogs may also have an allergy to garlic, which can present as a rash, itchy skin, watery eyes, sneezing, or digestive issues such as stomach pain and diarrhea. In more severe cases of garlic toxicity, symptoms may include vomiting, weakness, jaundice, or extreme lethargy.

While these reactions are uncommon when garlic is given in appropriate amounts, it's important to discontinue use and consult a veterinarian if any of these signs appear. Being aware of your dog’s individual tolerance and gradually introducing garlic in small amounts can help minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Though garlic toxicity is rare in moderate doses, symptoms may overlap with other conditions, making it crucial to observe your dog closely.

Conclusion:

When used in moderation and with proper guidance, garlic can be a safe and beneficial supplement for dogs, offering a range of health benefits, from boosting immunity to improving heart health. While concerns about garlic toxicity often stem from misinterpreted studies and excessive dosages, responsible feeding ensures dogs receive its advantages without risk. As with any dietary change, consulting a holistic veterinarian can help determine the best feeding schedule and dosage tailored to your dog’s specific needs. With the right approach, garlic can be a valuable addition to a dog's wellness routine.

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References:

Can Dogs Eat Garlic? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-garlic/

Garlic for Dogs: Poison or Medicine? https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/garlic-for-dogs-poison-or-medicine/

The Shocking Truth About Dogs and Garlic: https://www.petguide.com/health/dog/the-shocking-truth-about-dogs-and-garlic/

Busting the Myth of Garlic Toxicity for Dogs! https://www.volharddognutrition.com/blog/busting-the-myth-of-garlic-toxicity-for-dogs/?srsltid=AfmBOooPX50NGSLA9VKjO0aXHBVXW6mppUhakTRLvvkk4cEaudclMqw5

5. Safety and efficacy of aged garlic extract in dogs: upregulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and Nrf2-regulated phase II antioxidant enzymes: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-018-1699-2

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