Onions, Garlic & Allium
Can dogs and cats eat garlic?
Compare the dog and cat answers together, then open the full guide for the pet you are asking about.
If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
Call ASPCA: (888) 426-4435One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a toxic verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Compare the bottom line below, then use the full guide for your pet.
- Bottom line differs
Garlic safety for dogs
Garlic is several times more potent than onion at the same weight and can cause the same red blood cell damage and anemia in dogs.
Toxic principle: N-propyl disulfide and related organosulfur compounds (oxidative red blood cell damage)
Watch for
- lethargy
- pale gums
- elevated heart rate
- weakness
- reddish or dark urine
- vomiting
- collapse
Garlic safety for cats
Cats are highly sensitive to garlic's red blood cell damaging compounds, and certain dog breeds and individual cats may be at even greater risk.
Toxic principle: N-propyl disulfide and related organosulfur compounds (oxidative red blood cell damage)
Watch for
- lethargy
- pale gums
- elevated heart rate
- weakness
- reddish or dark urine
- vomiting
- collapse
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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