Onions, Garlic & Allium
Can dogs and cats eat garlic?
Short answer on garlic: toxic for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
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. Check the bottom line for your pet below.
- 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
Questions owners ask about garlic
Can dogs eat garlic?
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.
What should I do if my dog ate garlic?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with garlic and dogs?
lethargy, pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, reddish or dark urine, vomiting, collapse. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
Can cats eat garlic?
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.
What should I do if my cat ate garlic?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with garlic and cats?
lethargy, pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, reddish or dark urine, vomiting, collapse. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
More onions, garlic & allium
Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.