Onions, Garlic & Allium
Can dogs and cats eat onions?
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
Onions safety for dogs
Onions in any form, raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated, can damage a dog's red blood cells and lead to anemia.
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
Onions safety for cats
Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to onion-induced red blood cell damage, and it takes a smaller amount to cause anemia.
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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