Can dogs eat garlic?

Updated 13/04/2024

While garlic and other alliums like leeks and onions form the basis of so many of the dishes we humans know and love, you've probably wondered - can dogs eat garlic? While your pooch shines those puppy dog eyes your way, pining for a morsel from your plate, it's always best to check whether what you think might be a treat for your dog is actually safe. Unfortunately for your snack-hungry hound, titbits from the table are generally unsafe as they're often laced with ingredients that aren't safe for them. And sadly for your canine companion, garlic is toxic to dogs and should never be fed to them under any circumstances, no matter how it's prepared. To find out why and to get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on the topic, take a look below. 

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Is garlic toxic to dogs?  

So can dogs eat garlic in any way, shape or form? Is garlic good for dogs if prepared in a certain way, or is garlic just straight-up poisonous to our canine companions? Well sadly, it's the latter. Garlic is seriously toxic to dogs, and shouldn't be fed to them under any circumstances. If you've been wondering how much garlic is toxic to dogs, well it varies due to the dog's size and breed, but if you make sure your pup doesn't ingest the plant at all, then you should be in the clear. This might leave you wondering - just why is garlic so bad for dogs? What's in it that could be fatal to dogs, when their humans consume it left, right and center? Take a look below for more details.

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Why is garlic bad for dogs?

So what does garlic do to dogs that makes it a fatal ingredient? Well garlic contains compounds N-propyl disulfides and thiosulfate, which, while are seemingly safe for us humans, can do serious damage in the canine world. The compounds damage and destroy dogs' red blood cells, which are of course responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. So, with oxygen transportation being much less efficient, the functioning of your pup's body can decrease massively and even result in death.

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What to do if your dog eats garlic

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat garlic - what should you do if your dog ate garlic bread, or some other dish laced with the stuff? Well no matter how much your dog consumed, garlic is bad for dogs in any form, so your first port of call should be your vet. They'll be able to give you advice specific to your pup's size and age, and of course how much of the garlic was ingested. Generally, it's also worth being clued-up on the symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs, which we'll explore below.  

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Symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs  

While the first thing you should do when your pup has eaten something they shouldn't should always be to contact your vet, it's always worth knowing the symptoms of toxicity to look out for. So, below, find the symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs, which can be caused by ingestion of any kind of raw or cooked garlic.

• Weakness and lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Panting
• Increased heart rate
• Drooling 
• Discolored urine

Other garlic products

Is garlic powder bad for dogs?

And what about garlic in other forms? Can dogs have garlic seasoning or is that bad news, too? Well there's a high chance that even garlic powder and seasoning could poison your dog, so resist the temptation to share your favorite meals and snacks with them.  

Can dogs have garlic bread?

Certainly not - even if it's a premade garlic bread with very little garlic on top, you shouldn't be sharing it with your pup. Garlic is highly toxic to dogs, and garlic bread is often high in fat and salt. 

Is cooked garlic bad for dogs?

And is garlic okay for dogs if it's cooked? Definitely not. Garlic - whether cooked or raw is toxic to dogs and can cause death if consumption is left untreated.

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Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So, now you're aware that garlic and dogs simply don't mix under any circumstances, what are the other foods you need to be careful of, for your pup's sake? Take a look below to get started and check out our blog for more foods dogs can't eat. 

• Corn on the cob
• Avocado
• Grapes