Humans LOVE garlic. It’s in most savory dishes, spice blends, and some even spread baked garlic bulbs on their toast. Our obsession with this spice also comes with a few benefits. Garlic provides us with natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals–when we eat in it in moderation, of course. 

But can dogs eat garlic and reap the same health benefits? Unfortunately, not–we’re sorry to report that this food can pose a fatal threat to your pup’s health.

Can dogs have garlic?

We know garlic is perfectly fine for pup parents. But can dogs have garlic? No, this food is absolutely not safe for your dog to eat. 

Even small bits of garlic can cause havoc in your dog’s body. The reaction is dependent on your dog’s size, breed, food sensitivities, and how much garlic they consume. But we can tell you for a fact that it’s best to keep this spice away from your pup at all costs. 

Is garlic bad for dogs? 

Unfortunately, garlic can be bad for your dog. This food belongs to the allium family, which also includes leeks, chives, and onions. All of these foods contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs. 

Our furry friends can’t metabolize thiosulfate. So if a pup eats allium foods like garlic, the thiosulfate can damage red blood cells. Too much cell damage and a dog may develop a life-threatening condition called hemolytic anemia. 

Anemia in dogs can cause the following symptoms: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Rapid breathing
• Jaundice
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite

So, is garlic bad for dogs? *Sigh* If you have to ask, start this section over again! 

How much garlic can a dog eat before it becomes toxic? 

The best thing to do is to keep garlic, onions, leeks, and all allium foods away from your pup at all costs. A toxic amount of garlic can be very small, depending on your dog’s size. Even just 1 gram of garlic for dogs can cause severe damage. 

My dog ate garlic! What should I do? 

Don’t panic if your dog accidentally ate a granule of garlic. But act quickly and analyze the situation. 

Check how much your pup ate

Was it a granule of garlic powder or multiple cloves? The dosage really matters for the next steps. Also, make sure it’s completely out of the way so your dog doesn’t sneak more garlic while you’re in panic mode. 

Call your vet or animal poison control

Even if your pup seems okay, call your vet and give them a rundown of the situation. They’ll want to know how much they ate, what time, and in what form. Don’t feel guilty–we can’t always control what our dogs find! 

Watch for symptoms

Your vet may call you in for tests or ask you to monitor your pup at home. Garlic toxicity in dogs can show up even after a day or two, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Avoid garlic-heavy foods in the future

Americans love their garlic! So when your pup is all better, keep garlicky foods out of their way. This includes pickles, pasta, and pre-seasoned meat. 

Safe Alternatives to Garlic for Dogs

Looking to boost your dog’s health? Diet is the easiest way to help. While garlic for dogs is a no-no, here are some safe human foods for dogs with proven health benefits:

• Blueberries for immune-boosting antioxidants
• Pumpkin to soothe digestion
• Carrots to support dental and eye health 
• Apples for hydration, antioxidants, and sweet flavor
• Broccoli for natural fiber

What do all these foods have in common? They are all key ingredients in Sundays for Dogs recipes. We take whole foods like these and turn them into delicious and balanced air-dried dog food. 

Garlic & Dogs FAQs

Can dogs eat garlic bread? No, garlic bread is not safe for dogs. Not only does it contain garlic, but other harmful ingredients for dogs like butter, oil, and salt. 

Can dogs have cooked garlic? Nope. In any form, garlic is not safe for dogs to eat. 

Is garlic powder safe for dogs? Still no–garlic powder is more concentrated and can be even more dangerous. 

Are certain breeds more sensitive to garlic? Yes, breeds like the Shiba Inu and Akita are especially sensitive to allium toxicity. 

What should I do if my dog accidentally eats garlic? Call your vet and take in as many details as you can about how much they ate. Try to breathe and focus on what you can control until you get in touch.