No, dogs can't eat onions or garlic. Both damage a dog's red blood cells and can cause serious anemia, whether they're raw, cooked, dried or powdered.
Why are onions and garlic bad for dogs?
Onions, garlic, leeks, chives and shallots are all in the Allium family. They contain sulfur compounds that damage red blood cells faster than a dog's body can replace them.
Garlic is more concentrated than onion, so a smaller amount can do harm.
How much onion or garlic is toxic to dogs?
Problems can start when a dog eats about 0.5% of its body weight in onion at one time. For a 20-pound dog, that's about a third of a medium onion.
Small amounts eaten over several days can add up too. Watch for hidden sources like onion and garlic powder, soups, gravy, baby food and seasoned leftovers.
Signs of onion or garlic poisoning in dogs
Symptoms often show up one to several days later:
- Weakness or tiredness
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing or heart rate
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Red or brown urine
What to do if your dog eats onions or garlic
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away, even if your dog seems fine. Early treatment works best.
Can dogs eat grapes?
No. Grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, and there's no known safe amount. Keep them out of reach and call your vet if your dog eats any.