Allium Vegetables
Is Garlic safe for dogs and cats?
Garlic is unsafe for dogs and cats and can damage red blood cells.
If your pet already ate this and seems sick, contact a veterinarian or
pet poison hotline now. Bring the package label, amount eaten, and the
time of exposure if you have them.
Quick verdict
| Dogs | Toxic |
|---|---|
| Cats | Toxic |
| Risk level | High |
For dogs
Dogs can be affected by raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated garlic. Garlic is part of the Allium group.
For cats
Cats are especially susceptible to Allium-related red blood cell damage.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, fast breathing, collapse, and anemia signs can occur after concerning exposure.
What to do
If your pet ate garlic, especially powdered garlic or a concentrated product, contact a veterinarian or pet poison hotline.
Sources
- FDA - Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
- ASPCA - People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center)
- Merck Veterinary Manual - Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Last reviewed: .