Garlic is toxic to dogs because it contains thiosulfate, which damages red blood cells and reduces oxygen delivery, potentially causing weakness and gastrointestinal upset; signs include lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, panting, and weakness, and symptoms may be delayed, so a vet should be contacted if ingestion is suspected. Although some claim small amounts might be safe or beneficial, the toxic threshold varies among dogs and is difficult to determine, making any use risky. Therefore, dogs should not be given garlic or foods containing it, and they can get all necessary nutrients from a complete, balanced pet diet rather than supplements or human leftovers.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
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30 October 2025
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Can dogs eat garlic?
No, dogs should not eat garlic as it is toxic. This is one of the reasons it is safest not to give your dog human food leftovers from your dinner, as many meals contain garlic in some form.
Why is garlic bad for dogs?
Garlic is poisonous to dogs due to a compound called thiosulfate. Thiosulfate is not toxic to humans, but in dogs it causes damage to their red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.
When the red blood cells are damaged, less oxygen will reach your dog’s tissues, so they may appear weak and lethargic. Dogs that consume too much garlic can also end up suffering from gastrointestinal issues, which is another reason to keep the garlic cloves out of their reach.
What are the signs of garlic poisoning in dogs?
If you suspect your dog has got their paws on some garlic you should contact your vet for advice. Here are some of the signs of garlic toxicity:
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Drooling
• Panting
• Weakness
However, keep in mind that the symptoms of garlic poisoning may take a while before they become obvious. If you think your dog has had too much garlic but they seem their usual self, it can take a few days before the symptoms appear, and it is better not to delay contacting the vet.
Can dogs eat garlic bread?
If garlic is poisonous to dogs, why do some experts still recommend it?
Unfortunately, there is often mixed messaging, especially online. If you’ve heard about the benefits of garlic for dogs, you may be wondering how can garlic be both beneficial and toxic at the same time.
The answer is that the quantity of garlic your dog consumes may affect their risk of suffering the consequences of a toxic reaction. In theory, this means that a very small quantity of garlic may not harm your dog, and some people think the nutrients can be beneficial. However, it is very difficult to know what a ‘safe’ quantity of garlic is, and as this is likely to vary between individuals, it is not worth the risk. Your pet will also be gaining all of the vitamins and minerals they need from a complete, balanced pet food which does not require supplementing.
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