Can Dogs Eat Garlic? The Effects of Garlic on Dogs

Whether dogs can eat garlic or not depends on the amount of garlic ingested and the size of your dog. Garlic has a toxic compound called thiosulphate which can wreak havoc in your dog’s system, making it necessary to use garlic with caution. It takes around 15-30 grams of garlic for every kilogram of body weight to negatively affect your dog’s system. This means small amounts of garlic less than 15 grams cannot cause harm to your dog.

Larger dogs may need to consume more garlic for harmful effects to present. Dogs do not have the proper digestive enzyme to process thiosulphate. This leads to oxidative damage to the red blood cells leading to anemia.

Garlic poisoning leads to gastric problems like diarrhea and vomiting. Garlic toxicity can be fatal; hence you should weigh the benefits and risks before serving garlic to your dog. If you decide to give garlic, give it in trace amounts and not part of your dog’s recipe.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Bread Safely?

No, dogs cannot eat garlic bread. Garlic bread has harmful ingredients.

Is garlic bread healthy for dogs?

No, garlic bread is not healthy for dogs. 

• Garlic bread has garlic, and consuming it in large amounts leads to gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain and dehydration. In addition, thiosulphate leads to anemia.
• The symptoms of anemia include lethargy, low stamina, and elevated heart rate.
• Japanese dog breeds like Akita and Shiba Inu are prone to garlic poisoning
• Garlic bread has lots of butter and oil, which cause pancreatitis in large amounts
• Garlic bread also contains cheese and herbs that cause tummy upset
• Garlic bread is high in calories, thus causing obesity, arthritis, and heart problems if consumed frequently.

Can young and old dogs eat garlic bread?

No, young and old dogs cannot eat garlic bread. Young dogs do not produce red blood cells until they are 6-8 weeks old. On the other hand, old dogs are susceptible to obesity, and garlic bread escalates this condition.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Powder Safely?

No, dogs cannot eat garlic powder. This is because garlic powder has a higher concentration of thiosulphate than raw garlic

Is garlic powder healthy for dogs?

No, garlic powder is not healthy for dogs. Garlic powder has lots of thiosulphates which leads to garlic toxicity that presents in the following symptoms:

• Weakness
• Drooling
• Panting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Lethargy 

Frequent consumption of garlic powder leads to anemia. Anemic dogs have the following symptoms:

• Pale gums
• High heart rate
• Jaundice
• Ataxia 

The symptoms may not be present immediately; hence you should be alert.  The severity of these symptoms depends on the amounts of garlic powder ingested and your dog’s size. The higher the amounts and the smaller the dog, the higher severity. It is best to visit the vet immediately if you suspect garlic powder ingestion.

Can garlic powder affect a dog’s mood?

Yes, garlic powder has vitamin B6, a mood booster that wards off feelings of depression and anxiety.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Garlic Safely?

Dogs can eat cooked garlic sparingly. Cooking does not destroy thiosulphate in garlic; hence dogs should only have cooked garlic once in a while. It should not be a regular treat.

Is cooked garlic healthy for dogs?

Yes, cooked garlic in minimal amounts can have some health benefits for dogs.

• Cooked garlic in trace amounts detoxifies your dog’s liver. 
• Cooked garlic has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help in fighting fungal and bacterial infections
• In small amounts, garlic can reduce cholesterol levels fat build-up, and lower the risks of blood clotting. This translates to a healthy heart
• The smell of cooked garlic on your dog’s body helps repel parasites 

Can my Yorkies Terrier dog puppy eat cooked garlic?

No, your Yorkshire Terrier dog puppy cannot eat cooked garlic. Puppies do not have red blood cells until 6-8 weeks. Yorkshire Terriers are also prone to stomach sensitivities. 

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Salt Safely?

No, dogs cannot eat garlic salt. Garlic salt has powder from dehydrated garlic, which contains disulfides and thiosulphate, which are highly toxic.

Is garlic salt healthy for dogs?

No, garlic salt is not healthy for your dog. 

• The toxic chemicals in garlic salt make it unhealthy. In addition, excessive intake of salt causes salt toxicity in dogs
• High salt intake also causes dehydration which negatively affects important body functions, including brain functioning
• Consuming garlic salt leads to gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain, and nausea
• In addition, it causes liver and spleen inflammation, muscle weakness, and bad breath
• Consuming lots of garlic salt is also a recipe for anemia characterized by paleness, yellow skin, eyes, and dark-colored urine.

Can dogs with diarrhea or other diseases eat garlic salt?

No, dogs with diarrhea and other diseases cannot eat garlic salt. Garlic salt makes diarrhea worse as it causes stomach upsets. Dogs with kidney problems, lupus, or anemia should not consume garlic salt.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Sausage?

No, dogs cannot eat garlic salt as most garlic sausages are crafted with toxic garlic powder. Besides causing gastric problems and anemia, garlic sausage has other unhealthy ingredients. Poorly cooked or contaminated garlic sausage has a parasite that puts your dog into severe health problems.

If your dog got hold of contaminated sausage, you should be on the lookout for the following symptoms: 

• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Nausea 

How much garlic is toxic to dogs?

The severity of garlic toxicity in dogs depends mainly on your dog’s size. Here’s a guide on how you can determine the amounts not to exceed:

Exceeding these amounts translate to harmful health effects on your dog. Make garlic a rare treat and avoid it in dogs with compromised immune systems.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic Bologna?

No, dogs cannot eat garlic bologna. Besides having garlic, garlic bologna has other unhealthy ingredients

• Garlic bologna has lots of fat. A fatty diet causes loads of health problems. 
• Consuming lots of fat leads to obesity. Obesity comes with a host of other health issues, including heart diseases, hypertension, and joint problems
• A fatty diet also causes pancreatitis. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include hunched back and repeated vomiting.
• Garlic bologna has too much salt, and consuming lots of it causes hazardous salt toxicity. The symptoms of salt toxicity include excessive thirst and urination. 
• Dehydration resulting from salt toxicity can negatively affect the brain by depriving the brain of water.

What will happen if a dog eats garlic?

Small amounts of garlic may not have any adverse effects on your dog. However, consuming garlic in large amounts leads to garlic poisoning. Your dog will show the following symptoms:

• Tender abdomen
• Dehydration
• Lack of muscle coordination
• Blood in the urine
• Poor appetite

What Else Can Dogs Eat together with Garlic?

Dogs can consume small amounts of garlic with other healthy herbs. Here are other herbs that dogs can eat together with garlic.

1. Onions: Onions are highly toxic for dogs. 

• A dog needs to consume 100 grams per 20 kilograms of body weight to get severe effects. 
• This means a dog weighing 45 pounds one medium-sized potato to experience onion toxicity
• Onion powder is more dangerous than raw onion as it has more concentration of toxicity
• The poisonous chemical in onions attacks the red blood cells, thus causing anemia. Consuming lots of onions leads to symptoms like weakness, paleness, fainting, increased heart rate, panting, and red urine for your Chihuahua or Pug
• To lower these risks, you should ensure your dog cannot access onions. If your pooch accidentally consumes onions and shows these symptoms, you should rush to the vet for medical care
• The vet will do a blood test and may induce vomiting depending on the severity of the symptoms
• You should not attempt to induce vomiting as it can lead to other health problems

2. Ginger: Ginger has lots of health benefits for your dog. The daily consumption depends on your dog’s weight and size.

• Fresh ginger and ginger root is safe for dogs.
• If your dog suffers from motion sickness, ginger comes in handy. Serve ginger and travel comfortably with your dog
• Ginger helps with digestive problems by lowering the risks of gas and bloating. It also reduces inflammatory bowel diseases. 
• Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties to help lower joint and hip problems
• Great Danes and Beagles are prone to cancer, and ginger comes in handy as it has lots of antioxidants that protect against oxidative damage
• Antioxidants also provide cognitive support in senior dogs
• Ginger helps with managing the problem of heartworms 
• You can add finely chopped ginger to your dog’s food, bake ginger into dog treats, or blend it into a smoothie. Another method of serving ginger is to freeze them as summer treats.

3. Parsley: Parsley and small amounts of garlic are okay for dogs.

• Parsley helps with dental wellness as it freshens your dog’s breath
• Parsley has vitamin A and C for lower frequencies of shedding and improved immunity
• Parsley has no fat or cholesterol hence safe for healthy weight management and proper heart functioning. This also makes parsley safe for dogs prone to obesity, including Border Terriers and Labrador Retrievers
• Parsley has trace minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium for energy production, lower risks of anemia, and strong bones, muscles, and teeth
• Consuming parsley lowers the chances of oxidative damage with the high amounts of antioxidants
• Vitamin K in parsley helps with blood clotting, thus reducing the risks of blood loss
• Parsley has diuretic properties to help prevent urinary tract infections
• Consuming parsley helps flush out toxins, thus supporting kidney wellness
• You should serve the curly parsley and avoid parsley in pregnant dogs.

4. Herbs: Serving dogs the right herbs promotes their wellness.

• Thyme is a healthy herb for your dog. It supports digestive health, helps with irritable bowel problems, and aids in ousting hookworms
• Another healthy herb to serve your dog is basil. Basil has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that lower cancer risk in your Bernese Mountain Dog and Rottweiler. 
• Basil also boosts your dog’s mood and lowers the frequency of arthritis. Serve basil according to your dog’s weight. Giving 2-3 basil leaves will benefit your dog’s overall wellness
• Rosemary is a healthy and safe herb for your dog. It has lots of iron and calcium to lower the risks of anemia and promote healthy bones and muscles. In addition, rosemary has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties 
• Consuming lots of rosemary leads to stomach upsets and itchiness; hence you should serve moderately.

What are the best Garlic Dog Food Recipes?

Dog food recipes are crafted with garlic as part of the ingredient list. Here are the best savory garlic dog food recipes to tantalize your dog’s taste buds:

Garlic Dog Biscuits

• Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour, ½ cup powdered milk, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Cut in 6 tablespoons of meat drippings, then add 1 egg and ½ cup of water
• Knead until soft, then roll into ½ inch thick. Cut into desired shapes
• Bake for 25-30 minutes

Cheddar Garlic Dog Biscuit

• Preheat the oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, mix 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour, ⅔ cups shredded cheddar cheese, ⅓ cup sour cream,  ⅛ teaspoons garlic, and 1 teaspoon parsley
• Add ⅔ cups of water and 2 tablespoons olive oil and form a smooth dough
• Roll into ¼ inch and form into desired shapes
• Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown

Garlic Shrimp Recipe

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 6 cloves of garlic
• Add 1 pound of shrimp 
• Fry for 2 minutes on each side
• Serve at room temperature

What are the best dog foods with Garlic?

Some commercial food manufacturers use garlic in their recipes. These foods have been commercially tested and approved; hence you should not worry when you see garlic in the ingredients list. The amounts of garlic are too minute to have any adverse effect on your dog’s wellness. Here are three of the best dog foods with garlic:

• Dog treats: Solid Gold Garlic Doggie Bagels Dog Treats
• Canned dog food: Tiki Dog Luau Kauai Succulent Chicken with Tiger Prawns on Brown Rice Canned Dog Food
• Dehydrated dog food: The Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Grain-free Dehydrated Dog Food