Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
If you saw our list of toxic foods for dogs, you might have been surprised that garlic wasn't on the list as being toxic!
Many pet parents are of the belief that garlic is toxic, so let's debunk this pet food myth! 👇
In 2000 a study was conducted where dogs were given 1.25ml of garlic extract (much more potent than fresh garlic) per kilogram of body weight. That would be the equivalent of a 50lb dog eating 25 cloves per day. 😬
Though none of the dogs developed anemia, the researchers could identify red blood cell stress and concluded that garlic was toxic. ❌
Many studies have been done since 2000 and have highlighted the benefits fresh garlic offers! Just like with people, some dogs like garlic and others don't! Adding small amounts of fresh garlic is perfectly safe for dogs. We do not add garlic extracts, oils or powders to their food as these forms of garlic are much more concentrated than fresh garlic. When we're feeding our dog garlic, we must only feed fresh garlic.
Garlic has been used as an antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. It may help the body resist or destroy viruses and other microorganisms. It does this by boosting the immune system. Garlic is also claimed to fight infections. Not only that but garlic is rich in antioxidants.
In our bodies and our pet's bodies, harmful particles called free radicals build up as we age and may contribute to heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer disease for us, Doggy Dementia for our pups. Antioxidants like those found in garlic fight off free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause over time.
If all of that wasn't enough, garlic can help you naturally repel ticks! Regular consumption of garlic (especially during tick season) can reduce the risk of tick bites. The garlic causes the body to excrete a scent that ticks hate.
If you're going to include some garlic for your pups either daily or as you like, here are some garlic guidelines for serving sizes 👇
🐶 10-15 pounds 1/2 clove
🐶 20-40 pounds 1 clove
🐶 75-90 pounds 2 cloves
🐶 100+ pounds 2 1/2 cloves
No long term studies have been done on cats though with regards to if garlic impacts them. 🐱