Some dogs can eat garlic, while others cannot. Garlic (fed in excess amount) has been shown to have toxic effects on other animals, including dogs. So, the answer to ‘Can dogs eat garlic powder?’ is no. Dogs cannot eat garlic powder. Feeding too much garlic powder to your dog can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and even damage to red blood cells. Garlic, in itself, can be harmful to your pet if ingested in high quantities.
It isn’t exactly that dogs can’t eat garlic powder, but rather they shouldn’t. Here’s why.
Onions and garlic contain a compound called thiosulphate that can cause severe anemia and liver damage. One should never give onions to a dog because of the high concentration of this compound. Anemia can take a long time to develop, but it will eventually lead to symptoms including lethargy, diarrhea, and muscle weakness.
Your dog’s weight, age, and physical condition may also affect how he/she reacts to garlic or other supplements. Avoid feeding garlic or any garlic supplements to Japanese breeds of dogs such as Akita, Shiba Inu, and Shih Tzu. These dogs are extremely sensitive to garlic.
Why Is There Garlic Powder In Dog Treats?
Many dog treats contain garlic powder as a flavoring agent. Even though there are no documented cases of dogs being poisoned by it, it is still better to get your dog its vitamins and minerals from his/her regular diet. Some veterans and experts in canine nutrition believe that small amounts of garlic can be beneficial for your dog. The logic is that a small amount of garlic can help ward off worms and other parasites. It also helps against fleas. For dogs with sensitive digestive systems, however, garlic can lead to stomach upset. Garlic powder may also cause your dog to smell bad for a while.
Also, keep in mind that it’s highly dangerous to feed garlic to pregnant or nursing dogs. Some vets disagree with the idea that garlic is beneficial for your dog. If you decide that you want to give your dog some garlic, do so in moderation and sparingly. Also, don’t give him/her any supplements or medications without consulting with a vet first.
Check out: Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
Garlic Poisoning In Dogs
Dogs will usually eat garlic with no problems but sometimes, they may vomit or have diarrhea after eating garlic powder. If your dog suffers from these side effects, it is important to get them to a veterinarian for treatment. There are concerns about the safety of garlic for dogs and some vets warn that you should not give them garlic or any garlic supplements. The dog’s reaction to garlic will vary depending on weight, age, and the general health of your dog. The symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Dehydration
- Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia occurs when a dog’s red blood cells break down and release the hemoglobin into its bloodstream. This causes the dog to become sick and tired. It can lead to death if not treated soon enough. Hemolytic anemia can be caused by high levels of garlic in the dog’s diet, parasites, or other substances like manganous ions and nitrates found in cheese or meat. Symptoms of Hemolytic anemia include:
- Weakness
- Fever
- Pale gums
- Rapid heart rate
- Painful joints
- Rapid breathing
- Death (in the worst case)
If you notice any of the abovementioned symptoms after your dog has eaten garlic or any garlic supplements, you should seek immediate medical attention from your vet. The good news is that a dog usually survives from garlic poisoning with no further complications.
Prevention Of Garlic Poisoning In Dogs:
Avoid giving your dog garlic powder, or any other supplements containing garlic, if you do not have approval from your vet and have any pre-existing health conditions. When feeding supplements to your pet, always read the label first to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your pet. Keep vitamins in their natural food state. Your dog should only consume the amount of garlic that is safe for him/her.
Some vets approve of giving small amounts of garlic to your dog. They believe that it can help improve the dog’s immune health and resist parasites. You should give small amounts to your dog and avoid giving him/her more than 1 clove of garlic a day. Giving too many cloves can lead to harmful side effects and poisoning in dogs.
What About Food Seasoned With Garlic Powder?
Garlic powder offers a few health benefits for us. However, it doesn’t do the same for our dogs. Dogs can eat food seasoned with garlic powder. However, if the seasoning contains too much garlic, it may cause stomach upset. It is important to read the ingredients and nutritional labels before serving your dog food that was seasoned with garlic powder. There are dog foods that are flavored with garlic powder. Any type of food seasoned with garlic powder can harm a pet if it is eaten frequently. So make sure to feed them in moderation.
Conclusion
The bottom line: A small amount of garlic powder shouldn’t hurt your dog. But a large amount can be fatal. So, if you’re going to give garlic powder to your dog, stick to your vet’s recommendations on the proper dosage. Avoid feeding foods heavily seasoned with garlic powder to your dog.
We recommend that you refrain from giving your dog garlic in any form. If you see or suspect that your dog has consumed garlic, check for the symptoms and take him/her to the vet immediately. There are many great products out there that your dog can enjoy, and most of them contain no garlic at all. If you have any questions about the safety of garlic powder for your dog, speak with a veterinarian for guidance on your particular situation.
For more information, check out all of our garlic-related articles.
Have you ever given garlic powder to your pup? Were there any side effects? We would love to hear from you. Please share with us your experience in the comment section below.