DIET & NUTRITION
3 min

Is Garlic Bad for Dogs? Canine Nutritionist Explains Potential Risks & Benefits!

Is garlic safe for your dog to eat? Canine nutritionist Arpita T uncovers the risks, benefits, and key precautions to consider when adding garlic to your dog's diet.
Table of contents
Garlic is a widely debated food when it comes to dogs, known both for its potential benefits and risks. While garlic has been used anecdotally as a natural remedy for fleas and ticks, it must be approached with caution, as excessive amounts can harm dogs. Understanding the right dosage and proper usage is essential for safely incorporating garlic into your dog’s diet.

Can Dogs Eat Garlic?

Yes, dogs can consume small amounts of garlic, but only with careful moderation. Overuse can lead to toxicity, so it’s essential to be cautious.
Key Considerations:
  • Age Restrictions: Avoid giving garlic to puppies under 6 months old as their systems are more sensitive.
  • Breed Sensitivity: Japanese breeds like Akita Inus and Shiba Inus may be more prone to thiosulfate poisoning, a risk associated with garlic. For these breeds, it’s important to exercise caution and consider avoiding garlic altogether to reduce the risk of toxicity.

Is Garlic Toxic for Dogs?

Garlic is a controversial ingredient for dogs, primarily due to its potential toxicity when consumed in large quantities. Part of the allium family, which includes onions, leeks, and chives, garlic contains thiosulfates—compounds that can harm dogs if overfed.
Potential Risks of Garlic for Dogs:
  • Haemolytic anaemia: Excessive garlic intake can damage red blood cells, leading to oxidative stress and haemolytic anaemia—a serious condition characterized by weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and an elevated heart rate. Research suggests the toxic dose ranges from 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. Given that an average garlic clove weighs between 2 and 5 grams, significant ingestion would be required for severe toxicity. However, smaller dogs are more vulnerable to smaller amounts.
  • Digestive upsets: Overfeeding garlic may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
  • Garlic sensitivity: Some dogs may react adversely even to small doses, making cautious, individualized feeding critical.

While the toxic threshold for garlic is relatively high, its use in a dog’s diet should always be approached with caution. Feeding garlic in small, controlled amounts and monitoring your dog’s response is essential to avoid adverse effects.

What are the Benefits of Introducing Garlic for Dogs?

There is anecdotal evidence and claims supporting the benefits of garlic for dogs:
  • Natural flea and tick repellent: Garlic is believed to alter the scent of a dog’s skin and blood, making them less attractive to fleas and ticks. While not a foolproof solution, many dog parents find it effective when used in moderation.
  • Immune-boosting properties: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that may help strengthen the immune system.
  • Parasite control: Fresh garlic has natural anthelmintic properties, making it particularly effective against worm eggs and larvae. However, its impact on mature worms is limited, and garlic should not replace conventional dewormers.
  • Cardiovascular support: The sulphur compounds in garlic may promote heart health by improving blood circulation and potentially lowering blood pressure.

What is the Best Way to Introduce Garlic to Dogs?

Feeding garlic to dogs requires careful preparation and monitoring. Follow these steps:
  • Prepare the garlic: Finely mince or crush raw garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes. This activates allicin, the compound with potential health benefits.
  • Incorporate in their daily food: Add the minced or crushed garlic into your dog’s regular food to ensure even distribution and easy consumption.
  • Use in short durations: Feed garlic for limited periods, such as 2–3 weeks at a time, especially during flea and tick season.
  • Start small: Begin with small amounts of garlic and gradually increase to the recommended serving size while monitoring your dog for any adverse reactions.
  • Watch for sensitivity: Watch out for signs of toxicity (pale gums, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting) or allergic reactions (itching, rash, or swelling). Some dogs may be sensitive even to small doses.

How Much Garlic Can I Give My Dog?

The right amount of garlic for your dog depends on their weight. Here’s a general guideline:
  • 5–10 kg: ½ clove per day
  • 11–20 kg: 1 clove per day
  • 21–40 kg: 1½ cloves per day
  • Over 40 kg: 2 cloves per day
Stick to these recommendations and avoid exceeding the safe limit to prevent garlic toxicity. 


Garlic can offer some benefits for dogs, particularly as a natural flea and tick remedy, but it must be fed in strict moderation due to its potential toxicity. Always consult your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist before adding garlic to your dog’s diet. By following the proper dosage guidelines and monitoring your dog’s response, you can safely explore the benefits garlic may offer.

Happy parenting!
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