For years, we believed that giving garlic to dogs was forbidden, as it was toxic to our pets.
However, it now seems that a new study has re-evaluated this: apparently, garlic can be given to dogs in the right doses.
Not only would it not be toxic, but it also has great benefits. A real doubt, considering that garlic is present in many of our kitchens, and in industrial foods.
So, what is the truth? Can we give garlic to dogs, or do we risk poisoning them?
Can dogs eat garlic?
We have always been told that garlic is toxic to dogs. Like onions, it contains thiosulfate, which can seriously damage red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia.
This disease, in which the immune system destroys the blood's red blood cells, identifying them as enemies, can be fatal for the dog.
The most frequent symptoms that occur in case of hemolytic anemia are:
Weakness
Lethargy
Increase in body temperature
Vomiting
Depression
Discoloration of the mucous membranes (for example, pale gums or eyelids)
Dark urine
High heart rate
But garlic can also simply cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal disturbances. And so everything seems to confirm that garlic consumption is unsuitable for dogs.
This was until now the official answer given to those who asked if dogs can eat garlic.
But things have changed!
Now it seems that this truth has been overturned, as garlic's bad reputation was based on the fact that in a 2000 study, the dogs used for tests were given a daily dose 5 times higher than the maximum allowed.
New studies tell us instead that garlic can be safely given to dogs, provided certain doses are respected.
Fresh garlic contains:
In addition to its content of precious vitamins and many minerals, garlic also has many therapeutic virtues:
It's an excellent antiparasitic, as it works as a repellent for fleas and ticks.
Improves immune defenses
Prevents thrombosis
Fights bacterial infections
Has antitumor properties
Detoxifies the liver
Prevents the onset of cholesterol
At this point, doubts increase, and it's difficult to really know what to do: if garlic were toxic, we would end up poisoning our dog, while if it really had all these properties, it would be a real boon for our four-legged friends.
What to do then, and how to navigate through conflicting information regarding the consumption of garlic by dogs? Garlic for dogs, yes or no?
Probably we must rely on common sense, without causing alarm over the ingestion of a piece of garlic the size of a grain of rice, but also avoiding turning the dog into a vampire killer to keep mosquitoes away and save on parasite pipettes.
How much garlic can I give my dog?
There's some confusion about the allowed doses, but it seems that garlic is toxic for a dog if it ingests more than 0.5% of its body weight.
To simplify, a 3 kg dog should eat 15 grams, a 50 kg dog as much as 250 grams. These are not small amounts, for a dog or even a human.
Proponents of a diet supplemented with garlic consider the following daily amounts beneficial:
Dog from 2 to 5 kg: ¼ clove
Dog from 5 to 7 kg: ½ clove
Dog from 10 to 20 kg: 1 clove
Dogs over 20 kg: 2 cloves
How can I give garlic to the dog?
Garlic must be administered raw, crushed, and mixed with food. It should be used as soon as it is crushed and does not keep for long.
Garlic for dog worms
The dose that works as an intestinal antiparasitic is the daily recommended amount for the dog's weight. It would be better to administer the garlic on an empty stomach for at least a week.
But if the dog has worms, it's better to rely on a traditional dewormer, after a visit to the vet.
Garlic for dogs against mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks
It seems that garlic has an excellent repellent effect for fleas and ticks. To make the most of its properties, the dog should be fed fresh garlic at least 2 weeks before exposure.
Of course, there are also capsules, sold as a specific supplement for pets.
There are also those who say that garlic is an excellent external antiparasitic, if reduced to a puree and applied with a glove on the dog's skin.
Personally, I don't believe that sharing a bed or sofa with a dog smeared daily with garlic would be a very pleasant experience, so I won't have the opportunity to have direct experience in this regard.
Can puppies eat garlic?
Absolutely not, it is forbidden before six months of age. Young dogs do not produce red blood cells, so for them consuming garlic could be dangerous.
Can pregnant dogs eat garlic?
Since pregnancy is a delicate period for the dog, it's better to ask the veterinarian. Additionally, garlic might compromise the flavor of the mother's milk, so it's better to avoid it during the breastfeeding phase.
Can dogs eat powdered garlic?
Considering that powdered garlic is much more potent than fresh, it should be administered with great care.
Garlic for dogs: when it is not recommended
Garlic can interact with some medications, so it should be avoided in cases of:
Autoimmune diseases
Diabetes
Chemotherapy
Cardiac system diseases
Gastric problems
Anemia
What if my dog has eaten too much garlic?
Honestly, it's unlikely that a dog could access enough garlic to intoxicate itself, but like any other food, it can cause intolerance in some animals.
A small piece probably won't harm it. If the dog has ingested a lot and you suspect it's unwell, take it to the vet.
What vegetables contain allyl sulfide?
In addition to garlic and onion, the following are also harmful to dogs:
Therefore, it's important to avoid feeding all these foods to dogs.
In conclusion
In most cases, as with most foods, the difference between good and harm lies more in the quantity than the quality.
But regardless, each individual is unique, and any information that is accurate for most pets may not be for ours.
It's better to consult the veterinarian, who will advise on the healthiest way to feed our dog based on its health condition.
Respecting this rule is even more important when dealing with a food around which there is still much disagreement.
So, do the right thing, or rather the right things: talk with your trusted veterinarian, and if you decide to give garlic to your dog, do so in moderation.
Other Blog Posts on Nutrition:
From the Staff of Khani.co.uk
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