Can Dogs Eat Garlic? What Is The Right Dosage?

People worldwide consume garlic as a staple food. However, the experts’ opinions remain divided on the use of garlic in canine diets.  

In general, people are warned about garlic’s toxicity. However, some experts suggest that using garlic in controlled amounts can benefit canines in multiple ways.  

Several vet-approved lists list garlic as highly toxic to dogs. Moreover, it is true that high amounts of garlic can harm a dog.  

However, proper dosage and proper preparation can help your dog rather than harm it. 

Moreover, this article seeks to inform you about the common myths about garlic consumption in dogs.  

This article shall also inform you about how to safely incorporate it in the meal of your furball, and the situations where you shall completely avoid it. 

What Makes The Consumption Of Garlic So Controversial In Dogs?

The metabolism of a dog remains very different from that of human beings. Thus, this raises several questions about garlic consumption.  

Hence, several vets and dog parents remain very skeptical about giving garlic to dogs. 

Garlic contains compounds like n-propyl disulfide and thiosulfate. Moreover, these compounds can oxidize red blood cells, causing damage and hastening their destruction. 

Hence, the body does not have time to replace red blood cells. Thus, the dog suffers from hemolytic anemia.  

However, some experts still believe that moderate garlic consumption can benefit the dog in several ways.  

But they also warn that excessive consumption can cause anemia and, in some cases, can even lead to death.  

What Are The Major Health Benefits Of Garlic For Dogs? Can Dogs Eat Garlic?

The appropriate dose of garlic provides numerous health benefits. Garlic remains rich in essential nutrients, including Vitamin A, B, and the C complex.  

Furthermore, the canine body can obtain essential nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and calcium.  

Here are some of the major benefits of garlic for dogs. 

1. Garlic Enhances The Flow Of Blood Circulation And Improves Heart Health  

Garlic generally improves heart health. It also increases blood flow in both canines and human beings.  

Garlic regulates the blood pressure in a canine body. The antioxidant properties of garlic help reduce oxidative stress.  

Thus, this lowers the risk of heart disease in the dogs. Hence, the moderate quantities benefit the dogs in various ways. 

2. Garlic Reduces The Level Of Cholesterol In The Dogs 

Garlic generally contains allicin. Moreover, allicin in garlic reduces LDL cholesterol.  

Hence, this reduces the risk factors for heart attack and other conditions. 

3. Garlic Plays The Role Of A Vasodilator 

Garlic dilates the blood vessels. Thus, this helps blood flow more easily through the blood vessels.  

Hence, garlic in moderate amounts helps the elderly and overweight dogs. Generally, obese and elderly dogs tend to have high blood pressure and heart conditions. 

4. Digestive Aid 

Garlic also supports gut health while boosting beneficial gut bacteria. This enhances the liver’s functioning. Furthermore, it detoxifies the dog’s digestive system.  

5. Garlic Protects Against Infections  

Garlic protects an animal against various types of infections. Moreover, it has antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties. 

Thus, a small amount of garlic serves as a preventive measure for dogs.  

6. Insect Repellant  

Garlic acts as one of the best insect repellents. Most dogs suffer from tick and flea issues.  

Prolonged suffering from fleas and ticks can cause damage to the coat and skin of the dog.  

7. Prevention Of Cancer  

Garlic generally prevents cancer. Moreover, it stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins.  

Hence, this prevents the growth of both malignant and non-malignant tumors within the system. 

The dogs with digestive sensitivity often can tolerate garlic in their diet.  

Thus, pet parents should provide garlic to their pets only after consultation with a veterinary dietitian.  

Sensitive dogs can suffer from mild bloating. However, garlic in moderate amounts is a very effective natural supplement.   

Garlic boosts immunity and works towards the overall betterment of a dog’s health.  

Why Can Dogs Eat Garlic? What Does Research Say About The Consumption Of Garlic By Dogs?

The research suggests that high doses of garlic can cause serious harm to a dog.  

The study suggests that at least 15-30 grams of garlic per kilogram of dog weight can cause issues in the dogs.  

But typically, a single clove of garlic weighs only 4-8 grams. The studies that have proven the ill effects of garlic have mainly used unimaginably high doses.  

A study in 2000 proved the harmful effects of consuming cloves. However, they made the dog consume a very high dosage of cloves.  

Moreover, the 40-pound dog ate around 20 cloves per day, which would cause harm to any canine. 

On the other hand, another study conducted in 2018 found that garlic in small controlled volumes, around 90 milligrams per kilogram of the dog’s body weight, increased the antioxidant activity in the canine body.  

Thus, the research found that large doses of garlic damage the red blood cells. Additionally, it can also cause Heinz body hemolytic anemia.  

However, a small amount does not cause any harm to the dog.  

How Can We Feed Garlic Safely To Our Dogs?

The answer to the question “Can dogs eat garlic?” depends on the dosage that you provide your furball.  

Always use fresh cloves, not jarred or pre-chopped ones, or imported garlic. 

Add in smaller quantities and then monitor for any negative reactions in the dogs.  

Follow this guide to get the best results for your dog.  

Body Weight	Quantity Of Clove
10-15 lbs	Half Clove
20-40 lbs	1 Clove
45-70 lbs	2 Cloves
75-90 lbs	2.5 Cloves
100 lbs	3 Cloves

When Should You Avoid Garlic In Your Dog’s Diet?

You should avoid feeding garlic to dogs in certain situations. Dog parents should avoid providing garlic to puppies that are younger than six months. 

These puppies generally do not produce adequate numbers of red blood cells. 

Furthermore, do not provide garlic to pregnant or nursing dogs. Garlic consumption can easily alter the taste of pregnant dogs’ milk.  

Always consult a veterinarian before giving garlic to pregnant dogs. Do not provide garlic to breeds Akita, Shiba Inu, and others.  

The hypoallergenic effects of garlic can be harmful to these dogs.  

Avoid providing garlic to dogs with existing conditions like anemia, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, or even colitis. 

Furthermore, avoid incorporating garlic when your dog is on medication like blood thinners, heart medications, and others. 

Do not give your dog garlic right before surgery. Garlic often prevents blood clotting due to its blood-thinning properties. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that people generally ask, along with “Can dogs eat garlic?”