Garlic is a spice that is commonly used in many foods, especially Italian dishes. It is known to have many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Can dogs eat food with garlic?
Yes, dogs can eat food with garlic, but only in a small amount. Just make sure that your pooch doesn’t have a history of problems with garlic because it can cause a serious condition called garlic toxicity. If you’re unsure about whether or not your dog is going to be able to handle the stench and taste of garlic in their food, start with a small amount and work your way up. As long as you’re not planning on using it as a regular ingredient in their food, the chances of problems are very low.
But what happens when dogs eat a little too much garlic in their food? Keep learning to find out the health benefits and problems associated with feeding garlic to dogs.
Garlic Toxicity In Dogs
One of the most serious side effects seen in dogs who eat too much garlic is a condition called garlic toxicity. It is very important that you do not allow your dog to consume large amounts of garlic, because it can cause severe problems with their intestinal tract and cardiovascular system.
Garlic contains a toxin called thiosulfate, which can build up in the dog’s body over time if it is consumed in large amounts. Excess thiosulfate consumption is associated with hemolytic anemia in dogs. Hemolytic anemia is a condition where the dogs’ red blood cell formation is impaired. This means that the red blood cells are not produced at the same rate as normal, leading to anemia. The dog’s ability to clot is also negatively impacted.
Symptoms Of Hemolytic Anemia In Dogs:
- Pale mucous membranes
- Rapid breathing
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Jaundice
- Dark-colored urine
- Loss of appetite
But the first few symptoms you should look out for are those of garlic toxicity. The symptoms include:
- Vomiting or retching
- Diarrhea
- Rapid breathing
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Weight loss
When you see these symptoms, you should take the dog to the veterinarian. It is always best to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to your dog’s health.
Can Dogs Eat Food With Garlic?
Yes, dogs can eat food with garlic in it. Just make sure that you are keeping the amount of garlic in their food to a minimum because too much can result in serious problems for them. If you do decide to use large quantities of garlic in your dog’s food on a consistent basis, make sure that you are monitoring the results. If you notice changes in normal behavior or physical health, stop feeding them the garlic product right away and take them to the veterinarian.
Other than the garlic in the food, you should also be wary of salt and other additives in the food. The addition of salt can cause problems for your dog by causing blood pressure problems. The addition of salt may also lead to the development of hyperkalemia, which is a life-threatening condition where the potassium levels in the dog’s body rise to an abnormally high level. Salt toxicity, or sodium toxicity in dogs, is another life-threatening condition that occurs when too much sodium gets introduced into the dog’s diet. So, be aware of the salt content of the food you’re planning on feeding your dog.
Always check the ingredients used in preparing the food before you feed it to your dog. If the food contains ingredients such as onion, leek, macadamia nuts, and/or any other toxic ingredients to dogs don’t feed the food to your dog. If you’re unsure about feeding any new food to your pooch, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before you actually start feeding it.
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Have you ever given any food with garlic to your pup? What was his/her reaction? We would love to hear from you. Please share your stories in the comment section below.