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The Truth About Feeding Your Dog Garlic

Writer's picture: busy-pawzbusy-pawz

Updated: Jan 17

Garlic for dogs

Garlic is one of the most debated foods in the dog world. Some swear by its benefits, while others avoid it entirely, labelling it toxic. The truth lies somewhere in between—when fed in the right amounts, garlic can be a safe and valuable addition to your dog’s diet.


In this blog, we'll explore the truth about feeding garlic to dogs, examining the origins of its toxic reputation, the potential health benefits, appropriate dosage guidelines, and considerations to keep in mind.


Where Did the Garlic Myth Start?

The fear of garlic being toxic to dogs comes from a study conducted in Japan in 2000. In this study, dogs were fed insanely high doses of garlic—about 5 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight every day for a week.


Let’s break that down:

  • For a 34 kg Golden Retriever, this would equate to roughly 170 grams of garlic per day—or about 60 cloves!

  • The results showed some oxidative damage to the dogs’ red blood cells, but none of them developed anemia or other significant health issues.


This study led to widespread fear, prompting dog food companies to label garlic as toxic. However, the key takeaway is that the dose makes the poison. Feeding normal, safe amounts of garlic is far from toxic—it can actually be highly beneficial for your dog.


 

The Benefits of Garlic for Dogs

When given in appropriate amounts, garlic provides many health benefits:


  • Natural Pest Repellent Garlic can help repel fleas and ticks when fed regularly. Compounds in garlic create an odour on your dog’s skin that pests find unattractive (don’t worry—you won’t smell it!).

  • Immune System Boost Garlic contains powerful antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, making it a great support for your dog’s immune system.
  • Cardiovascular Health Garlic acts as a vasodilator, helping to improve blood circulation and reduce blood pressure. It also supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
  • Detoxification Garlic helps detoxify the liver by increasing the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that eliminates toxins.
  • Antioxidant PropertiesThe compounds in garlic fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of certain cancers.

 

How Much Garlic is Safe for Dogs?

The key to safely feeding garlic is sticking to appropriate doses. Fresh garlic is best, as it retains its beneficial compounds. Here’s a general guide:


  • 4.5-7 kg: ½ clove per day

  • 9-18 kg: 1 clove per day

  • 20-32 kg: 1½ cloves per day

  • 34-41 kg: 2 cloves per day

  • 45+ kg: 2½ cloves per day


Important Tip: Let the chopped or minced garlic sit for 10-15 minutes before feeding. This activates allicin, the compound responsible for many of garlic’s health benefits.


 

When Not to Feed Garlic

While garlic is generally safe, there are some exceptions:


  • Puppies under 6 months: Their digestive systems are still developing.

  • Dogs with anemia: Garlic can exacerbate this condition.

  • Dogs on blood-thinning medications: Garlic may interfere with these drugs.

  • Breeds predisposed to anemia: Such as Akitas and Shiba Inus.


Always consult your holistic veterinarian before introducing garlic especially if your dog falls into any of these categories.


Puppy

 

Final Thought


The notion that garlic is inherently toxic to dogs is a myth rooted in extreme cases. When fed in safe amounts, garlic is a powerful superfood that supports your dog’s overall health.


As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement to your dog’s diet. With the right approach, garlic can be a healthy addition to your dog’s meals!


 

Read More About Canine Nutrition



 

Thanks for reading! I hope you found this post helpful. Don’t forget to throw your dog a treat from all of us 🐶


Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew


P.S. Want more personalised advice?

👉 Check out our training sessions or send me a message—I’d love to help!


And if you found this helpful, share it with a fellow dog lover who might need a little extra support. 💕




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