Can dogs eat onions or garlic?
🚩 When to see a vet
- Your dog ate onion, garlic, chives or leeks, or food made with them
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Your dog seems weak or unwell after eating them
In an emergency, call your vet or nearest emergency animal clinic.
🚨 Poison emergency: call now
- Trouble breathing
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Bloated belly or retching with nothing coming up
- Suspected poisoning (chocolate, xylitol, lilies for cats, grapes)
- Heavy bleeding
- Male cat straining to pee
- Pale gums
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee applies)
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee applies)
No. Onions, garlic, chives and leeks belong to the Allium family, which is poisonous to dogs. They can upset the stomach and damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Risk depends on the amount eaten, and Japanese breeds such as Akitas and Shiba Inus are more sensitive. If your dog eats any, call your vet or a pet poison hotline.
What the sources say
Onion, garlic, chives and leeks are members of the Allium family. All are poisonous to dogs, cats and livestock. [2]
These plants can upset the digestive tract and harm red blood cells. Losing too many red blood cells is called anemia. [1]
Pet Poison Helpline lists nausea, vomiting and diarrhea among the effects of a poisonous dose. [2]
Cats react to smaller amounts than dogs do. For dogs, the danger grows with how much they eat. [1]
Some dog breeds are more sensitive, including Japanese breeds such as the Akita and Shiba Inu. [3]
FAQ
Is garlic as risky as onion?
Pet Poison Helpline lists garlic in the same Allium family with the same kind of red blood cell damage.
Are green onions and shallots included?
Yes. Pet Poison Helpline lists green onions and shallots among the alternate names for onion poisoning.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked Oct 13, 2026
- Pet Poison Helpline: Onions, checked Oct 13, 2026
- Pet Poison Helpline: Garlic, checked Oct 13, 2026
We summarize these sources in our own words. Dosing or home treatment amounts are never given here. Ask your vet.
