Can dogs eat garlic?
Like onions, garlic belongs to the Allium genus and damages red blood cells. Merck rates garlic as 3–5 times more toxic than onion.
Good to know: Also found in pizza crust, sauces and seasoning mixes; AKC notes little research supports garlic-based “natural” flea and tick products.
Did your dog eat some?
Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away, even if your dog seems fine. Tell them what your dog ate, how much and when.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply)
- Don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Better choices, for example
Questions
My dog ate garlic. What should I do?
Call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away, even if your dog seems fine. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply). Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Can cats eat garlic?
No – toxic. Garlic belongs to the Allium genus, damages red blood cells and is 3–5 times more toxic than onion. Cats are the most sensitive species (Merck).
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals
- AKC – Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
- Pet Poison Helpline – Garlic
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-toxic Plants – Garlic
Last checked: October 2026