Debunking the Myth: Garlic is Safe and Beneficial for Dogs
If you’ve been searching the internet, you’ve probably come across numerous warnings about garlic being toxic to dogs. Even some veterinarians have echoed these concerns. However, we want to share the real story about garlic and its effects on your furry friend.
Understanding Garlic Myths and Discovering Its Benefits for Dogs
The first thing to consider is why there's a widespread belief that garlic is harmful to dogs, despite no substantial evidence supporting this. Much of the confusion stems from studies focusing on garlic extracts, excessive dosages, and unnatural delivery methods, rather than fresh garlic. These studies don't translate well to typical feeding scenarios.
Garlic has long been recognized for its health benefits and is even listed by the FDA as an approved ingredient for pet food. A key study from Japan in 2000, which fed dogs excessive amounts of garlic, has been largely responsible for the misconceptions. The study used a whopping 5 grams of garlic per kilo of body weight daily—equivalent to feeding about 60 cloves of garlic to a 75-pound Golden Retriever. Naturally, such an unrealistic dosage skewed the results.
The Health Benefits of Garlic for Dogs
Despite the myths, small amounts of garlic can offer significant health benefits for dogs. Garlic contains essential nutrients such as inulin, amino acids, sulfur, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and B-complex. The bioactive compounds allicin and ajoene, formed when garlic is chopped or crushed, are particularly beneficial.
Garlic’s Health Benefits Include;
Improving Circulation:Garlic's warming energy helps move blood and energy throughout the body.
Detoxifying the Body:Garlic supports beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and helps eliminate harmful bacteria.
Liver Health:Garlic aids in breaking down waste products and enhancing nutrient absorption.
Antimicrobial Properties:Garlic’s natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties are well-documented.
Blood Health:Garlic can help prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol, and improve overall blood circulation.
Cancer Prevention:Studies have shown garlic's compounds can help prevent tumor formation.
Immunity Boost:Regular consumption can help boost your dog’s immune system.
Parasite Prevention:Garlic also acts as a natural flea and tick repellent. Feeding your dog garlic during flea and tick season can help build up its natural defenses.
Why the Garlic Misunderstanding Exists
Many dog owners avoid garlic because it belongs to the Allium family, which includes toxic plants like onions and leeks. However, garlic’s composition differs significantly from these other plants. The toxic compound thiosulfate, present in harmful amounts in onions and leeks, is not a concern with garlic when fed in proper amounts.
The Flawed Research on Garlic
The primary source of garlic’s bad reputation is a 2000 study that administered excessive amounts of garlic to dogs. While numerous studies confirm that onions are toxic for dogs and cats, the same level of evidence does not exist for garlic.
The primary study fueling the misconception about garlic toxicity involved an overdose experiment. This study involved eight caged Labradors, each receiving 5 grams of raw garlic per kilogram of body weight for seven days. To put this into perspective, a 20-kilogram dog would consume 100 grams of raw garlic or about 20 cloves daily—a truly excessive amount.
Despite this extreme dosage, none of the dogs developed hemolytic anemia, although their blood parameters were adversely affected. The study concluded that such high levels of garlic might cause hemolytic anemia in a short period. However, this overwhelming amount of garlic would be excessive even for much larger animals and is irrelevant to the recommended medicinal doses of raw garlic for dogs.
Safe Garlic Dosage for Dogs
Moderation is key. Too much of any substance can be harmful, and garlic is no exception.However, small, controlled amounts are beneficial. Start with a small dose and gradually increase to the recommended amounts:
10 to 15 pounds:½ clove (4.5 to 6.8 kg: ½ clove)
20 to 40 pounds:1 clove (9 to 18 kg: 1 clove)
45 to 70 pounds:2 cloves (20 to 32 kg: 2 cloves)
75 to 90 pounds:2½ cloves (34 to 41 kg: 2½ cloves)
100 pounds and over:3 cloves (45 kg and over: 3 cloves)
Do Not Feed Garlic To Puppies Under 6 Months, Pregnant Or Whelping Bitches And Japanese Breeds and always check medications with your Holistic Veterinarian Prior To Feeding.
For more precise measurements using teaspoons:
- 5 lbs: ⅙ tsp (2.3 kg:⅙ tsp)
- 10 lbs:⅓ tsp (4.5 kg:⅓ tsp)
- 15 lbs:½ tsp (6.8 kg:½ tsp)
- 20 lbs:⅔ tsp (9.1 kg:⅔ tsp)
- 30 lbs:1 tsp (13.6 kg:1 tsp)
Garlic Supplements
While fresh garlic is preferred for maximum benefits, garlic extracts can be a good alternative. Avoid dried garlic supplements, as they are less effective.
Preparing Garlic for Dogs
Fresh raw garlic is the most effective way to incorporate garlic into your dog's daily diet to boost immunity.
1. Always use fresh, organic garlic. Avoid canned, cooked, or processed garlic from the supermarket as they often contain preservatives for extended shelf life.
2. Peel the garlic, then mince, chop, or crush it. Use the peeled garlic within 10 minutes to maximize its benefits.
3. Gradually increase the dosage over several days to help your dog acclimate to the taste.
4. If your dog dislikes the taste of raw garlic, consider adding pure garlic oil to their food.
5. Once you notice improvement in the condition you're treating, consider lowering the dosage or placing it to the side of their bowl.
Garlic Poisoning: A Rare Occurrence
Garlic poisoning in dogs is exceedingly rare and typically only occurs with excessive intake. Keep garlic and other Allium family plants out of your dog's reach to control their intake.
Conclusion
Incorporating small amounts of garlic into your dog’s diet can provide numerous health benefits. If you're concerned or your dog has a health issue, consult with an integrative or holistic vet first.
Sources
Bastidas (1969) treated a hookworm infestation in a meat-fed dog with raw garlic and tracked the mean daily larvae count (baby worms)
