Garlic (Allium sativum) has been utilized for centuries as a culinary herb and a medicinal remedy for various health conditions in both humans and animals. In this research-based article, we delve into the health benefits of garlic for dogs, its therapeutic properties, recommended dosages, and safety considerations. We will also address the misconception surrounding garlic's toxicity and provide evidence-based references to support our findings.
The Nutritional Composition of Garlic.
Garlic belongs to the Allium family, alongside onions, chives, leeks, and shallots, and it is renowned for its numerous nutritional compounds. Rich in inulin, amino acids, sulfur, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus, garlic also contains essential vitamins such as A, C, calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, germanium, and B-complex vitamins. However, it is the presence of bioactive ingredients like Allicin and Ajoene that contributes to garlic's medicinal reputation.
How Garlic Benefits Dogs:
Garlic's pungent properties impart a warming effect on the body, promoting improved circulation and benefiting the lungs, large intestine, spleen, and stomach. Furthermore, garlic aids in detoxifying the body by supporting beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract while eliminating harmful bacteria. It is particularly beneficial during fall, winter, and early spring to detoxify and balance the digestive system. Additionally, garlic enhances liver function, assisting in the breakdown of waste products and promoting nutrient assimilation.
Numerous studies suggest that garlic offers a wide range of health benefits for dogs. It has shown potential to prevent blood clot formation, lower cholesterol levels, widen blood vessels, inhibit tumor development, and stimulate the lymphatic system to facilitate waste removal. Raw garlic and garlic extracts are recognized for their antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antibiotic properties, with garlic often used as an anthelmintic (deworming agent) for pets.
"The long-term oral administration of AGE at a dose of 90 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks did not show any adverse effects in dogs. Furthermore, the administration of AGE upregulated the gene expressions of canine Nrf2 and Nrf2-regulated phase II antioxidant enzymes. These results suggest that AGE might safely contribute to the health of dogs provided that the appropriate dosage is used." Read study here
Misconceptions about Garlic Toxicity.
The most common method researchers use when testing garlic on dogs is using extract via oral administration, either mixed into food or given via stomach tube (gavage).
In the often-cited Lee et al. (2000) study, which is regularly referenced to claim garlic is toxic to dogs, the test method was far from realistic. The researchers administered raw, homogenized garlic extract directly into the stomach via gavage at a dose of 5 g per kilogram of body weight,every day for seven days.
To put that in perspective, a 34 kg dog would need to consume the equivalent of around four whole bulbs of garlic — about 60 cloves — every single day to match the study conditions. Clearly, that’s an extreme and artificial scenario, not at all reflective of how garlic might reasonably be included in a dog’s diet.
What the study actually found was that while there were changes to red blood cell markers (eccentrocyte formation and mild oxidative stress), none of the dogs showed any clinical signs of illness, anemia, or distress. In other words, even under an excessive and unnatural garlic load, the dogs did not become “toxic” or visibly unwell.
Confusion with Onions
Over the years, garlic’s reputation has been clouded by confusion with its close relative, the onion. Onions contain high concentrations of thiosulphates, which can trigger Heinz body hemolytic anemia in dogs. Because garlic belongs to the same plant family, it was unfairly paired with onions and assumed to have the same effect.
The reality is very different. Garlic does not containthe same thiosulphate concentration as onions — in fact, the levels in garlic are barely traceable and are readily excreted from the body. Nutritionist Dr. Dave Summers notes:
“In the testing of onions and garlic on dogs’ blood cell oxidation, onions have about 15 times the ability of garlic to damage red blood cells.”
Studies confirm that when fed in proper dosages, fresh garlic does not pose significant risks to dogs. Instead, its potential health benefits — from immune support to natural parasite resistance — outweigh the minimal risk.
Recommended Dosages and Precautions.
When incorporating garlic into a dog's diet, you can use AGE or fresh garlic. For fresh garlic Safe dosageis 1/2 clove per 10kg bodyweight 3 to 4 times per week.
Pregnant dogs can consume garlic safely, but small quantities are advised to start with smaller doses as it can affect the taste of thet milk.
Research-Based Evidence.
Contrary to misconceptions, research evidence suggests that garlic is safe and beneficial for dogs when given in proper doses. A 2000 study at Hokkaido University, which used excessively high doses of garlic extract, raised concerns about garlic's safety. However, a subsequent study in 2004 reversed these findings and highlighted the benefits of allicin in promoting immune functions and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Further research in 2018 explored the long-term oral administration of aged garlic extract and observed no adverse effects in dogs.
Read study here
Conclusion.
Garlic, when used appropriately, delivers many health benefits to dogs, including immune support, detoxification, and possible protection against various diseases. Fresh garlic in proper doses are generally safe and do not pose significant risks of thiosulphate-related toxicity. As with any dietary supplement, it is crucial to follow recommended dosages and consult with a animal health professional before introducing garlic or any new ingredient into a dog's diet. By understanding garlic's therapeutic properties and using it responsibly, pet owners can harness its potential benefits for their canine companions.
How much garlic do we use?
Two of our mixes Primal Wild Protein and Primal Balance contain garlic.
We use one bulb of garlic per batch mix (One batch is 60kg to 75kg)
This equals approx 0.0006 - 0.00133 grams per kg.
1. Summers D. “Understanding
Garlic”. IndigoPetz.com or
facebook.com/permalink.php?id=125654427474116&story_ fbid=643173565722197;
October 10, 2013.
2. Lee KW, Yamato O, Tajima M,
Kuraoka M, Omae S, Maede Y. “Hematologic changes associated with the appearance of eccentrocytes after intragastric administration of garlic extract to dogs”. Am J Vet Res. 2000 Nov:61 (11): 1446-50.
3. Chang HS, Yamato O, Sakai Y,
Yamasaki M, Maede Y. “Acceleration of superoxide generation in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and inhibition of platelet aggregation by alk(en)yl thiosulfates derived from onion and garlic in dogs and humans”. Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818 Sapporo, Japan, 2004.
4. Riviere Jim E, Boothe Dawn M,
Czarnecki-Maulden Gail L, Dzanis David A, Harris Patricia A, Hendriks Wouter H, Kirk Claudia A, Warren Lori K, Lewis Austin J, Arieti Ruth S. “Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cats”. Committee on Examining the
Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cats, The National Academy of Sciences, 2008.
Lee KW, Yamato O, Tajima M, Kuraoka M, Omae S, Maede Y. Hematologic changes associated with the appearance of eccentrocytes after intragastric administration of garlic extract to dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2000 Nov;61(11):1446-50.
Yamato O, Tsuneyoshi T, Ushijima M, Jikihara H, Yabuki A. Safety and efficacy of aged garlic extract in dogs: upregulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and Nrf2-regulated phase II antioxidant enzymes. BMC Vet Res. 2018 Nov
29;14(1):373.
A general guide only for safe dosage of natural garlic.
• 4.5 to 6.5 kgs – ½ clove
• 9 to 18 kgs – 1 clove
• 20 to 31 kgs – 2 cloves
• 34 to 40kgs – 2½ cloves
• 45 kgs + – 3 cloves.
Garlic is safe for your dog when fed in appropriate amounts, but there are important considerations for pregnant dogs, puppies, and certain sensitive breeds.
Puppies
Do not give garlic to puppies under six months of age. Puppies younger than eight weeks cannot produce new red blood cells, making them particularly vulnerable. For puppies aged six months to a year, use caution and consider feeding half the typical adult dose.
Pregnant Dogs
Exercise caution when giving any supplement or herb to expectant mothers. Always consult a holistic veterinarian before feeding garlic to pregnant dogs. Garlic can also alter the taste of breast milk, so it is best avoided in nursing dogs.
Breed-Specific Considerations
Some breeds, including Akitas and Shiba Inus, are more sensitive to hemolytic effects from oxidants such as N-propyl disulfide, a compound found in garlic. Consult a holistic veterinarian if your dog belongs to a sensitive breed or you have concerns.
Medication Considerations
Garlic can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to be cautious and consult your holistiic veterinarian before use. Some common medications to watch include:
* High blood pressure medications
* Heart medications
* Chemotherapy drugs
* Blood thinners
* Insulin
Always let your vet know if your dog is on any of these medications before adding garlic to their diet.
