Read on to learn more about dogs and garlic, and how to make it a part of your pups healthy diet. Garlic has been used for centuries as a medicinal aid by humans is it true that its bad for caninesGarlic A Family Tree. Garlic comes from the Allium family, and counts onions, leeks, chives, and shallots as relatives. Onions, and to a much lesser degree garlic, contains a compound called n propyldisulfide, as well as small amounts of thiosulphate. When taken in large amounts, oxidative damage can occur in the red blood cells. The effect creates Heinz bodies and the body will reject these cells from the bloodstream. After ingesting large amounts over a long period of time, it can lead to anemia and even death. Does this mean that garlic is unsafe for dogsThats where the debate gets heated. Related Benefits Of Garlic Supplements For Dogs. History of Dogs and Garlic. It all started over 1. In the 1. 93. 0s, studies showed that dogs that ate onions showed toxicity symptoms. Fast forward to the 1. Its important to note that cats are six to eight times more sensitive to onion than dogs. Garlic got a bad rap in 2. Even though the dogs tested didnt show any outward appearance of toxicity symptoms, there was an effect on the red blood cells. The researchers stated we believe that foods containing garlic should be avoided for use in dogs. Lets take a closer look into the study itself, not just one quote. Crown Pork Roast. This study, which was undertaken at Hokkaido University, was conducted on four dogs, each one given 1. As an example, if the dog weighed 4. Calculate how much garlic youd be eating using that formula its enough to make anyone ill. Using this amount of garlic, the study concluded that garlic had the potential to cause hemolytic anemia damage to the red blood cells, and so garlic should not be fed to dogs. Its important to note that even at these highly elevated doses, no dogs on the study developed hemolytic anemia. On top of that, the study included four dogs, so how do you consider this an appropriate sampleAt the very least, it goes to the importance of looking at all the facts of any given study. Related Flea Repellent Dog Treat Recipe. Its All About Dosage. Too much of anything is bad for you. Even minerals that you assume make you and your dog healthy can be detrimental in large daily amounts. Things such as salt, vitamin D, or Zinc are all good for you as long as youre not overdoing it. The same goes with garlic and dogs. At some level, these things all have the potential to be toxic. Heres a guide on the garlic levels safe for dogs per day, based on a dogs weight 12 clove per ten pounds of body weight Fresh Garlic from The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Pitcairn1. 0 to 1. Many people choose to stop at the 2 clove mark, even if their dogs were large 7. I believe in going with a smaller dose myself and choose fresh over powder or jarred when possible. Also, I rotate my garlic cycle 1 week on, 1 week off. Some pet parents only use it seasonally, while others feed it every day. If your dog has a pre existing anemic condition or is set to go into surgery, dont give him any garlic. As well, puppies from six to eight weeks of age dont start to reproduce new blood cells until after 6 8 weeks, so they should not be fed any garlic. Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Garlic. The reason why garlic is added to dog food and treats is because it has many health benefits. Even if youre not sure about dogs and garlic, and decide to start with a low amount, your dog will still reap the health rewards. Its main claim to fame is the benefit it has on a dogs digestive tract. But there are lots of other wonderful health reasons why dogs and garlic work together TickFlea Repellent It wont kill the fleas and ticks, but those little buggers dont like the taste of it. One sniff and theyll be making their way off your dog. Immune System Boost Garlic has proven to do wonders with dogs with suppressed immune systems and as well has those fighting cancer. It gives a boost to bloodstream cells that kill bad microbes and cancer cells. Check out The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, who talks about the benefits of garlic to fight cancer in dogs. Liver Boost Garlic is known to have detoxifying effects, which can help the liver get rid of toxins from the body. Fights Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections Bacteria, virus and fungi are no match for garlic With its potent antimicrobial and antibiotic properties, it fights parasites and protozoan organisms as well. Lowers Blood Cholesterol and Triglyceride Mix the proper dose of uncooked garlic with your dogs food and it can help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cardiovascular Boost Wonderful in older and overweight dogs, garlic can prevent blood clots, and reduce cholesterol levels and fat build up in the arteries. I Think Garlic is Good I feed Oscar garlic and supplement it into his diet throughout the week. As pet parents, we need to remember that there is no normal consumption level based on my dogs weight, I feed my dog safe and beneficial levels of garlic. As with any change in diet or addition of supplement, please speak with your vet. My vet knows about the garlic in Oscars diet, and we have blood taken every year to ensure hes in peak form. Wed like to hear from you. Do you feed your dog any garlic, whether its in food, treats or supplements Or do you stay away from it, as its better to be safe than sorry We want to hear from both camps. Leave your thoughts about dogs and garlic in the comments section below. Suggested Readings R. H. Pitcairn, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats I live by this book M. Goldstein, The Nature of Animal Healing Another essential guide I cant do without. S. Messonnier, The Natural Vets Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs. Martin Zucker, The Veterinarians Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs Safe and Effective Alternative Treatments and Healing Techniques from the Nations Top Holistic Veterinarians.