Garlic

What is garlic?

Garlic is a plant from the onion family that forms a bulb with several cloves. Each clove contains an active ingredient called allicin, which is responsible for the typical smell and taste of garlic. Allicin also has antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant properties that can benefit the immune system and heart health.

Benefits of garlic for dogs

Garlic can also be beneficial for dogs in small amounts. Some studies have shown that garlic can help repel ticks and fleas by changing the smell of the blood. Garlic can also aid digestion, lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation. Garlic can also strengthen the immune system and prevent infections.

Disadvantages of garlic for dogs

However, garlic is not suitable for all dogs. Too much garlic can lead to intoxication, which can manifest itself in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, weakness and shortness of breath. This is because garlic contains a substance called thiosulphate, which can damage the red blood cells and lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood. Dogs with a hereditary blood disorder called Heinz body anemia are particularly at risk.

How much garlic is safe for dogs?

The amount of garlic that is safe for a dog depends on its weight, health and individual tolerance. There is no exact dosage recommendation for garlic for dogs, but as a rule of thumb, a dog should not consume more than half a clove per 10 kg of body weight per day. This means, for example, that a 20 kg dog should eat a maximum of one whole clove per day.

How do you feed garlic to dogs?

If you want to give your dog garlic, you should always feed it fresh and finely chopped or pressed. This releases the allicin and the garlic is better digested. You can either mix the garlic directly into the food or dilute it with a little water or broth and drizzle it over the food. However, avoid giving your dog cooked or dried garlic as these forms are less effective and may contain more thiosulphate.