Garlic
Garlic damages red blood cells in dogs and cats. It is stronger than onion, and cats are the most sensitive.
What it is
Garlic appears in sauces, marinades, stock cubes, seasonings and some pet treats. Powder and cooked garlic count too.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Food |
|---|---|
| Adult | No concern found |
| Child | No concern found |
| Infant | No concern found |
| Dog | Medium |
| Cat | High |
Sulphur compounds damage red blood cells, which can lead to anaemia. The app flags garlic for cats and for dogs, and more strongly for cats. For people, the app has no concern about normal food amounts.
Basis of the ratings: published studies.
Possible concerns: Blood toxicity.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Dog (food): Garlic sulfur oxidants: Heinz-body hemolytic anemia with methemoglobinemia in dogs.
- Cat (food): Cats are most susceptible to garlic oxidants: Heinz-body anemia at low doses; High.
Rules and use
Garlic is an ordinary food for people. No special label rule applies. The risk is for pets.
Read the guide: Human foods that are risky for dogs and cats
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: garlic and onion toxicosis in animals
- Household food items toxic to dogs and cats (Front Vet Sci, 2016)
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.