Onion
Onion, and other alliums such as garlic, leeks and chives, damage red blood cells in dogs and cats. Cats are the most sensitive. Cooked, dried and powdered forms count too.
What it is
Onion appears in sauces, soups, stock cubes, baby food and savoury snacks, often as powder. A pet can get a dose from a spoon of leftover food.
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 | High |
| Cat | High |
Sulphur compounds in onion damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, which can lead to anaemia, so the app flags it for both. For people, the app has no concern about normal food amounts. In reports, cats showed signs after 5 g of raw onion per kg body weight, and dogs after 15 to 30 g per kg.
Basis of the ratings: published studies.
Possible concerns: Blood toxicity.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Dog (food): Allium sulfur oxidants: Heinz-body hemolytic anemia with methemoglobinemia in dogs; High.
- Cat (food): Cats are most susceptible to Allium oxidants: Heinz-body anemia at low doses; High.
Rules and use
Onion 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
- Household food items toxic to dogs and cats (Front Vet Sci, 2016)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: garlic and onion toxicosis in animals
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.