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faithsjoy · 01-21-2014, 09:42 PM

Surprising news about dogs and garlic – what you need to know
There is a lot of controversy surrounding dogs and garlic on the Internet. Many sources believe that garlic is toxic to dogs and it should never be used in dog food. But garlic has been used for centuries as a medicinal aid by humans – can it really be that bad for canines? The answer may not seem all that cut and dry, but it’s becoming a lot clearer. This is thanks to the research efforts of experts that say that garlic is actually good for dogs. Of course, you can’t just let your dog chew on a clove of garlic. It’s all about the amount you give your dog. Read on to learn more about garlic and dogs, and how to make it a part of your pup’s healthy diet.

Garlic has been used for centuries as a medicinal aid by humans – can it really be that bad for canines?

Garlic: A Family Tree

Garlic comes from the Allium family, and counts onions, leeks, chives, and shallots as relatives. Onions, and to a lesser degree garlic, contains a compound called n-propyldisulfide. This compound can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells when taken in large enough doses. The effect creates Heinz bodies and the body will reject these cells from the bloodstream. After injecting large amounts over a long period of time, it can lead to anemia and even death.

History

It all started over 100 years ago, when wild onions (in the same family of garlic) were fed to cattle, sheep, and horses and these animals showed toxicity symptoms. In the 1930s, studies showed that dogs that ate onions showed toxicity symptoms. Fast forward to the 1980s: cats that ate onions exhibited the same toxicity symptoms as dogs did. It’s important to note that cats are six to eight times more sensitive to onion than dogs.

Garlic got a bad rap in 2000, when a research paper was published that based on garlic’s effect on dogs. Even though the dogs tested didn’t 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.” This was when garlic was touted as a poison for dogs and started to be removed from dog foods.

It’s 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 you’re not overdoing it. The same goes with garlic and dogs. At some level, these things all have the potential to be toxic.

Here’s a guide on the garlic levels safe for dogs per day, based on a dog’s weight:

Fresh Garlic (from The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Pitcairn)

10 to 15 pounds: .5 clove

20 to 40 pounds: 1 clove

45 to 70 pounds: 2 cloves

75 to 90 pounds: 2.5 cloves

100 pounds +: 3 cloves

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 you’re not sure about dogs and garlic, and decide to start with a very low amount, your dog will still reap the health rewards. Its main claim to fame is the benefit it has on a dog’s digestive tract. But there are lots of other wonderful health reasons why garlic can help your dog:

Tick/Flea Repellent: It won’t kill the fleas and ticks, but those little buggers don’t like the taste of it. One sniff and they’ll 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.
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 dog’s 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.
Garlic is Good!

We believe that garlic is safe for dog consumption when fed at the proper dosages. As pet parents, we need to remember that there is no “normal” consumption level – based on your dog’s weight, you can feed your dog safe and beneficial levels of garlic.

We’d like to hear from you. Do you feed your dog any garlic, whether it’s in food, treats or supplements? Or do you stay away from it, as it’s “better to be safe than sorry”? We want to hear from both camps. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

01-21-2014, 09:42 PM	#20
faithsjoy Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: omaha,ne,usa Posts: 14	Dogs and garlic from Pet guide.com ... Surprising news about dogs and garlic – what you need to know There is a lot of controversy surrounding dogs and garlic on the Internet. Many sources believe that garlic is toxic to dogs and it should never be used in dog food. But garlic has been used for centuries as a medicinal aid by humans – can it really be that bad for canines? The answer may not seem all that cut and dry, but it’s becoming a lot clearer. This is thanks to the research efforts of experts that say that garlic is actually good for dogs. Of course, you can’t just let your dog chew on a clove of garlic. It’s all about the amount you give your dog. Read on to learn more about garlic and dogs, and how to make it a part of your pup’s healthy diet. Garlic has been used for centuries as a medicinal aid by humans – can it really be that bad for canines? Garlic: A Family Tree Garlic comes from the Allium family, and counts onions, leeks, chives, and shallots as relatives. Onions, and to a lesser degree garlic, contains a compound called n-propyldisulfide. This compound can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells when taken in large enough doses. The effect creates Heinz bodies and the body will reject these cells from the bloodstream. After injecting large amounts over a long period of time, it can lead to anemia and even death. History It all started over 100 years ago, when wild onions (in the same family of garlic) were fed to cattle, sheep, and horses and these animals showed toxicity symptoms. In the 1930s, studies showed that dogs that ate onions showed toxicity symptoms. Fast forward to the 1980s: cats that ate onions exhibited the same toxicity symptoms as dogs did. It’s important to note that cats are six to eight times more sensitive to onion than dogs. Garlic got a bad rap in 2000, when a research paper was published that based on garlic’s effect on dogs. Even though the dogs tested didn’t 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.” This was when garlic was touted as a poison for dogs and started to be removed from dog foods. It’s 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 you’re not overdoing it. The same goes with garlic and dogs. At some level, these things all have the potential to be toxic. Here’s a guide on the garlic levels safe for dogs per day, based on a dog’s weight: Fresh Garlic (from The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Pitcairn) 10 to 15 pounds: .5 clove 20 to 40 pounds: 1 clove 45 to 70 pounds: 2 cloves 75 to 90 pounds: 2.5 cloves 100 pounds +: 3 cloves 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 you’re not sure about dogs and garlic, and decide to start with a very low amount, your dog will still reap the health rewards. Its main claim to fame is the benefit it has on a dog’s digestive tract. But there are lots of other wonderful health reasons why garlic can help your dog: Tick/Flea Repellent: It won’t kill the fleas and ticks, but those little buggers don’t like the taste of it. One sniff and they’ll 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. 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 dog’s 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. Garlic is Good! We believe that garlic is safe for dog consumption when fed at the proper dosages. As pet parents, we need to remember that there is no “normal” consumption level – based on your dog’s weight, you can feed your dog safe and beneficial levels of garlic. We’d like to hear from you. Do you feed your dog any garlic, whether it’s in food, treats or supplements? Or do you stay away from it, as it’s “better to be safe than sorry”? We want to hear from both camps. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.