Food · 🐶 Dogs
Can dogs eat onions?
✕Toxic for dogs
No. Onions damage dogs’ red blood cells and can cause anemia, whether they are raw, cooked or powdered.
Why onions are dangerous
Onions and the rest of the allium family (shallots, leeks, chives) contain compounds that break down red blood cells. Onion powder is concentrated, so foods like gravy, soup, baby food and seasoned meat can be a problem. Signs are often delayed by several days.
Signs of poisoning
- Weakness and tiredness
- Pale gums
- Fast breathing or heart rate
- Red or brown urine
- Vomiting, drooling or diarrhea
How much is dangerous?
Problems can start around 0.5% of body weight in onion at once, for example about one medium onion for a 45 lb dog. Smaller amounts eaten repeatedly add up.
What to do right now
Call your vet. If eaten recently, they may make your dog vomit and then check blood counts over the next few days.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, Merck Veterinary Manual. This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet ate something and you’re worried, call your vet or a poison line right away.