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Onion, garlic, leek and chives (Allium)
onion powder, garlic powder
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | Clinically important blood changes from 15-30 g/kg of onion. Poisoning is consistent when more than 0.5% of body weight in onion is eaten at once; repeated small amounts can also cause it. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
| Cat | Especially sensitive | Clinically important blood changes from 5 g/kg of onion. Cat haemoglobin is about 2-3 times more prone to oxidative damage. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. |
Toxic principle
Organosulphur compounds (disulfides and thiosulfates, notably n-propyl disulfide) cause oxidative haemolysis with Heinz bodies, eccentrocytes and methaemoglobinaemia. Cooking, drying or spoiling does not make them safe; powders and supplements are toxic too.
Onset
Heinz bodies within a day; signs usually after a lag of several days, at the lowest point of the anaemia. After large amounts, within one day.
Clinical signs
Depression, weakness, pale or icteric mucous membranes, tachypnoea, tachycardia, haemoglobinuria, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, onion smell on the breath.
Organs affected
Red blood cells (Heinz body haemolytic anaemia); secondary pigment injury to the kidneys.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
No antidote. Emesis in an animal without signs within 1-2 hours, then activated charcoal. Intravenous crystalloids for haemoglobinuria, hypotension or marked losses; transfusion and oxygen in severe anaemia. The red cell count is followed for several days. Antioxidants gave little protection in cats.
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Notes
Japanese dog breeds with inherited high red-cell glutathione and potassium are more susceptible.
Sources
- Scientific article. Cope RB. Allium species poisoning in dogs and cats. Veterinary Medicine, Aug 2005:562-566 (ASPCA toxicology brief) 2005
- Scientific article. Cortinovis C, Caloni F. Household food items toxic to dogs and cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 3:26 2016
- Scientific article. Nagy AL, et al. Emerging plant intoxications in domestic animals: a European perspective. Toxins 15(7):442 2023
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People foods to avoid feeding your pets. aspca.org
Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.
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