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Onion vs. Garlic: which is safe for cats and dogs?

Onion and Garlic are frequently compared because both belong to the Allium genus, sharing the same chemical compounds that pose significant risks to household pets. It is important to understand that both plants are considered potentially toxic to cats and dogs. While they share similar mechanisms for causing harm, such as damaging red blood cells and inducing anemia, their potency levels differ, with garlic generally being more concentrated than onion. Because ingestion of any part of these plants can lead to serious health complications for your furry companions, it is best to keep both entirely out of reach and avoid feeding them to your pets in any form.

Onion

Allium cepa

The onion is a bulbous vegetable widely used in cooking that contains compounds capable of damaging red blood cells in pets. Ingestion of any part of the plant, including the bulb, can lead to serious health complications.

cat

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, and rapid breathing.

dog

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Weakness, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and discolored urine.

Full Onion reference →

Garlic

Allium sativum

Garlic is a bulbous perennial herb widely cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It contains compounds that can cause significant health issues in pets if ingested.

cat

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, and elevated heart rate.

dog

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Watch for

Drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.

Full Garlic reference →