Are Onions Bad For Dogs?

 

Estimated Read Time: 3 ½ minutes

Summary: If you’re asking whether dogs can eat onions or not, in this blog we learn whether dogs can have onion and if onions are bad for dogs…  

 

Can Dogs Eat Onion?

Under no circumstance should a dog eat onion! Onions are one of the most toxic foods for a dog to consume. 

You should always keep onions high, contained and hidden away from prying paws or nosey noses. 

Can Dogs Have Cooked Onion?

No. Cooked, raw and fried onions are all toxic to dogs, including onion rings.

Can Dogs Eat Spring Onions?

No. All forms of onion are toxic to dogs: powdered, processed and juiced - even the leaves and skin are toxic. Garlic, shallots, leeks, spring onion and chives are harmful to dogs too as they’re all part of the same family (the allium family).

Onion powder appears in a lot of foods dog’s could easily get their hands on like soup and baby food. And, just a small amount of onion can cause toxicity symptoms in our pups too. 100g of onion over 20kg of a dog’s body weight can poison a dog. This means they’d only need to eat one medium to large onion to potentially be poisoned to a dangerous level.

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Onions?

Onions contain a chemical called N-propyl disulphide; a sulphur compound. N-propyl disulphide attaches to the oxygen molecules present in a pup’s red blood cells which in turn prevents these molecules from taking oxygen around the body efficiently. This then tricks the body into thinking that its own red blood cells are a threat which then triggers haemolysis to take place. This is where the body attacks its own essential red blood cells. 

If haemolysis isn’t stopped, this will lead to haemolytic anaemia which means the red blood cells are being destroyed faster than the body can make them. This can be fatal in dogs. 

Symptoms Of Onion Poisoning In Dogs

If you suspect your pooch has gotten hold of some onion, the symptoms of haemolytic anaemia include:

• Lethargy
• Disinterest in food
• Weakness
• Reddish urine
• Pale gums
• Fainting or collapse
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Panting
• Elevated heart rate

If you spot any of these signs, get your dog to a vet as soon as possible. 

What To Do if Your Dog Eats Onions

If you know your dog has eaten an onion, no matter how small, contact your vet. If they start displaying any of the above symptoms, get them to a vet pronto. Your vet will examine the symptoms and your pup’s blood work to determine if onion toxicity is occurring. Haemolytic anaemia can be a symptom of many other conditions so a veterinarian consultation is vital. 

If onion poisoning is confirmed, your vet may attempt to induce vomiting in your pup and provide support and care to your dog until they are making enough red blood cells. If the case is really bad, a blood transfusion may need to take place.

The faster you act on your knowledge or suspicions regarding onion consumption by your dog, the better.

For your reference, here’s a list of other foods that can be incredibly toxic to dogs…

Why Not Try These Vegetable Alternatives?

So, as we’ve established, onions are a no go zone for our pups. However, vegetables can play a great role in your doggy’s diet and help boost their vitamin and fibre in take! Try feeding your dog small bits of cucumber, carrots or green beans either as treats or add them to their bowl at meal times. 

Sources

Author Burke, Anna "Can Dogs Eat Onions?" May 11. 2017, American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-onions/

"Can Dogs Eat Onions? Are They Bad For Dogs?" Wild Earth https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/are-onions-bad-for-dogs/