Can Dogs Eat onions?

Overview

Onions are a common vegetable used in many human dishes, but they are not safe for dogs to consume. They contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs, leading to serious health issues.

Onions contain thiosulfate, which dogs cannot metabolize effectively. This leads to oxidative damage to red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. The toxic dose is approximately 5 grams per kilogram of body weight, but even smaller amounts can be harmful over time or in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

There are no known health benefits to feeding onions to dogs that outweigh the risks.

Risks & Precautions

Onions contain thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs and can cause hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. Symptoms of onion toxicity include weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, collapse. Even small amounts can be harmful, and both raw and cooked onions pose a risk. Onion powder, often found in processed foods, is particularly concentrated and dangerous.

Serving Guidelines

No safe serving size; onions should be completely avoided.