Can Dogs Eat Onions?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Onions. Love them or hate them? Or maybe you just tolerate them.
Whatever the case, onions are here to stay!
Those who love onions will put them on everything from hamburgers to salads or in many different recipes or sauces. Maybe you even have a deep fryer at home and love onion rings.
So, the question begs… If you are cooking or slicing an onion (and trying not to cry!), can you slip a slice to your pooch?
The answer is, unequivocally, NO! In all cases.
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Onions Are NOT Safe For Dogs – Ever!
Onions, no matter what the form, raw cooked or even in powder form are never safe for your dog.
In fact, onions can make your dog seriously ill.
Therefore, if you are cooking or eating an onion, please do your best to keep it away from your pup and don’t leave any leftovers in your garbage can.
All parts of an onion are toxic including the juice, leaves, and tops. Even processed onion powders are toxic to dogs.
Cooked, raw, fried onions and the rest of the allium family including shallots, leeks, garlic, and even chives are very harmful to dogs.
Onion and garlic powder, which are in many of our households, are even more toxic than onions.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Why are Onions Bad for Dogs?
The reason onions are so toxic to dog is because they have a toxin which is called N-propyl disulfide.
This particular compound causes the breakdown of a dog’s red blood cells which can lead to severe anemia in pups.
What happens is the N-propyl disulfide causes so much damage to a dog’s red blood cells that the pup is unable to carry oxygen properly.
The red blood cells are destroyed in a process which is called hemolysis which can then cause hemolytic anemia.
If your dog eats onion or onion powder, get your dog to the vet immediately.
Treatments can get expensive which is why pet insurance is a true saver! We recommend Healthy Paws if you are looking to save on vet visits with pet insurance!
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Symptoms Of Onion Toxicity in Dogs
If you think your dog has eaten onions, look out for the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Lack of Appetite
- Vomiting
- Pale Gums
- Reddish Urine
- Elevated Heart Rate
- Excessive Panting
If your dog has any of these symptoms, get him to a veterinarian or emergency room right away.
Treatment for Onion Toxicity
If your dog ate some sort of form of onion, your vet will diagnose your dog’s overall condition based on your pup’s symptoms and blood work.
If your veterinarian thinks your dog might be anemic or has a negative blood smear result, then your dog has some form of onion toxicity.
Your vet will probably try to induce vomiting if your dog ate an onion very recently.
Or your vet will give your dog some medication or supportive care until your dog has enough healthy blood cells to replace the damaged blood cells.
In the most severe cases of toxicity, your dog might need a blood transfusion.
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How to Keep Dogs Away From Onions
If you or anyone at your home likes onions or to cook with them, keep an eye on your dog or try to keep your dog out of the kitchen.
Even if you use a minimal amount of onion powder, make sure it only goes into your pot or recipe and not into your dog’s mouth.
Maybe you like onion rings or just eat them with a take-out meal.
Make sure to take out the trash and dump the remains in the recycle bin or trash chute and don’t leave any discards in your garbage can overnight.
Just be super careful with onions in any form at home. Always.
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Other Foods That Are Bad For Dogs
Some of the other food items that are best to keep away from your dogs:
- Almonds
- Avocados
- Chocolate
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Grapes & Raisins
Safe Human Food Choices For Dogs
There are, however, many safe human food choices for dogs that you can share (in small amounts):
How Pet Insurance Helps If Your Dog Eats Onions
If your dog does happen to eat an onion despite all your good efforts, you will probably need to see your veterinarian immediately.
Or even your local veterinary hospital if this happens overnight (isn’t that when emergencies always happen?)
Of course, you would do anything to get your dog treated ASAP no matter what the cost.
And this is one of those scenarios when you can really see the benefit of pet insurance. The Aha moment.
You know the treatment and the post-op care is going to be costly and thankfully the best pet insurance companies will pay for the majority of the bill! Phew.
Some of the best companies like Healthy Paws, Petplan and even Pets Best will pay anywhere from 80% to 90% of the bill for not only the treatment but all the lab work that might be necessary.
Of course, pet insurance helps for every new condition that might occur, but onion toxicity too? Who knew?
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Onions and Dogs Are Not A Good Fit
If you keep any sort of onion form in your home, just do your best to keep them away from your dog(s).
Accidents do happen and our dogs are sly ones, but just knowing that onions in all forms are toxic to dogs is good knowledge to have.
And, of course, keep an eye on your dogs with any onions close by.
For more information on some of the human food that is safe for your dog or those food items that should be avoided, our ultimate safe food guide has a few ideas to help.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
What to do with a Picky Eating Dog
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Why You Should NEVER Give Xylitol to Your Dog
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat onions?
No, dogs should never consume onions in any form, including raw, cooked, or in powder form. Onions are toxic to dogs and can make them seriously ill.
Why are onions bad for dogs?
Onions contain a toxin called N-propyl disulfide, which can cause the breakdown of a dog’s red blood cells, leading to severe anemia. This toxin prevents dogs from carrying oxygen properly, and the damage to red blood cells is known as hemolysis, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
What are the symptoms of onion toxicity in dogs?
If a dog has ingested onions, watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, and pale gums. If these symptoms occur, it’s crucial to seek veterinary assistance immediately.
How is onion toxicity in dogs treated?
Treatment for onion toxicity depends on the severity of the case. A veterinarian may induce vomiting, administer medication, or provide supportive care. In severe cases, a blood transfusion might be necessary.
How can I keep my dog away from onions?
If you have onions at home, ensure they are kept out of reach of your dog. Be cautious when cooking or disposing of onions, and avoid leaving any onion scraps in the garbage overnight. Monitor your dog closely, especially in the kitchen.
Does pet insurance cover onion toxicity in dogs?
Yes, pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary care, including treatment for onion toxicity. Some insurance companies, such as Healthy Paws, Petplan, and Pets Best, may cover a significant portion of the vet bills, ranging from 80% to 90%.
Are there other foods that are harmful to dogs?
Yes, several foods are harmful to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, and certain nuts. It’s essential to be aware of these foods and keep them away from your dog’s reach.
What are safe human food choices for dogs?
There are many safe human food choices for dogs, including small amounts of fruits like apples, blueberries, and strawberries, as well as vegetables like carrots. However, always check with your vet before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet.
Why should I consider pet insurance for my dog?
Pet insurance can be beneficial in covering unexpected veterinary expenses, including those related to conditions like onion toxicity. It helps alleviate the financial burden of expensive treatments and ensures your pet receives the necessary care promptly.
Can dogs eat other human foods listed in the article?
The article provides a list of various human foods and whether they are safe for dogs. Always consult with your vet before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure they are safe and suitable for your pet.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.