Can Dogs Eat Garlic Bread? Health Risks of Garlic for Dogs

Garlic bread, in general, is not a safe food for dogs. Garlic is toxic to dogs in large amounts and can damage red blood cells. Additionally, the carbohydrates, butter, oil, and cheese in garlic bread can lead to an upset stomach and can contribute to obesity.

Frozen garlic bread bought from the store may be safer for your dog to eat than homemade garlic bread. These frozen products typically use garlic powder for flavoring, which is less harmful than garlic cloves. In small quantities, garlic bread made with garlic powder may only cause gas or an upset stomach after ingestion.

In severe cases, eating garlic can lead to garlic poisoning in dogs. Raw garlic—a member of the allium family along with onions, shallots, chives, and leeks—has nutritional benefits for humans, but it is less safe for dogs to eat. Eating whole cloves of garlic, not just garlic substitutes, is more dangerous for dogs. Certain dog breeds, particularly small dogs, are more sensitive to garlic toxicity. Garlic contains thiosulfates, which damage dogs’ red blood cells, leading to anemia. Garlic toxicity is only likely to occur if dogs eat multiple whole cloves.

If your furry friend eats a small amount of garlic bread, they will likely be okay. If your dog consumes a large amount, follow these three steps:

1. 1. Assess the amount of garlic. Garlic is poisonous to dogs, but if your dog eats garlic bread crumbs or a tiny piece of garlic bread, they will generally be safe. If your dog eats multiple whole garlic cloves, call your vet.
2. 2. Monitor for symptoms of garlic poisoning. Pet owners should not feed garlic, raw or cooked, to their dogs. Symptoms can range from gas and tummy upset to sharper abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Call a vet or helpline if symptoms seem debilitating or persistent.
3. 3. Induce vomiting. Your vet may walk you through how to induce vomiting to help your dog expel the garlic, or you may have to bring your dog in so the vet can professionally handle the task.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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