Is Garlic really toxic for dogs?

There's so much controversy regarding dogs and Garlic..

So I'm here to share my personal observation & experience!

Many people suggest that garlic is toxic to dogs and should not be given in any quantity. Yet, there are other studies, specialists, and pawrents, who claim garlic in small amounts is not toxic, but in fact beneficial to your dogs health.

After bringing Roo home to the UK where our home cooking journey began, I found alot of information about garlic being toxic to dogs and straight away was reminded of the few occasions where I've given leftover garlic bread to street dogs, including Roo... and I worried I may have unintentionally caused them harm.. But then I remembered the time Roo again enjoyed some garlic aioli, and was absolutely fine..

As my mind naturally wanders, It got me thinking deeper into what street dogs around the world actually eat day to day, which is most of the time left over food from humans. Humans which in some parts of the world are especially known to cook with lots of fresh garlic..

I'm aware that street dogs are most likely more accustomed to eating different foods than domesticaited dogs, and as a result of this have more hardy stomachs. But maybe garlic is a hidden ingredient which actually helps their immune system be so strong and resilliant, enabling them to survive in harsh conditions in many cases?

After much thought, I came to the personal conclusion that anything, IN MODERATION, is ok. Even when trialing new ingredients with a sensative stomach, a small amount won't do much harm compared to a large amount. Although this is my personal opinion, every pawrent knows there furrend best, and its up to them to decide what to do! Whether that's incorporating small amounts of garlic into your dogs diet or not!

I don't like the idea of over giving Roo flea & tick medication unnecessarily, so sometimes I add a small clove of garlic when cooking for Roo, along with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for their immunity boosting and anti-parasitic properties!

For more home cooking information, Roo approved recipes, and a guide to help you start making well balanced, delicious & nutritious meals for your dog, check out our 'Natural cook book' e-book. Inspired by Roo's journey, ready to help you on yours!