Can Dogs Eat Onions?

Certain compounds found in onions, such as N-propyl disulfide, can lead to toxicity or poisoning.

These toxic compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and cause your dog’s red blood cells to break down, resulting in a condition called hemolytic anemia.

In this condition, your dog’s red blood cells are destroyed faster than their body can produce new ones. When there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the bloodstream, your dog may show symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, an elevated heart rate, or even collapse.

You might have wondered: Can dogs have onions if they’re cooked? Or can dogs eat food with onions? Is there any safe amount?  

It’s best to play it safe and not take the risk on any amount of onion for your dog.

“If a German Shepherd eats one small bite of a dish that contains onion, they might be fine,” says Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado. “But a Chihuahua would not be.”

And since onion is unsafe for all dogs, it’s best to avoid it altogether, since ingesting just 0.5% of your dog’s body weight can be dangerous. This includes not only actual onions, but garlic and garlic powder, leeks, shallots, chives, and scallions, which are part of the onion family.

The preparation doesn’t matter either. Raw, cooked, dehydrated, and powdered onions are all equally toxic.

Toxicity depends on how much your dog ate as well as their size and weight. Keep in mind that symptoms can show up immediately or take a couple of days.

Symptoms of onion toxicity or poisoning in dogs include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Decreased appetite
• Jaundice
• Red or brown urine
• Racing heart
• Panting

In severe cases, ingesting onions can even be fatal.

If a dog consumes any amount of onion, seek veterinary care immediately. You can call Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661, a fee applies) on your way to your vet’s office or the emergency vet.

Your vet might choose from a few treatment options, depending on severity:

• Inducing vomiting with a medication called apomorphine (if onions were eaten within two hours prior to the visit)
• Administering activated charcoal to remove toxins from your dog’s digestive tract
• IV fluids to flush out toxins and maintain hydration and blood pressure
• Blood transfusions (in severe cases, to replace red blood cells)
• Hospitalization if severe to provide oxygen support, monitoring, and additional supportive care

Your vet will likely continue to monitor your dog’s vitals—or suggest you do it from home if hospitalization is not required.

As with all dangerous foods, keep onions stored away in a secure place out of reach from your pup. High shelves, cabinets, or the fridge of freezer are usually safe options. 

You should also have pet-safe spots in your home—but block off areas that aren’t so pet-friendly. For example, it can be smart to put up a dog gate to keep your pup out of the kitchen when you’re not there.

Try the Yaheetech 4-Panel Metal Dog Gate Dog Exercise Playpen or the Frisco Steel 8-Panel Configurable Dog Gate and Playpen.

And don’t forget to clean up messes immediately so that your dog doesn’t try to eat the leftovers.

Is onion powder safe to use in dog food or treats?

No. Just like onions, onion powder is toxic for dogs.

Can my dog eat cooked onions?

No. Cooked onions still contain toxic compounds that dogs should not eat.  

Will a small amount of onion hurt my dog?

Possibly. It’s best to avoid onions altogether, as even a small amount can do a lot of harm.

Are onions poisonous to dogs?

Yes, onions are poisonous to dogs. They contain toxic compounds that are absorbed into the bloodstream and cause your dog’s red blood cells to break down. Even a small amount of onion can be dangerous.