Are Garlic and Bouillon Dangerous for Dogs?

by Josh
(USA)

I'm concerned about some of your homemade dog food recipes due to the fact that they contain garlic which I have heard can be bad for a dog's health. Is it true that garlic is bad for dogs?

-->

I would also think that most bouillon would contain onion which I know is even worse than garlic.

Please let me know your thoughts about this.

Thanks

Comments for
Are Garlic and Bouillon Dangerous for Dogs?

Click here to add your own comments

My Online Vet Response About Garlic and Bouillon
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Josh,

From my own experience of advising owners to give their dogs some chicken broth, beef bouillon, turkey broth, etc. on the first day while recovering from a gastrointestinal problem, none have ever had any problems from the onion content. But I only have them give it for the first 24 hours.
-->
I checked on some of the top brands of bouillon/broth (see references below) to see how much onion is actually in the broth. I think there is more danger from the salt content (about 50%!) if a dog had congestive heart disease, and you need to be careful when purchasing bouillon as a lot of brands do contain MSG (but that is an ingredient in 'Accent' and is used to add to a dog's food to prevent a dog from eating his own stool.)

Overall, I think the onion content is relatively low. Plus, after the first day of giving some bouillon, if they have stopped vomiting, then I have them 'advance' to chicken or turkey baby food (there was a big scare with Gerber's and some other companies adding onion to Baby food!! But they quickly removed it, so it is not included anymore.)

For a healthy dog, I think that the bouillon would be fine. But with regards to the sodium content, bouillon would most likely not be recommended for those dogs with congestive heart disease or any disease where a low sodium dog food diet is advised.

Garlic is ok. I've included some references below.

Hope this helps,
Dr. Tillman

Following are the ingredients listed in some of the bouillon (broth) products on the market:
1) Beef Oxo cubes - onion is next to last ingredient
2) Chicken Oxo cubes - no onion listed in the ingredients
3) Swanson Canned Certified Organic Chicken Broth - Onion is not listed as an ingredient in their description (although we could not find a label with all of the ingredients)

Garlic References:
1) Dr. Pitcairn's book, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, states that "Garlic (Allium sativum) while in the same family as onions, helps to eliminate worms, strengthen digestion and beneficially stimulates the intestinal tract. Use it to promote intestinal health. It is also indicated for animals that have been on a high meat or fish diet, and those that tend to be overweight or suffer hip pain from arthritis or dysplasia. Include fresh grated garlic with each meal, using 1/2 to 3 cloves, depending on the animal's size."

2) Home Prepared Dog and Cat Diets
The Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD (Copyright 1999, Page 165)
Referring to a bland cooked rice diet, when a dog has had some GI problems:
"the diet can be flavored with garlic powder, or small amount of bouillon, preferably chicken bouillon."

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

X Close Editor

Rating

Submitted by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Title

Comment
 <span style="clear:both;"> <div class="AdSenseBoxMid" id="mid_add">  <script type='text/javascript'> GA_googleFillSlot("OPD-sbi-c2-template-CONTENT-midleft-300x250-wrap"); </script> </div> </span> Hi Josh, From my own experience of advising owners to give their dogs some chicken broth, beef bouillon, turkey broth, etc. on the first day while recovering from a gastrointestinal problem, none have ever had any problems from the onion content. But I only have them give it for the first 24 hours.  </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </span> --> I checked on some of the top brands of bouillon/broth (see references below) to see how much onion is actually in the broth. I think there is more danger from the salt content (about 50%!) if a dog had congestive heart disease, and you need to be careful when purchasing bouillon as a lot of brands do contain MSG (but that is an ingredient in 'Accent' and is used to add to a dog's food to prevent a dog from eating his own stool.) Overall, I think the onion content is relatively low. Plus, after the first day of giving some bouillon, if they have stopped vomiting, then I have them 'advance' to chicken or turkey baby food (there was a big scare with Gerber's and some other companies adding onion to Baby food!! But they quickly removed it, so it is not included anymore.) For a healthy dog, I think that the bouillon would be fine. But with regards to the sodium content, bouillon would most likely not be recommended for those dogs with congestive heart disease or any disease where a <a href="http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/low-sodium-dog-food.html">low sodium dog food diet</a> is advised. Garlic is ok. I've included some references below. Hope this helps, Dr. Tillman Following are the ingredients listed in some of the bouillon (broth) products on the market: 1) Beef Oxo cubes - onion is next to last ingredient 2) Chicken Oxo cubes - no onion listed in the ingredients 3) Swanson Canned Certified Organic Chicken Broth - Onion is not listed as an ingredient in their description (although we could not find a label with all of the ingredients) Garlic References: 1) Dr. Pitcairn's book, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, states that "Garlic (Allium sativum) while in the same family as onions, helps to eliminate worms, strengthen digestion and beneficially stimulates the intestinal tract. Use it to promote intestinal health. It is also indicated for animals that have been on a high meat or fish diet, and those that tend to be overweight or suffer hip pain from arthritis or dysplasia. Include fresh grated garlic with each meal, using 1/2 to 3 cloves, depending on the animal's size." 2) Home Prepared Dog and Cat Diets The Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD (Copyright 1999, Page 165) Referring to a bland cooked rice diet, when a dog has had some GI problems: "the diet can be flavored with garlic powder, or small amount of bouillon, preferably chicken bouillon." DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Cancel Delete Delete & Ban

throbber Updating Comments page...

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask a Vet Online via My Online Vet (SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED FOR NEW QUESTIONS)

Want to ask our veterinarians a question but haven't subscribed to My Online Vet? Click here to learn how or click here to go back to the Ask a Vet Online Library of questions.

Want monthly "News You Can Use" and important Organic Pet Digest new content updates? Click here to sign up for our FREE Dog Care Monthly newsletter.

For additional research, search for your topic...

Also see...

OPD's Site Map of Dog Care Topics

Back to Organic Pet Digest Dog Care Home Page

Disclaimers: The information contained in this web site is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a pet owner/site visitor and his/her local veterinarian(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified professional.

In the spirit of full disclosure, we wanted to let you know that we proudly support this website through advertising and affiliate marketing. In other words, when you click on a link that takes you outside of this website, we often earn a small commission. These small commissions allow us to keep the site up and running and to continue offering it completely free of charge to you. Rest assured that all content, recommendations and advice are created before, and are independent of, any sponsorship or affiliate relationship. Click here for more info.

Vet Care

Food & Treats

Illnesses & Remedies

Health & Wellness

Pet Friendly Travel

Grooming

Product Reviews

OPD Community