Garlic is a staple component in my kitchen. I
add it to soups, salad dressings, pastas and savoury sauces. My favourite source for garlic is the large, organic bulbs I find at my
local farmer’s market; the flavour and aroma can’t be beat!
I was recently alerted that garlic is listed on
the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s website. This struck me as odd as I
have always recommended garlic for its wonderful health properties. It
warranted further investigation and this is what I’ve found.
Fresh garlic cloves have antifungal,
antiseptic, antibiotic and antiviral properties. Studies have shown garlic to
be effective in fighting cancer, diabetes and other common canine diseases such
as liver, heart and kidney. It has been proven to prevent internal parasites (such
as worms) and external parasites (such as fleas and ticks).
Garlic is in the same family as the onion,
which is why it can be seen listed as toxic for dogs and cats. Both garlic and
onion contain thiosulphate, a substance which can cause anemia in dogs, however
the levels of thiosulphate in garlic are scarcely traceable. The active
ingredient in garlic, which is responsible for its pungent smell ,is a
substance called allicin. It is produced when a clove of garlic is chopped or
minced as this process mixes the amino acid alliin with the enzyme alliinase. Allicin
is an unstable substance and quickly oxidizes; therefore the best form of
garlic to feed your pet is fresh and organic, minced straight into the food.
Like any herb or supplement, I don’t suggest
feeding garlic every day as the body can learn to rely on it. I suggest mixing
garlic with your dog’s dinner 3-5 times per week over a period of two to four months.
This process is most effective at the beginning of flea season (June to October
in Ontario, Canada) and can help you avoid the use of dangerous chemical flea
treatments. The suggested dose for garlic is one clove for a large dog (50 lbs
plus), ½ clove for a medium dog (20-50 lbs) and ¼ clove for those adorable tiny
breeds. I’ve read suggestions to feed up to one clove per 10 lbs of body
weight, but to me that seems a bit excessive.
In conclusion, go ahead and feed garlic!!! Remember that ANYTHING fed in access can lead
to toxicity, so add it in moderate amounts and enjoy the healthier results. For
further readings on garlic please follow these links:
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