Garlic

Allium sativum L.

Amaryllidaceae // bulb

Safety warning on record — see Safety

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Uses & evidence

Uses and evidence recorded

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Preparation

traditional whole-material preparation, extract/capsule

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Safety

Safety cautions recorded

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Research

No linked research on file

Open research →

Overview

Plant parts

bulb

Known constituents

alliin, allicin-derived organosulfur compounds

Research corpus coverage

Materia medicaPet safety

Chemistry notes

CHEMISTRY: Relevant reported constituents include alliin; allicin-derived organosulfur compounds; constituent presence alone does not establish clinical efficacy.

Uses & Evidence

Traditional / historical use

Documented traditional use — not a claim of established efficacy.

TRADITIONAL: Garlic has been used for cardiovascular health; infections; colds; this records historical/traditional use and does not establish efficacy.
MODERATE · evidence synthesis/fact sheet · NCCIH Herbs at a Glance

Modern evidence

EVIDENCE: For the major use set (cardiovascular health; infections; colds), the evidence assessment is limited/mixed: Limited/mixed meta-analyses suggest modest blood-pressure and lipid effects; insufficient for infection treatment.
MODERATE · systematic review/meta-analysis · NCCIH Herbs at a Glance
Mixed findings, product heterogeneity, or indirect evidence are preserved in the detailed profile.

Preparation

Forms used traditionally

traditional whole-material preparationextract/capsule

A listed form does not imply it suits every plant part, or that one preparation is interchangeable with another — see the plant’s own notes below.

PREPARATION: The medicinal material is bulb; traditional and modern forms include traditional whole-material preparation, extract/capsule. No dose or potency is specified.
MODERATE · regulatory monograph · EMA European Union herbal monographs and list entries
Preparation-specific evidence should not be generalized across extracts, teas, oils, or whole herb.

Safety

Cats

High risk
Garlic is included among Allium plants considered toxic to cats; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red-blood-cell damage, with signs including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, refusal to eat, and oral, esophageal, or gastric pain. Signs may be delayed for several days.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Cooked, dried, processed, or spoiled garlic; toxicity concern remains in these forms · HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions, Garlic and Chives
High risk
Garlic and other Allium vegetables can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage leading to anemia; cats are more susceptible.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · garlic and other Allium vegetables · HIGH · poison_control_database · People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets - ASPCA
High risk
Garlic (Allium sativum; family Liliaceae) is toxic to cats. The page identifies N-propyl disulfide as the toxic constituent and reports red-blood-cell breakdown, hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia, blood in urine, vomiting, weakness, high heart rate, and panting.
Intrinsic toxicity · UNKNOWN · No specific preparation or form stated. · HIGH · poison_control_database · Garlic - Toxic and Non-toxic Plants
High risk
Ingestion of garlic can cause toxicosis in cats; cats are the most susceptible species, and raw or cooked garlic can result in Heinz body hemolytic anemia.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · raw or cooked garlic · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
High risk
Los gatos son especialmente sensibles a la toxicosis por ajo y por formas concentradas de Allium, incluidas las formas deshidratadas y en polvo.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · Formas concentradas, deshidratadas o en polvo · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por ajo y cebolla (Allium spp.) en animales
High risk
Garlic is poisonous to cats; cats are identified as more sensitive to Alliums. Poisonous doses can damage red blood cells, causing anemia, and can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · UNSPECIFIED · HIGH · poison_control_database · Garlic Is Toxic To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®

Dogs

High risk
Garlic is included among Allium plants considered toxic to dogs; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red-blood-cell damage, with signs including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, refusal to eat, and oral, esophageal, or gastric pain. Signs may be delayed for several days.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · Cooked, dried, processed, or spoiled garlic; toxicity concern remains in these forms · HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions, Garlic and Chives
High risk
Garlic and other Allium vegetables can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage leading to anemia; dogs are at risk depending on the amount ingested.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · garlic and other Allium vegetables · HIGH · poison_control_database · People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets - ASPCA
High risk
Garlic (Allium sativum; family Liliaceae) is toxic to dogs. The page identifies N-propyl disulfide as the toxic constituent and reports red-blood-cell breakdown, hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia, blood in urine, vomiting, weakness, high heart rate, and panting.
Intrinsic toxicity · UNKNOWN · No specific preparation or form stated. · HIGH · poison_control_database · Garlic - Toxic and Non-toxic Plants
High risk
Ingestion of garlic can cause toxicosis in dogs; raw or cooked garlic can result in Heinz body hemolytic anemia, although dogs are less susceptible than cats.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · raw or cooked garlic · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
High risk
En perros, la ingestión de ajo, especialmente en formas concentradas, puede producir daño oxidativo eritrocitario, anemia hemolítica y metahemoglobinemia.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · Crudo, cocido, deshidratado, granulado o concentrado · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por ajo y cebolla (Allium spp.) en animales
High risk
Garlic is poisonous to dogs; poisonous doses can damage red blood cells, causing anemia, and can cause gastrointestinal distress. Japanese breeds such as Akita and Shiba Inu may be more sensitive to Alliums.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · UNSPECIFIED · HIGH · poison_control_database · Garlic Is Toxic To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
Caution
Garlic (Allium sativum) is listed under “Plants Toxic to Dogs.” No cat-specific evidence, toxic constituents, clinical signs, or preparation distinctions are provided.
Intrinsic toxicity · UNKNOWN · Not stated; whole plant or plant group listing only · HIGH · poison_control_database · Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List — Dogs - ASPCA
Low concern
The small amount of garlic sometimes found in dog treats is unlikely to be harmful to dogs.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · small amount in dog treats · HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®

Cats & dogs

High risk
Garlic can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in pets; cats are described as particularly sensitive.
Contamination · UNKNOWN · Garlic generally; minced or powdered garlic is described as a concentrated form · MODERATE · poison_control_database · When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice - ASPCA
High risk
Minced or powdered garlic is described as a concentrated form, so much less may cause a significant problem for a pet.
Intrinsic toxicity · UNKNOWN · Minced or powdered garlic · MODERATE · poison_control_database · When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice - ASPCA
High risk
Concentrated garlic preparations, including dehydrated, powdered, flaked, granulated, or dry soup-mix forms, are commonly associated with toxicosis in cats and dogs.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · dehydrated, powdered, flaked, granulated, or dry soup-mix garlic · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
High risk
Garlic-derived sulfur-containing oxidants released by mechanical disruption and gastrointestinal microbial action can oxidatively damage red blood cells, causing Heinz bodies, methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, and possible secondary nephrosis from hemoglobinuria.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · garlic; preparation not otherwise limited · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
High risk
El ajo es tóxico para perros y gatos cuando se ingiere crudo, cocido, deshidratado o granulado; puede causar toxicosis por oxidantes que contienen azufre.
Intrinsic toxicity · ORAL · Crudo, cocido, deshidratado o granulado · HIGH · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por ajo y cebolla (Allium spp.) en animales
High risk
Cats are more sensitive than dogs to garlic and other Allium toxicosis; large or chronic ingestion can cause Heinz body formation, red blood cell destruction, and anemia.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · whole garlic or garlic-containing preparations · HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
High risk
Chronic use of garlic powder in pet food should be avoided because garlic ingestion is associated with Heinz body formation, red blood cell destruction, and anemia.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · garlic powder used chronically in pet food · HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
High risk
Ingestion of large numbers of garlic pills or large amounts of garlic powder may cause poisoning with Heinz body formation, red blood cell destruction, and anemia.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · garlic pills or garlic powder · HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
High risk
Ingestion of sautéed garlic, including in a pan containing onions or leeks, may result in poisoning in cats or dogs.
Intrinsic toxicity · OTHER · sautéed garlic · HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
Caution
Garlic is not recommended as a home remedy for flea infestations; the page states that it is ineffective.
Intrinsic toxicity · UNKNOWN · home-remedy use for flea infestations · HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
Caution
Garlic may be toxic to dogs and cats.
Intrinsic toxicity · UNKNOWN · Garlic; Allium preparation, with onion, leeks, and chives listed together · HIGH · veterinary_hospital_guidance · Small Animal Toxins | Cornell University College of Veterinary ...

Additional safety notes (general, unstructured)

Free-text safety notes carried from their source — not broken out by species, route, or hazard type, and not equivalent to the structured records above. Each note names the kind of source it came from.

SAFETY: Major issues include GI upset; odor; dermatitis; bleeding risk. Contraindications/cautions include Bleeding disorders; perioperative caution.
HIGH · evidence synthesis/fact sheet · NCCIH Herbs at a Glance
SAFETY: Clinically relevant interaction concerns include Additive bleeding with anticoagulants/antiplatelets; may reduce saquinavir exposure; possible glucose/BP additivity.
MODERATE · evidence synthesis/fact sheet · NCCIH Herbs at a Glance
Some interactions are theoretical or based on case reports/pharmacokinetics rather than outcome trials.
SAFETY: Pregnancy/lactation reference: Food use is common; medicinal-dose pregnancy/lactation evidence is limited.
MODERATE · regulatory monograph or evidence synthesis · NCCIH Herbs at a Glance
Absence of evidence is not evidence of safety.
Garlic can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in pets; cats are described as particularly sensitive.
MODERATE · poison_control_database · When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice - ASPCA
The page does not name a toxic constituent, specify a route, or provide separate dog-specific clinical information.
Minced or powdered garlic is described as a concentrated form, so much less may cause a significant problem for a pet.
MODERATE · poison_control_database · When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice - ASPCA
The page does not provide a dose or specify whether the preparation distinction applies differently by species.
Concentrated garlic preparations, including dehydrated, powdered, flaked, granulated, or dry soup-mix forms, are commonly associated with toxicosis in cats and dogs.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
No species-specific quantity or non-toxic threshold is provided for these preparations.
Garlic-derived sulfur-containing oxidants released by mechanical disruption and gastrointestinal microbial action can oxidatively damage red blood cells, causing Heinz bodies, methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, and possible secondary nephrosis from hemoglobinuria.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
El ajo es tóxico para perros y gatos cuando se ingiere crudo, cocido, deshidratado o granulado; puede causar toxicosis por oxidantes que contienen azufre.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por ajo y cebolla (Allium spp.) en animales
Cats are more sensitive than dogs to garlic and other Allium toxicosis; large or chronic ingestion can cause Heinz body formation, red blood cell destruction, and anemia.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
The page does not name a specific toxic chemical constituent.
Chronic use of garlic powder in pet food should be avoided because garlic ingestion is associated with Heinz body formation, red blood cell destruction, and anemia.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
The page does not provide separate cat-versus-dog susceptibility information for this preparation or name a specific toxic chemical constituent.
Garlic is not recommended as a home remedy for flea infestations; the page states that it is ineffective.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
The page does not specify the route of exposure or provide clinical signs for this use.
Ingestion of large numbers of garlic pills or large amounts of garlic powder may cause poisoning with Heinz body formation, red blood cell destruction, and anemia.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
The page does not separately distinguish cats and dogs for this preparation or name a specific toxic chemical constituent.
Ingestion of sautéed garlic, including in a pan containing onions or leeks, may result in poisoning in cats or dogs.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
The described preparation may contain multiple Allium species, so the page does not isolate garlic as the sole contributor.
Garlic may be toxic to dogs and cats.
HIGH · veterinary_hospital_guidance · Small Animal Toxins | Cornell University College of Veterinary ...
The page gives no species-specific, dose, concentration, route, preparation, constituent, or clinical-sign distinction for garlic.
Garlic is included among Allium plants considered toxic to cats; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red-blood-cell damage, with signs including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, refusal to eat, and oral, esophageal, or gastric pain. Signs may be delayed for several days.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions, Garlic and Chives
The page groups garlic with Allium species and does not provide garlic-specific toxicity thresholds or a named toxic constituent.
Garlic and other Allium vegetables can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage leading to anemia; cats are more susceptible.
HIGH · poison_control_database · People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets - ASPCA
The page does not name a specific toxic constituent or distinguish preparations.
Garlic (Allium sativum; family Liliaceae) is toxic to cats. The page identifies N-propyl disulfide as the toxic constituent and reports red-blood-cell breakdown, hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia, blood in urine, vomiting, weakness, high heart rate, and panting.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Garlic - Toxic and Non-toxic Plants
The page does not state garlic-specific route, dose, concentration, preparation distinctions, or whether effects are acute or cumulative.
Ingestion of garlic can cause toxicosis in cats; cats are the most susceptible species, and raw or cooked garlic can result in Heinz body hemolytic anemia.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
No cat-specific garlic quantity is provided.
Los gatos son especialmente sensibles a la toxicosis por ajo y por formas concentradas de Allium, incluidas las formas deshidratadas y en polvo.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por ajo y cebolla (Allium spp.) en animales
La mayor sensibilidad felina se describe para Allium spp. en general, aunque el ajo se incluye entre las plantas causantes.
Garlic is poisonous to cats; cats are identified as more sensitive to Alliums. Poisonous doses can damage red blood cells, causing anemia, and can cause gastrointestinal distress.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Garlic Is Toxic To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
The page does not state an exposure route, preparation, toxic constituent, dose, or whether effects are acute or cumulative.
Garlic is included among Allium plants considered toxic to dogs; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red-blood-cell damage, with signs including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, refusal to eat, and oral, esophageal, or gastric pain. Signs may be delayed for several days.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions, Garlic and Chives
The page groups garlic with Allium species and does not provide garlic-specific toxicity thresholds or a named toxic constituent.
Garlic (Allium sativum) is listed under “Plants Toxic to Dogs.” No cat-specific evidence, toxic constituents, clinical signs, or preparation distinctions are provided.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List — Dogs - ASPCA
Family is listed as Liliaceae.
Garlic and other Allium vegetables can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage leading to anemia; dogs are at risk depending on the amount ingested.
HIGH · poison_control_database · People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets - ASPCA
The page does not name a specific toxic constituent or distinguish preparations beyond amount ingested affecting risk.
Garlic (Allium sativum; family Liliaceae) is toxic to dogs. The page identifies N-propyl disulfide as the toxic constituent and reports red-blood-cell breakdown, hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia, blood in urine, vomiting, weakness, high heart rate, and panting.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Garlic - Toxic and Non-toxic Plants
The page does not state garlic-specific route, dose, concentration, preparation distinctions, or whether effects are acute or cumulative.
Ingestion of garlic can cause toxicosis in dogs; raw or cooked garlic can result in Heinz body hemolytic anemia, although dogs are less susceptible than cats.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - Toxicology
No dog-specific garlic quantity is provided.
En perros, la ingestión de ajo, especialmente en formas concentradas, puede producir daño oxidativo eritrocitario, anemia hemolítica y metahemoglobinemia.
HIGH · veterinary_manual · Toxicosis por ajo y cebolla (Allium spp.) en animales
La página describe la mayor frecuencia de toxicosis con formas concentradas de Allium spp.; no proporciona una dosis específica de ajo para perros.
The small amount of garlic sometimes found in dog treats is unlikely to be harmful to dogs.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Onions Are Poisonous To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
This qualification applies specifically to the small amount sometimes present in dog treats and should not be generalized to larger or chronic exposures.
Garlic is poisonous to dogs; poisonous doses can damage red blood cells, causing anemia, and can cause gastrointestinal distress. Japanese breeds such as Akita and Shiba Inu may be more sensitive to Alliums.
HIGH · poison_control_database · Garlic Is Toxic To Dogs | Pet Poison Helpline®
The page does not state an exposure route, preparation, toxic constituent, dose, or whether effects are acute or cumulative.

Preparation × species risk matrix

Unknown means insufficient evidence was located — not that a form is safe.

Cats

concentrated extractHigh risk
whole herbHigh risk
tinctureCaution
essential oilUnknown
glyceriteUnknown
infused oilUnknown
salveUnknown
smoke/combustionUnknown
tea/infusionUnknown

Dogs

concentrated extractHigh risk
whole herbHigh risk
tinctureCaution
essential oilUnknown
glyceriteUnknown
infused oilUnknown
salveUnknown
smoke/combustionUnknown
tea/infusionUnknown

Identity

Synonym
GBIF resolves Allium ophioscorodon Link as a synonym of Allium sativum. The older name still appears in herbal and taxonomic literature.
HIGH · GBIF Species Match API

Botanical synonym

Allium ophioscorodon Link

Taxonomic identity note