Ingestion and product exposure
Allium plants: onions, garlic, chives and leeks
Identify Allium ingredients in raw food, cooked dishes and powders, then check the evidence and exposure details.
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For a known or suspected exposure, contact a veterinarian without waiting for signs or an online safe-dose estimate; keep the product and timing details.
Compare context and evidence
| Item | What the source covers |
|---|---|
| onion | Onions contain n-propyl disulfide, which damages red blood cells in cats and dogs causing hemolytic anemia. Toxic in all forms: raw, cooked, powder, or extract. |
| garlic | Like onion, garlic contains sulfur compounds that oxidize red blood cells and can cause Heinz body hemolytic anemia. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, garlic is roughly 3–5 times more toxic than onion, and cats are the most sensitive species. Raw, cooked, and powdered forms are all toxic, and there is no known safe amount. |
| leek | All Allium-family plants (leeks, chives, shallots, scallions) are toxic to cats and dogs. Damages red blood cells. Should be completely avoided. |
Ingredient details and sources
onion
For a known or suspected exposure, contact a veterinarian without waiting for signs or an online safe-dose estimate; keep the product and timing details.
Label names and search terms covered here
onion powder · onion extract · dehydrated onion · dried onion · 洋蔥 · 洋蔥粉 · 洋葱 · 洋葱粉 · 玉ねぎ · タマネギ
Forms and why they matter
Onion (Allium cepa) belongs to the Allium genus. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, cats and dogs have been poisoned by raw, cooked, dehydrated and granulated onions and garlic; concentrated forms such as dehydrated flakes, onion powder and dry onion soup mixes are the most common cause. In a 1998 feeding study by Robertson et al., cats given baby food containing onion powder developed significant Heinz body formation, and the authors advised against feeding such foods to cats.
garlic
For a known or suspected exposure, contact a veterinarian without waiting for signs or an online safe-dose estimate; keep the product and timing details.
Label names and search terms covered here
garlic powder · garlic extract · dehydrated garlic · dried garlic · 大蒜 · 蒜粉 · 蒜末 · 大蒜粉 · ニンニク · にんにく
Flea-repellent claims and prevention
Some people say a little garlic repels fleas or parasites in cats, but cats are especially sensitive to garlic and the risk outweighs any benefit, so it is not recommended. When choosing pet supplements, treats or human food, avoid garlic powder and garlic extract on the ingredient list. If you suspect your cat ate garlic, contact your veterinarian promptly, and do not try to induce vomiting at home.
leek
For a known or suspected exposure, contact a veterinarian without waiting for signs or an online safe-dose estimate; keep the product and timing details.
Label names and search terms covered here
chive · chives · shallot · scallion · spring onion · 韭菜 · 蔥 · 青蔥 · 珠蔥 · 韭 · ねぎ · ニラ
Which foods are included
The Allium genus includes garlic, onions, chives and leeks, although garlic and onion are the ones most often linked to poisoning (Merck Veterinary Manual). Chinese chives, green onions (scallions) and shallots are also Allium foods, and turn up in home cooking, dumpling fillings and seasonings.
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Prepared from the cited sources; not reviewed by a veterinarian. Scope and limitations are stated in each section. This is not an individual product safety assessment or diagnosis.
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