Onions are a super-healthy vegetable that has a lot of nutritional benefits for humans. They are an excellent source of phytochemicals, flavonoids, vitamin C, and sulphuric compounds. However, can Pugs eat onions safely?
Can Pugs Eat Onions?
The short answer is NO, this vegetable is extremely toxic to dogs because of the primary oxidant n-propyl disulfide, which can cause your pooch’s immune system to attack it’s own blood cells.
You should definitely think twice before you let your dog lick the bowl of any food that you spiced with onion, jalapenos, or garlic. Both onion and garlic can lead to health problems and in severe cases can kill your pet.
Related: Fresh Cooked Dog Food For Pugs!
Fun Onion Facts
Americans consume about 22 pounds of onions per year, which makes it the largest fresh vegetable industry in the United States. They are a part of the allium family of vegetables and herbs, which also include leeks, scallions, garlic, chives, and shallots.
Onions come in many different flavors, colors, and shapes. The most common types are yellow, white, and red onions.
This vegetable has become a staple in many kitchens, as they can be served raw, cooked, roasted, grilled, sauteed, or even caramelized.
In fact, it is the main ingredient in blooming onions and french onion soup.
Onions may make you cry during the preparation, but this vegetable has a ton of benefits for humans. In fact, they have been cultivated for centuries for their medicinal properties.
Nutritional Facts
Serving size of 3.5 ounces (100g) of raw onions.
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Calories: 40
- Carbs: 9.3 grams
- Fiber: 1.7 grams
- Protein: 1.1 grams
- Water: 89%
Are Onions Safe For Pugs?
Absolutely not, in fact, even the smallest amounts of onion can poison your pet. If you see your Pug eating onions, you need to call your veterinarian immediately.
Any member of the Allium family (chives, garlic, onions, and leeks) can cause toxicity in canines.
Related: What Vegetables Are Good For Pugs?
How Much Onion Is Toxic To Dogs?
Unfortunately, every dog is different and the amount of onion that can affect a pooch will vary based on your dog’s size, and other biological factors.
Dogs that eat a small amount of onion, should be fine. Consumption of minuscule amounts can gradually cause the development of amenia.
If your pooch consumes a large amount at one sitting, they can develop a sudden case of anemia.
Your pooch doesn’t just have to eat cooked or raw onions to get sick. In fact, the onions can be in the form of human food such as baby foods, onion rings, soups, gravy and etc.
What Part Of An Onion Is Toxic To Pugs?
All parts of the onion are toxic to dogs, including the leaves, juice, flesh, and even processed powders.
This includes all forms such as; cooked, raw, fried, sauteed, or powdered onions as well as the rest of the vegetables in the allium family.
Dehydrated onion powder is extremely popular for cooking because it pairs well with many foods. In fact, it can be found in soups and stews, baby food, sour cream and onion chips, and chicken broth.
What Is Onion Poisoning In Dogs?
Heinz Body Anemia, also known as Hemolytic Anema is one of the most critical conditions that affect canines that consume onions.
Onion poisoning occurs when the organosulfur compound, which is responsible for the distinctive odor and flavor associated with onions, garlic, chives, and leeks, metabolizes into a highly reactive oxidant.
These toxic veggies can also cause your pooch’s blood vessels to dilate and heart muscles to relax, which impairs your pet’s ability to receive oxygen to the most important organs. The decreased number of red blood cells can lead to lethargy, weakness, and anemia in your four-legged friend.
The Allium plants contain a chemical that may prevent your dog’s blood from clotting.
All dogs are susceptible to onion poisoning, however, Japanese breeds such as Akita, Shiba Inu, and Japanese Chin are more prone to being affected by eating onions.
Onion Poisoning Symptoms
Symptoms will vary depending on the amount your dog ate. It’s also important to note that onion poisoning symptoms can develop within a day or over a period of weeks of consumption.
If your dog has eaten onions, watch for these signs; pale or bluish gums, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive panting, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, collapsing, irritation of the mouth. and depression.
Can A Dog Recover From Onion Poisoning?
Most dogs will recover from mild exposure to garlic or onions. However, a severe case of poisoning can be fatal, especially, without the proper treatment.
The best way to keep your Pug safe is to avoid exposure to these toxic veggies. Always read the ingredient labels of all human food products.
Place all parts of the onion in an airtight container to ensure your pooch doesn’t get to it.
Never just toss any part of an onion into your garbage can, especially, if your pooch can get to it. Instead, put all onion and garlic products through your garbage disposal or place it a lockable trash can.
What To Do If Dog Ate Small Piece Of Onion?
If you think your Pug has eaten or licked up food that has onion, don’t panic. You should be able to smell their breath if they have eaten some.
Regardless of how much they have eaten, you should call your veterinarian. Treatment normally consists of inducing vomiting, flushing out the stomach, carrying out gastric lavage, or using activated charcoal to treat the poison as well as the allergic reactions.
If your Pug has eaten large amounts of onion, the veterinarian may want to apply therapy for liver damage, which may involve a blood transfusion.
They will also want to ensure your dog’s hydration level is maintained, by using an IV to insert fluid into their bloodstream.
Alternatives Vegetables For Pugs?
If you like feeding your dog human food or feed them a raw food diet. You’ll definitely want to avoid using any veggies of the Allium family.
Instead, try adding some of these other veggies to their diet:
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts (Brussel sprouts are good for dogs)
- Celery
- Spinach (Yes, Pugs can eat spinach and it’s good for them)
Any of the above vegetables are completely safe for your pooch. Some of them have several benefits for them, that you’ll want to share them with your pup.
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Onions
No, dogs can’t eat onions, even the smallest amount can kill them. It’s important to know what your pet eats at all times, especially, if they love hanging around you while you’re cooking.
Just like Pugs and garlic can harm your pooch, you NEVER want to feed your pet any onions. If you believe your Pug has eaten this toxic veggie, seek medical treatment immediately!
References and Further Reading
PetMD – Caitlin Ultimo – Are Onions and Garlic Bad For Your Dog?
Healthline – Jillian Kuballa, MS, RD – 9 Impressive Health Benefits of Onions
AKC – Anna Burke – Can Dogs Eat Onions