Can Dogs Eat Cooked Onions? A Vet’s Opinion

Cooked onions have been cooked and prepared in ways such as sautéing, grilling, or boiling, but can you feed cooked onions to your dog?

No, cooked onions should not be fed to dogs. Onions, whether cooked or uncooked, contain thiosulphate, which can be hazardous and toxic for dogs. It can result in hemolytic anaemia, which causes damage to a dog’s red blood cells. Onion toxicity in dogs causes vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, pale gums, and increased heart rate. To maintain the health of your dog, avoid giving any onion.

Benefits of cooked onions for dogs

Cooked onions are toxic for dogs. Dogs should avoid them since they are poisonous and potentially dangerous. While onions provide specific health benefits for people, they are dangerous to dogs because they contain thiosulphate, which can destroy their red blood cells and cause anaemia. The hazards overshadow the possible benefits of cooked onions, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory characteristics, and should not be considered when feeding dogs. It is always preferable to speak with a veterinarian about the optimal diet for your dog.

How to safely give cooked onions to dogs

Onions, whether raw or cooked, should never be fed to dogs. They contain thiosulphate, a chemical that is toxic for dogs. It can result in hemolytic anaemia, a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed, producing major health problems. Cooked onions can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, pale gums, elevated heart rate, and even more severe consequences such as organ damage or failure in dogs. It is critical to prioritise your dog’s safety and prevent exposing them to this potential risk.

Instead of sautéed onions, focus on feeding your dog a balanced and adequate diet. Consult a veterinarian to discover the optimal nutritional plan for your dog’s requirements. A healthy dog diet usually comprises high-quality commercial dog food or a carefully balanced homemade meal with protein sources, veggies, and carbs appropriate for canines.

There are dog-friendly alternatives to consider if you want to supplement your dog’s diet with additional nutrients. Consult your veterinarian about including safe and appropriate fruits and vegetables in your dog’s diet, such as carrots, green beans or sweet potatoes. These alternatives give essential vitamins and fibre without the risk of toxicity. Remember that your dog’s health and safety should always come first. If you suspect your dog has eaten onions, whether cooked or raw, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Early intervention can help improve the outcomes for your dog.

Will cooked onions make a dog sick?

When a dog consumes cooked onions, it may get a condition known as hemolytic anaemia. This disease develops when the onion’s poisonous chemicals, such as thiosulphate, harm the dog’s red blood cells. Red blood cell loss can result in a variety of symptoms and problems, including:

Vomiting

After swallowing onions, dogs may experience vomiting episodes.

Diarrhoea

Onions can irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhoea in dogs.

Weakness

Hemolytic anaemia can make dogs feel tired, lazy, and weak.

Pale Gums

Anaemia can cause a red blood cell count drop, resulting in pale gums and other mucous membranes.

Increased Heart Rate

Dogs’ heart rates may increase as their bodies attempt to compensate for the diminished oxygen-carrying capability of injured red blood cells.

Complications from onion intake might include organ damage or failure, trouble breathing, collapse, and even death under challenging situations. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the amount of onions taken, the dog’s size and overall condition.

It is crucial to note that the poisonous effects of onions can occur in both raw and cooked forms. Thus, it is advisable to avoid giving onions to dogs in any amount. If you suspect your dog has eaten onions or is exhibiting any troubling signs resulting from onion eating, seek emergency veterinarian assistance.

Can dogs eat cooked onions variations?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat any form of cooked onion. Whether sautéed, baked, boiled, or otherwise processed, onions still contain the poisonous thiosulphate. This substance can harm a dog’s red blood cells, resulting in a condition known as hemolytic anaemia. It is critical to note that the harmful effects of onions on dogs do not change regardless of cooking method or variety. To guarantee your dog’s safety and well-being, avoid feeding them cooked onions or onion-containing items. Instead, give a well-balanced meal free of onions and other harmful chemicals. Consult a veterinarian for safe and suitable alternatives to improve your dog’s diet.

Vet’s Summary

To summarise, cooked onions should not be fed to dogs because they are toxic and hazardous. Onions contain thiosulphate, a chemical that can harm a dog’s red blood cells and induce hemolytic anaemia. Onion toxicity in dogs causes vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, pale gums, and increased heart rate. The dangers of feeding sautéed onions to dogs exceed the advantages. It is critical to prioritise your dog’s health and safety by avoiding onions and seeing a veterinarian for an appropriate and balanced diet.

While cooked onions should be avoided, including probiotic pills in a dog’s diet can help with intestinal health. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help dogs maintain healthy gut flora. They can aid digestion, minimise stomach discomfort, and maintain a healthy immune system. Probiotic supplements designed exclusively for dogs are available in powders, capsules, and treats. However, before introducing any supplements, you should speak with a veterinarian who can prescribe an excellent probiotic product and advise you on the proper dosage for your dog’s needs.

Videos to watch

If you are wondering what related foods are good to give your dog, watch this:

And if you want to know what a dog can NOT eat, watch this: