GARLIC IS GOOD FOR YOUR DOG
Why the controversy over garlic?
The primary reason SOME VETS are against feeding garlic is that it contains thiosulphate, which can cause hemolytic anemia, liver damage and death. However garlic only contains very small traces of thiosulphate and a dog would have to consume a huge quantity for any negative effects. Using Tylenol (acetaminophen) or benzocaine topical ointments to stop itching are far more likely to cause anemia in dogs.
Garlic’s medicinal properties
There are many health benefits to feeding garlic. Here are some things you might not know about this healthy herb:
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and won’t affect the good bacteria in the gut which are needed for digestion and immune health
Garlic is antifungal
Garlic is antiviral
Garlic boosts the immune system
Garlic makes dogs less desirable to fleas
Garlic is antiparasitic
What kind of garlic?
Fresh Garlic is always best, however unless it is introduced at puppy stage some dogs will not accept it in their normal food. In this case, we recommend buying capsules online from somewhere like Holland & Barratt who regularly have good offers on. The 300mg capsules are sufficient for our dogs which average out at 35kg
How much garlic to feed
You can safely give a 1/2 clove per ten pounds of body weight each day, chopped or grated. Two cloves maximum per day for a large dog is a good guideline.
½ clove for a 10 + pounds
1 clove for a 20 + pounds
1 ½ cloves for 30 + pounds
2 cloves for 40 + pounds
Garlic tips
For optimum health benefits, let garlic sit for 5 to 10 minutes after cutting and before serving (or cooking). This allows the health-promoting allicin to form, so it’s worth the wait.
To get rid of the smell on your hands, rinse them under water while rubbing them with a stainless steel spoon! I don’t know why it works, but bless the woman who told me this long ago.