Onions belong to the Allium family of plants, which also includes chives, garlic, and leeks. These vegetables have characteristic pungent flavours and some medicinal properties.

Farmers have cultivated allium vegetables for centuries. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, China is the biggest producer of onions worldwide.

The onion plant has bluish-green leaves, and the bulb at the base begins to swell after a certain period.

The ancient origin of onions spans the western and eastern parts of Asia. There are numerous species of onions found the world over, which basically means they were cultivated across the world probably at the same time.

Whole onions should last in your pantry or other cool, dry, dark place (not the fridge) for about two weeks—but don’t store them next to potatoes, which emit gas and moisture that can quickly spoil onions. 

If you have a leftover onion that’s already been cut, pop it in a resealable bag in the fridge to stay fresh for about a week (you can also store it in a container in the freezer).

As many pet parents know, there are safe and unsafe foods for dogs. While there are some foods you shouldn’t share with your dog because they’re simply not healthy for them, there are some you shouldn’t share because they’re toxic. 

Dogs can actually get sick from both raw and cooked onions.  And the harm an onion can cause a canine goes well beyond bad breath — it can even be life-threatening.

Onion powder is in a surprisingly wide range of foods, from soups to baby food. It only takes 100 grams of onion (about the size of a medium onion) per 20 kilograms of a dog’s weight to cause toxic effects, which means that a 45-pound dog would only have to eat one medium-to-large onion to experience dangerous toxicity levels

There are compounds in the onions that can cause anaemia (destruction of red blood cells) in dogs and especially cats. With fewer red blood cells and less oxygen, the animal gets weak and can even die.

Onions grow underground, it would never occur to a dog to dig up a plant to eat the roots. So they didn’t evolve eating them. Humans, of course, are more plant eaters and omnivores, and during our evolution, we not only dug up plants and ate them but planted them. So over a long period of time, we developed the ability to tolerate foods that would be toxic to more carnivorous dogs and cats.

When we talk about onions, the onions consumed also do not have to be raw to cause harm. They can be dehydrated in soups, fried in onion rings, or prepared in any other way. Much like garlic powder, onion powder in baby food has been known to cause a rash of onion poisoning, as small children often let dogs eat their food or leave it lying around for their dog to find.

In this article, we will give you everything you need to know about the complex and toxic relationship between onions and dogs, including what makes onions a major no-no for canines, what will happen to your dog if he happens to ingest an onion, and what action you should take should such an instance occur.

Potential Dangers Of Raw Onions For Dogs

The Allium family includes onions, garlic, leeks, and chives, all of which are toxic to dogs. These plants contain organosulphur compounds and they are responsible for the onion odour and taste. This compound can be beneficial to humans but harmful to dogs.

There is another compound called N-propyl disulfide, it can also be toxic to dogs because it damages the dog’s red blood cells. When a dog consumes onions, the N-propyl disulfide can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells, this can lead to a condition known as hemolytic anaemia and this condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

It’s important to note that the toxic effects of Allium plants are cumulative, meaning that the more a dog consumes, the more severe the symptoms can become. Additionally, the toxic effects can take several days to manifest, making it difficult to identify the source of the problem.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten onions or reacting to them, it’s very important to seek veterinary care immediately, it is the duty of your veterinarian to remove any remaining plant material from your dog’s body, and they are to also recommend other supportive and medical care, such as blood transfusions to help your dog recover.

Prevention is the only way to protect your dog from any toxic plants, keep onions away from them to avoid accidents.  If you are not sure about any food, seek advice from a veterinarian for the best way to go about it, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to them.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Onions/ Symptoms Of Onion Toxicity In Dogs

If you think your dog may have eaten an onion or onion powder, there are symptoms you should look out for, let’s look at them below:

1. Lethargy: A state of weariness that involves diminished energy, mental capacity and motivation.  Lethargy can sometimes be described as extreme tiredness, although it isn’t quite the same. A lethargic dog is not interested in his/her normal activities. Watch for a lack of interest in playtime, walks, and other activities your dogs love.

2. Weakness. Weakness is a symptom where dogs move slowly, struggle to rise from rest, are reluctant to exercise, and sometimes have muscle shaking. Dogs may collapse or experience shaky limbs. They may be unsteady on their feet.

3. Decreased appetite. Refusing to eat more than two meals is uncommon for most dogs. Loss of appetite is a serious indicator of an underlying illness. When your dog eats onions, it may likely lose interest in food or treats, even its favourite food no longer entices them.

4. Pale gums. Pale gums could signal a medical emergency and dogs should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. When your dog eats onions, this is one of the symptoms you will experience, check for any discolouration in your dog’s gum.

5. Fainting. Your dog can lose consciousness as a result of feeding on onions, watch out for this symptom and involve the veternarian immediately. 

6. Reddish urine. Red or pink discolouration in your dog’s urine can come as a result of exposure to onions if you notice this, consult your veterinarian. 

7. Vomiting. Your dog may experience vomiting as a symptom and sign of a more serious health problem. Drooling and dry heaving are frequently seen before a dog begins vomiting.

8. Elevated heart rate. Larger dogs have a slower heart rate (about 70 beats per minute), while smaller dogs have a faster heart rate (about 120 BPM). when you notice rapid or higher rapid heart rates, take your dog to a veterinarian. This is due to the body’s attempt to circulate oxygen to the organs.

9. Panting. This is not really a symptom but, it is normal for excited dogs, when combined with other symptoms, heavy panting could indicate a serious problem.

10. Gastrointestinal upset: The first signs of onion toxicity in dogs are usually gastrointestinal in nature. Dogs may experience abdominal pain. These symptoms can occur within a few hours of consuming onions.

11. Dark urine: As the body breaks down red blood cells, the pigment that gives them their colour (haemoglobin) is released into the bloodstream. This can cause the urine to appear dark or reddish-brown.

Read More: Can Dogs Eat Mandarins? Find Out!

Foods That Are Toxic To Dogs

1. Chocolate:  Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Theobromine is the main toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine. Signs of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 6 to 12 hours.  

Depending on the dog’s size and how much chocolate it ingests, a dog can experience poisoning with symptoms that range from vomiting, increased heart rate and diarrhoea, seizures and sudden death. 

2. Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Some canines appear to have better tolerance toward grapes and raisins than others. Since the root cause of grape toxicity is uncertain, researchers have been unable to explain varying levels of sensitivity in dogs. 

So it may react to some dogs and wont react to others. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

3. Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is commonly found in sugar-free gum and other sugar-free products.Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death in dogs.  

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of your dog’s blood sugar. It can cause a rapid release of insulin, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs. Xylitol can also cause liver failure. 

4. Avocado:  Persin is present in avocado fruit, pits, leaves, and the actual plant, so all of these parts are potentially poisonous to your dog.Symptoms of avocado toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Small amounts of avocado flesh are unlikely to cause problems. As regards toxicity, the flesh is the part that contains the lowest levels of Persin.

5. Alcohol: note that No dog breeds can safely consume alcohol. Alcohol can cause a range of symptoms in dogs, from vomiting and diarrhea to difficulty breathing and even coma. In severe cases, or if left untreated, alcohol intoxication in dogs can cause failure of the organ systems and even death. 

Dogs are much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than humans, so even a tiny amount can be very dangerous, also make sure they are kept out of reach from your dogs.

6. Macadamia nuts: Dogs who eat macadamia nuts most commonly experience weakness in the back legs, vomiting and diarrhea. While macadamia nuts are edible for humans and often found in dessert recipes, ingestion by dogs leads to poisoning. The exact mechanism of toxicity is not well understood.

7. Cooked bones: Cooked bones are not a good option for your dogs. They become brittle and easily break into sharp shards that can do a lot of damage when they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. If you must give your dogs bones,  go for uncooked and big bones.

In conclusion, the symptoms of onion toxicity in dogs can vary depending on the amount of onions and the size of the dog that ate the onions. If at any point you find out your dog has eaten onions, or you notice any system, seek veterinarian care immediately.

 Other Safe Food And Vegetable Options 

There are many other healthy and nutritious foods that you can add to your dog’s diet in addition to celery. Some alternatives to celery include:

1. Carrots: Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange root vegetable is great for your dog’s teeth. Dogs can eat carrots. Both raw and cooked carrots make for healthy dog treats, so long as the carrots are served plain.

2. Green beans: Green beans are rich in dietary fibre as well as vitamins like vitamin C and A, which both support your dog’s immune health. Green beans are healthy treats your dog can enjoy in moderation. Whether you use them as treats or food toppings or add them to your homemade dog treat.

3. Sweet potatoes: The sweet potato or sweet potato is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. Its large, starchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots are used as a root vegetable.Sweet potatoes are a good source of fibre and vitamins A and C. 

4. Apples: Apples are a good source of fibre and vitamin C, and they are also low in calories.  apples are totally safe for your dog to eat, it’s important to only give them to your dog in moderation.

5. Blueberries: Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C. They can help maintain healthy bones, reduce blood pressure, manage diabetes, and ward off heart disease.

6. Broccoli: Broccoli is not just safe for dogs to eat; it contains many health benefits and nutrients for your dog, just like it does for you. In fact, some dog foods even contain broccoli. It is full of fibre, antioxidants, and digestible plant protein, and it provides vitamins and minerals 

5. Spinach: Spinach is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin A. Spinach is a superfood with a bounty of vitamins and minerals that can benefit a healthy dog and protect them from the effects of ageing.  It is also low in calories, As with all human foods, spinach should be fed as a treat and in moderate amounts.

6. Pumpkin: Pumpkin helps regulate digestion. The fibre in pumpkin is great for your dog’s digestive health. It helps with mild diarrhoea and supports weight management. It is also a good source of vitamin A and potassium.

7. Peas: Peas are a good source of protein, fibre, and vitamin C.  Peas are not only safe for dogs to eat, but they offer a variety of health benefits as well. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great snack for dogs.

Homemade Dog Food with Vegetable Recipes

Recipe 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup of brown rice
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 3 cups of spinach
• 2 carrot
• 1 zucchini
• 1/2 cup of canned pea
• 2 pounds of ground turkey

Directions

1. After washing the rice, boil with 3 cups of hot water. Leave it to cool.
2. Extract the spinach and wash it. Chop it into tiny pieces.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add turkey ground beef and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it turns to golden brown.
4. Add the spinach, grated carrot, zucchini, and peas on the meat and mix all ingredients. Add the boiled rice to the mixture and cook it.
5. After cooking, remove from the stove and let it cool completely.

Recipe 2

Ingredients

• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into big chunks
• 4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 2 pounds ground bison
• 3 (15 ounce) cans carrots, drained
• 3 (15 ounce) cans peas, drained
• 2 (15 ounce) cans green beans, drained
• 2 (13.5 ounce) cans spinach, drained
• 6 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Place sweet potatoes in a large Dutch oven filled 3/4-full with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Add chuck roast and bison to the pot and cook until the meat is no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Add carrots, peas, green beans, and spinach to the pot and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. Add oats and stir until mixture has thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in pumpkin and olive oil; remove from heat and let cool a bit, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer roast to a plate and dice meat; return to mixture.
3. Use a potato masher to mash up mixture to a mushy consistency. Let mixture cool sufficiently, about 30 minutes. Place into resealable containers and freeze.

Cook’s Notes:

You can use any 10 canned vegetables that you’d like.

Recipe 3

Ingredients

• 6 small or 4 large sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise
• 2-3 zucchinis, skins peeled (skins do not soften up and do not mash well), cut in thirds
• 6 large carrots, cut in half
• 2-3 fresh beets, halved (You can also buy the freshly cooked beets. If using fresh, do not add to the pressure cooker)
• 1 cup lentils, canned or cooked
• 3 Tbsps. Creamy Peanut Butter (do not use natural – I use Skippy or Jif)
• 1 package frozen peas, cooked

Optional Ingredients:

• Frozen spinach, cooked and finely chopped
• One cup cooked rice
• 3 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast

Instructions:

1. Place two inches of water in the bottom, add potatoes, zucchinis, beets, and carrots. Set to high pressure for 40 minutes. You can set it to warm for up to an hour, Release steam and set aside.
2. Remove ingredients from the pressure cooker. Remove the skins from the sweet potatoes and beets and add to a very large mixing bowl.
3. Add the lentils. If you cook them yourself, add about one cup. If you are adding canned, rinse them in a colander for a few minutes to ensure all salt has been washed off. If you purchased cooked beets, add them now, with the peanut butter and peas.
4. Using a potato masher or large spoon, stir and mash the mixture until you see no large lumps. Store enough in the fridge for the current week and freeze the rest in worth in individual weekly containers.

A few notes:

1. The mixture in the fridge may become watery – this is normal when using zucchini. Just stir to incorporate.
2. I try to keep the recipe down to about 4-6 ingredients.
3. My dogs love broccoli and cauliflower but it is a bit hard on their tummies, so we avoid it.
4. Never use any artificial flavors, salt, pepper, spices, sugars, etc. All natural is best and healthiest.

Vegan Lemon Orzo With Spinach And Squash, Gluten-Free

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 2 shallots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, diced
• 2 cups gluten free orzo 
• 3-4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 yellow squash, diced (do not remove skin)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 4 cups veggie broth
• the juice of one lemon, and 1 Tbsp. zest
• 1-2 Tbsps. Nutritional Yeast 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, add a few sprays of cooking spray and a bit of veggie broth (1 Tbsp) .  Sauté the shallots for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the orzo to the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Vegan Lemon Orzo with Spinach and Squash, Gluten-Free

Author: Gay Van Beek for Canterbury Cottage Designs

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2 shallots diced
• 2 garlic cloves diced
• 2 cups gluten free orzo
• 3-4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup frozen peas optional
• 2 yellow squash, diced (do not remove skin)
• 4 cups veggie broth
• the juice of one lemon and 1 Tbsp. zest
• 1-2 Tbsps. Nutritional Yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, add a few sprays of cooking spray and a bit of veggie broth (1 Tbsp) . Sauté the shallots for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the orzo to the pan and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
3. Add one-third of the veggie broth and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and cook, stirring often until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Repeat this process twice more, stirring the rice until the liquid is absorbed. When adding the last 1/3 of the broth, add in the spinach, squash and optional peas. Continuing stirring and cooking down the liquid. Add in the Nutritional Yeast and lemon juice.
5. Top with lemon zest and more Nutritional Yeast

Vegan Dog Food

Ingredients

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
• 1/2 lb dried lentils any type
• 4 cups cooked brown rice
• 3-4 cups greens chard, kale, broccoli or similar, chopped small
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

1. In a large pan, cover the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat to simmer. Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender. Scoop the sweet potatoes out of the water and into a large bowl to cool. Leave the water in the pan.
2. Add the lentils to the sweet potato cooking water. If necessary, add more water until the  water is about 2 inches over the lentils.
3. Steam the greens or green vegetables until they are quite soft. Add to the bowl with the sweet potatoes.
4. Mash the sweet potatoes and greens together. While the mixture is still warm, add the peanut butter and mix thoroughly.
5. When the lentils are soft and the water is absorbed, add them to the sweet potato and vegetable mix. Stir thoroughly.
6. Mix the brown rice into the bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
7. Fill silicone muffin pans with the mixture and freeze for several hours or overnight. After they’re frozen, pop them out and store freezer bags.

Notes

• Every second or third batch, I add textured soy protein, prepared according to the package directions.
• Experiment with different kinds of grains and beans. Garbanzos and black beans are great, as is quinoa.
• Add carrots or replace some of the sweet potatoes with carrots. Always have a nice high-protein mix of beans, grains, green veggies, and yellow veggies.

Nutrition

Calories: 269 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 95mg | Potassium: 574mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 10846IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg

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Conclusion

In conclusion, we believe that at this point, you now have the answer to the question, can dogs eat raw onion?  

Be reminded that onions contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs, leading to a condition called hemolytic anaemia. While onions do contain some health benefits, these benefits can be obtained from other foods that are safe for dogs to eat. 

If you’re looking to add flavour to your dog’s meals, there are many safe alternatives to onions that you can use.