Sunday dinner scraps could be fatal to dogs due to one vegetable

EVEN A SMALL PORTION OF ONION CAN DAMAGE A DOG’S RED BLOOD CELLS, LEADING TO A CONDITION CALLED HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA 13:31, 29 May 2025 From doggy biscuits to gourmet pet food, all savvy

owners know most dogs prefer what their human pal is eating - especially rich foods like roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. Sunday dinner scraps are a favourite treat of many dogs. But

some owners may be unknowingly putting their pets in danger, all because of one common ingredient: onions. While it might seem harmless to share leftovers with your pooch, ingesting this

vegetable could have have serious health consequences. Experts at Kennel Store, a UK dog housing and welfare specialist, are warning that even small amounts of onion (whether raw, cooked, or

powdered) can cause potentially fatal health issues in dogs, including haemolytic anaemia. Whether they’re raw, cooked, powdered or dried, onions contain toxins called disulphides and

thiosulfinates, which can damage a dog's red blood cells. Meanwhile, stuffing, gravy, and even Yorkshire puddings often contain hidden ingredients like garlic and high salt levels,

meaning those harmless scraps could lead to serious problems. Article continues below The team is calling on dog owners to be more mindful of what they share from their plate, offering clear

tips on keeping pets safe and signs of onion toxicity to watch out for. A spokesperson said: “We see it far too often, well-meaning dog owners feeding their pets leftovers without realising

that certain ingredients, like onions and garlic, are actually extremely toxic to dogs. “Even a small portion of onion can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to a condition called

haemolytic anaemia, where the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. It can be fatal if left untreated, especially in smaller breeds. “It’s best to stick to

dog-safe vegetables like carrots, green beans, or plain cooked meats with no seasoning. Better yet, treat your dog to a special pet-safe Sunday dinner designed just for them.” Signs of onion

toxicity in dogs may not appear immediately but can include lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, and pale gums. In severe cases, affected dogs may require urgent veterinary care.

No matter how hard it is to resist those puppy-dog eyes, giving in at the dinner table could do more harm than good, and might even lead to an unexpected (and costly) trip to the vet. KENNEL

STORE’S TOP TIPS FOR A DOG-SAFE SUNDAY ROAD: Never feed your dog foods containing onions, garlic, leeks or chives. Avoid sharing gravy, stuffing or fatty meats. Article continues below

Offer dog-safe treats or prepare a small portion of plain meat and veg. If your dog shows signs of illness after eating leftovers, seek veterinary help immediately.