Mon, 04 May 2026 07:06:36 +0000

Onions Hidden in Everyday Food Could Be Silent Killers for Your Pet When we think about harmful foods for our pets, onions often fly under the radar—craving fresher images of stained clipping boards rather than danger. But onions, whether raw, cooked, or dried, are quietly dangerous to dogs and cats. Found in countless everyday foods—from soups and sauces to international snacks and prepared meals—onions pose a real and potentially deadly risk. ### Why Are Onions So Dangerous for Pets? Onions (and all allium family plants, including garlic, leeks, and chives) contain toxic compounds called thiosulfates and N-propyl disulfide. These toxins cause oxidative damage to red blood cells in dogs and cats. When ingested, even in small amounts, these substances break down the cells and trigger hemolysis—the breakup of red blood cells—leading to a serious condition called hemolytic anemia.