Pet foodSkip

Onion

البصل

Toxic food hazard (Allium) · CAS: plant (Allium)

The VerdictSkip

Toxic - never feed to dogs or cats

Why this verdict

Allium spp. Causes Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in dogs AND cats (raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated). Onion POWDER hidden in broths, table scraps and some baby foods is the sneaky source. Step A hard-flag, both species.

What It Is

A common kitchen vegetable (and a hidden powder in many foods).

⚡ WTF Fact

Onion - raw, cooked, powdered or dehydrated - damages pets’ red blood cells and causes Heinz-body anemia in both dogs and cats. The sneaky risk isn’t a whole onion; it’s onion POWDER hidden in broths, table scraps and some baby foods. Any amount in a pet food’s ingredient list is a red flag.

Evidence & Status

For Dogs & Cats

Dogs

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Cats

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AAFCO / FDA status

Toxic food hazard; not a permitted intentional feed ingredient at harmful levels.

Applies to

both

Halal Status: Halal

Plant-derived.

Standard: MS 1500:2019; GSO 2055-1; JAKIM e-SMAF

Also Known As

onion powder · dehydrated onion · onion extract · Allium

Primary Source

Merck Veterinary Manual, Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals - ingestion of raw, cooked or concentrated onion/garlic causes Heinz-body hemolytic anemia in cats, dogs and food-producing animals.

Evidence, not medical advice. You decide.

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