Merrick Dog Food Whole Clove Garlic?

Question

My dog currently eats innova evo reduced fat for his main diet. Once and a while I give him some canned innova evo or mixables, I believe they are from Wellness.

I wanted to give him a little variety in his food now that he is at a good weight and I went to the food store today, they just started carrying Merrick. So I picked up a small bag for him to try, overall I really liked the ingredients, but it wasn't until I looked closer that I noticed one of the ingredients is whole glove garlic... I thought that garlic and onions were very dangerous to dogs.

So now, before I feed it to him, I'm wondering if I should give this to him or not. I noticed one of their natural bones had garlic in it as well, so I'm a little confused at what can and cannot be given.

I just want to make sure it will be safe for him.

I have the Turducken option right now, so I'm not sure if it is in all of them or not.


Thanks so much!

Answer 1

It is unclear how much of a problem garlic causes. It appears to cause the same kind of anemia that onions do in some dogs although the actual agent may be different. At any rate, garlic is used in fairly small quantities and, as with onions, some dogs may develop a severe reaction to a small quantity while other dogs may not.

Grapes and raisins seem to have the same problem as I have had dogs who ate bunches of grapes and raisins without developing any short term or chronic problems. Something strange is going on but it is unclear what the problem is.

If the food has small quantities of garlic, it should not be a problem for your dog. Excessive quantities of many things can be toxic to your dog while small quantities are important for good nutrition.

------- Garlic toxicity in dogs:
"Garlic does have toxic potential to pets, and is generally more potent than onion, also a member of the Allium species, in causing changes in red blood cells in dogs and cats. This is true in raw, cooked or powdered forms. In theory, "deodorized" garlic is allegedly less toxic, since the disulfides, responsible for both the odor and the toxicity, are usually largely removed.

Even at low levels of exposure to garlic, some change in red blood cells is likely; it is typically only when a significant number of red blood cells are altered that their oxygen-carrying capacity is noticeably compromised and clinical signs develop. Generally, it takes either a fairly large single ingestion or chronic exposure.

These effects are also somewhat more likely to be seen in cats, as their red blood cells have shorter life spans and they're more likely to have bone marrow issues. However, the possibility exists that some dogs may also be genetically more susceptible to problems from garlic ingestions.

The lowest observed effect level in dogs in the scientific literature that we are aware of is 2.5 mg/kg of encapsulated garlic powder; slow heart rates and increased urination were seen. For comparison, a 20-pound dog consuming 1000 mg of garlic powder is exposed to a dose of 110 mg/kg.

The bottom line, Michelle, is that we do not definitively know at what dose any given dog may experience problems. An occasional low dose, such as those found in most commercial pet foods or treats, would not likely cause problems. A conservative approach might be to avoid exposure to more concentrated garlic-based products."
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_ask_peoplefood&s_state=garlic

Answer 2

I do use the Merrick and many of the flavors that they have and I think it is one of the better brands and I would recomend it to any one who would like to change the dogs food. I use the Earth Farms too and if there was a recall, here in Pa, I have not heard of any but they are still on the shelf here. i have used it many of times and nothing happened to the dogs and yes here it is around $45 for the Merrick , they have the Cowboy cook out, Terductun if i spelled it right and even some for seniors. So I would suggest this and buy it for my dogs .

Answer 3

Onions are toxic in smaller doses. You have to feed a whole lot of garlic before it becomes anywhere near toxic. I give my dogs cloves of garlic in the summer to repel insects and for overall health. It doesn't hurt them. My dogs eat pretty much anything except chocolate, onions, and peppers. They are all fine. They love the Merrick food. Dry and canned. Just make sure that your dog doesn't have a sensitive stomach before you go changing food on him. Mine grew up eating anything and everything and that is why it doesn't bother them. Some dogs, if you change their diets suddenly, get sick because they are so used to one food.

Answer 4

I have fed garlic in small quantities for yrs. Never had a problem. ( UNTIL NOW) My older corgie mix Started throwing up. And had severe bloody diarrhea. Took her to the vet . Blood panel came back with levels a mess.
Consistent with toxicity. Be careful

Answer 5

Talk to your vet, find a good commercial food, and stick to it.
Personally I like dry in that it is good for the gums, don't add water to it.
Not knowing what foods are in your area I would say to find a mid-priced food. Don't go for fancy shapes (your dog doesn't care.) Your dog doesn’t have much in the line of tastes either so don’t worry about varying his diet.
Everyone has a budget, instead of spending money for expensive unnecessary items put more money into proper medical care, maybe a couple extra vet visits and a full range of shots and dental

Answer 6

Merrick is excellent food. Garlic is COMPLETELY safe for dogs, onions are NOT. I rotate between Wilderness Blend and Campfire Trout for my guys,and occaisionally I will mix in Innova dry for variety. Merrick is family made, all products are made with US ingredients, IN the US, and the Merrick family makes all of their own products. Their foods also have one of the highest meat contents (40%meat protien) available without switching to a grain-free, whick should ONLY be done if you do your research and are absolutely clear on the requirements to properly feed it. turducken is great, but I highly reccomend rotating, my dogs love the variety ;)

Answer 7

Garlic is not toxic to dogs otherwise it wouldn't be in a high quality food like Merrick. Garlic is actually a natural supplement to give a dog to keep the fleas away.

Answer 8

Garlic is fine for dogs. Garlic is in the same family as onions but doesn't cause the same problems unless you feed a large amount to a dog. Onions aren't safe in any amount.
It is perfectly fine & perfectly safe to feed your dog a dog food that contains garlic.

Answer 9

ring up the consumer number on the back. i know onions they are not meant to have but unsure bout garlic

Answer 10

when vets don't know the answer, or don't understand it, they resort to the "it's dangerous" mantra. garlic is very good for dogs and cats. onions are toxic, and garlic is onions cousin, but it has a different affect. people think that because they are related, they are the same.