Why can't dogs have cooked onions? - briefly
Cooked onions contain thiosulfates and disulfides, which are toxic to dogs. These compounds can cause anemia in dogs by damaging their red blood cells, making it crucial to avoid feeding them any form of onion, whether raw or cooked.
Why can't dogs have cooked onions? - in detail
Dogs should not be fed cooked onions due to their toxicity to this species. The primary concern lies in the compound thiosulfate, which is present in both raw and cooked onions but becomes more concentrated upon cooking. When dogs consume thiosulfate, it interferes with their red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. This condition causes the red blood cells to rupture prematurely, reducing their oxygen-carrying capacity and resulting in symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and increased heart rate. In severe cases, this can progress to life-threatening conditions like organ failure or even death if left untreated. Additionally, onions contain disulfides and thiosulfates that are toxic to dogs, which are not significantly reduced by cooking. It is crucial for dog owners to be aware of these risks and ensure that their pets do not have access to any form of onion, whether raw or cooked, to prevent potential health issues.