🐾 PawSafe Check

Are Onions Toxic to Horses?

Yes — onions are toxic to horses.

Toxic

PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

Toxic parts

Raw, cooked, powdered and dehydrated onion

Toxic compound

Organosulfur compounds (N-propyl disulfide)

What to do now

  1. Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
  3. Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
  4. Note roughly how much was eaten and when.

Good to know

Onion damages red blood cells and can cause anemia. Onion powder in baby food, gravy and seasonings counts too. Cats are especially sensitive.

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Frequently asked questions

Can horses eat onions?

No. Yes — onions are toxic to horses.

Are onions toxic to horses?

Yes — onions are toxic to horses. Onion damages red blood cells and can cause anemia. Onion powder in baby food, gravy and seasonings counts too. Cats are especially sensitive.

What are the symptoms of onions poisoning in horses?

Vomiting. Diarrhea. Weakness or low energy. Pale gums. Fast breathing or heart rate. Red or brown urine (anemia can appear several days later).

What should I do if my horse ate onions?

Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate. Note roughly how much was eaten and when.

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