Very High Risk Ingredient

Alliums (garlic, onion)

Score impact: −80 pts per affected product

Highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts destroy red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia) — including in dried form.

Score Rationale

Maximum deduction applies because allium toxicity in cats is cumulative with no established safe dose. Dried or powdered forms are more concentrated and more dangerous than raw. A single exposure can trigger a life-threatening crisis.

Scientific Evidence

Established science

· Cope RB (2005). Allium species poisoning in dogs and cats. Veterinary Medicine 100(8):562–566.
· Lee KW et al. (2000). Haemolytic anaemia caused by onion (Allium cepa) ingestion in a dog. Journal of Small Animal Practice 41(4):163–166.
· ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Onions, Garlic, Chives and Leeks. aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.

Affected Products (0 of 60)

None of the 60 reviewed products have been identified with this risk factor. It is included because it appears in commercial cat food and is worth checking when reading labels.