The No-List: Why We NEVER Use Garlic, Onion, or Excess Salt

As loving pet parents, we want to share everything with our dogs—our homes, our hearts, and sometimes, a little taste of our dinner. That desire to share is a beautiful thing, but it can lead to unintentional danger when it comes to the seasonings on our own plates.

The very ingredients that make our food taste complex and savory—garlic, onion, and salt—are on the absolute "no-fly list" for our canine companions.

At Clean Plate K9, our promise to you is to create the most delicious, irresistible seasonings for your dog using only ingredients that are 100% safe and beneficial. This means being just as passionate about what we leave out of our blends as what we put in. Let's break down exactly why these three common ingredients will never, ever be found in our products.

1. The Allium Family: Onions & Garlic

Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks all belong to the Allium family of plants. While they are staples in our kitchens, they are toxic to dogs.

• What They Do: These plants contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulfates which can cause oxidative damage to your dog's red blood cells. In simple terms, this makes the red blood cells fragile and causes them to burst, leading to a serious condition called hemolytic anemia. This condition means your dog’s body can't carry enough oxygen to its organs.
• The Danger of Powders: It's crucial to know that the powdered forms—garlic powder and onion powder—are even more concentrated and dangerous than the fresh versions. These are found in almost all human seasoning blends, broths, and sauces.
• The "Little Bit of Garlic" Myth: You may have heard people say that a tiny amount of garlic is okay or even beneficial. However, according to the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline, the risk of toxicity is significant, and there is no proven health benefit that outweighs this danger. With so many other wonderful, safe herbs available, there is simply no reason to take the risk.

Our promise is to create deliciousness through safety. That’s why you’ll never find any member of the allium family in a Clean Plate K9 blend.

2. The Salt Situation: A Case of "Too Much of a Good Thing"

Sodium is an essential mineral that dogs need for fluid balance and nerve function. However, the complete and balanced commercial food your dog eats already contains the precise amount of sodium they need to be healthy.

Anything extra is not just unnecessary—it can be harmful.

• What Excess Salt Does: A sudden influx of salt from a salty human snack or seasoned meat can lead to symptoms like extreme thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to sodium ion poisoning, a life-threatening emergency that can cause neurological symptoms like tremors, seizures, and convulsions.
• Why It's Everywhere: We are so accustomed to salt that we often don't realize how much is in our food. Broths, processed meats, and your own steak seasoning are loaded with it.

Our promise is to enhance the natural flavors of food, not cover them up with salt. Clean Plate K9 seasonings are formulated to be low in sodium, providing incredible taste from herbs and spices without the health risks of excess salt.

Our Commitment to Your Dog's Safety

Your dog trusts you completely, and you trust us to provide a product that is safe. That's a responsibility we take to heart. We started this company because we wanted our own picky dogs to enjoy their meals, but we couldn't find a seasoning on the market that we trusted.

By obsessing over our "No-List" and focusing only on beneficial, wholesome ingredients, we ensure that every sprinkle you add to your dog’s bowl is not only delicious but also contributes to their health and well-being. It’s peace of mind in a bottle.

Sources:

1. "Onion, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks: Are These Poisonous to Dogs?" Pet Poison Helpline, petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/onions/.
2. "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets." ASPCA, aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets.
3. "Salt Poisoning in Dogs." VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/salt-poisoning-in-dogs.
4. "Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Is It Good or Bad For Them?" American Kennel Club (AKC), akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-garlic/.