At A Glance
Yes! Avocados are good for dogs but in small amounts. This delicious fruit is a storehouse of Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as healthy fats, in addition to vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will benefit your dog.
But remember to keep the leaves, pit, and skin of the fruit away since they contain persin, which is mildly toxic for dogs.
Last Updated on: January 6, 2023
Avocados are all the rage, and there are so many ways you can have this delicious and healthy fruit – by itself, with lemon and olive oil, in guacamole, in scrambled eggs, rolled into sushi, on toast, and in smoothies, to name a few.
And given its numerous health benefits, you might want to share some Avocado with your pet too.
But is avocado safe for dogs? And can dogs eat avocados in the first place?
On a funny note, it’s called Avocado, not Avocadon’t!
So, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be sharing some with your pet.
Jokes aside, avocado for dogs is a great option, and you won’t be putting your pet’s health at risk when you ava-cado with your pet.
As long as you stick to the flesh and in moderation since these wholesome fruits are high in fat and pretty calorie-dense.
Well, the answer is trickier than a simple yes or no.
Avocado peels, pits, and plants contain a potentially harmful chemical called persin. Persin is also found in the flesh of the avocado to a lesser degree. And it may cause diarrhea, vomiting, an upset stomach, abdominal pain, and myocardial damage in dogs, with some cases leading to fatalities.
Some health experts even suggest clearing up all fallen leaves and branches if you have avocado trees in your yard, so your canine friends don’t get tempted to chew on them.
The good news is that dogs have a higher resistance to persin than most other animals. That doesn’t mean avocado for dogs is entirely safe.
And given that the fruit is calorie-dense and packed with fat, too much avocado can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal concerns as well.
Additionally, the pit of the fruit is a choking hazard, especially for small, curious dogs left unsupervised with fresh avocados.
Now, let’s take a look at avocado benefits for dogs:
So, are avocados safe for dogs? Yes, they sure are.
Dogs and avocados can go well together as long as you ensure your pet consumes the fruit in moderation.
There could be some truth to the question, “Is avocado bad for dogs?” But only if you leave your dog unsupervised around avocados.
Since the fruit has a high-fat content, overconsumption could lead to GI complications, pancreatitis, or obesity.
To avoid this, always limit the amount of avocado your dog eats. While we’ve established that avocados are safe for dogs, you may wonder how much avocado can I give my dog?
New Zealand resident Patricia Munro says, “Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can be harmful, even causing death to animals if eaten in large quantities. I’d say avocado is fine in small amounts, but not too often.”
That being said, Dr. Sandra Mitchell DVM, DABVP (Feline Specialty and Exotic Companion Mammal Specialty) reminds pet owners, “Despite the fact that there isn’t a known toxicity for dogs, we do know that sensitive dogs can develop pancreatitis, even if they only eat a small amount of avocado pulp.”
Can dogs eat avocado slices?
Yes.
Can dogs eat avocado skin?
That’s debatable.
An avocado’s skin, seeds, leaves, and stem all contain persin, which is known to cause diarrhea and vomiting. However, these side effects are more common in birds, sheep, goats, donkeys, horses, and ruminants than in dogs.
What about the pit? Can dogs eat avocado pits?
The persin content of avocado isn’t enough to be considered highly toxic for dogs – but the avocado pit is another story. If it doesn’t digest properly in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, it may cause blockages that could lead to illnesses.
Can puppies eat avocados – even those in commercial dog food?
Some pet owners would be surprised to know that avocado is sometimes used in commercial dog food.
However, it isn’t something to worry about.
Of course, you still have to do your research about which commercial dog food is best for your dog. But generally speaking, the avocado content in commercial dog food has been tested beforehand to ensure it is a safe ingredient for kibble.
Will a small piece of avocado hurt my dog? Avocado for dogs side effects include an upset stomach, puking, and diarrhea, to name a few.
But it will only cause problems if your dog consumes too much avocado.
On a related note, if you’re wondering how much avocado will kill a dog, it will take a massive amount for something tragic to happen.
That said, there are many ways you can give avocados to dogs without risking their health.
It depends on how you prepare it and how much your dog consumes. So, here’s a quick run-through of how you can give avocados to your dog as a healthy treat, so it isn’t missing out on this well-loved fruit.
This is arguably the easiest way to prepare a healthy treat for your dog. Simply blend 2 cups of diced avocado, 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1 cup of water.
Keep blending them until the mixture is smooth, scoop it into ice trays or fun molds, then freeze for at least 2 to 3 hours. Serve in moderation!
It’s not too difficult to make avocado dog treats – all you need are one peeled avocado without the pit, two cups of oat flour, and two eggs.
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix the ingredients in a food processor. Distribute the dough evenly on a parchment-lined sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Let it cool, and it’s good to go!
Dog-safe guacamole isn’t too different from the guacamole you usually prepare at home. Simply remove the pit, blend the avocado, and maybe add a little coconut or avocado oil for a smoother texture.
Add flavor to it by tossing in chopped bananas, apples, strawberries, or other dog-safe fruits.
If your pet has a particular liking for peanut butter, it is sure to love this! Before getting started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Combine 1/3 cup skinned and crushed avocado (pit removed), 3/4 cup oats, 2/3 cup peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and an egg and mix into a dough.
Make small, neat dough balls on a baking sheet, then bake for around 15 minutes. Allow them to cool before serving!
Your dog is in for a meaty treat with these taco bites! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees before tossing the following ingredients together in a bowl:
– 1 peeled avocado (pit removed),
– 2 cups of ground beef,
– 1 cup of whole flour,
– 2/3 cup of water,
– 1/4 cup of grated dog-friendly cheese,
– 2 tablespoons of dog-friendly salsa, and
– 2 eggs.
Then, put small dollops of the dough on a baking sheet, and bake for up to 15 minutes.
The actual avocado flesh is safe for your dog in moderation. However, keep it away from the avocado peel, pits, and leaves which contain high amounts of persin and should never be consumed by dogs.
This is a hard no, considering the pit contains a highly concentrated amount of persin. It can obstruct the throat or gastrointestinal tract and lead to serious health concerns.
Yes. We’ve established that avocado flesh or pulp isn’t harmful to dogs. Just be careful of the other ingredients that you add to the guacamole. Make sure they’re fresh and dog-friendly – hold back on onions, garlic, and other toxic ingredients for dogs.
No, dogs can’t eat avocado peel for the same reason they cannot eat avocado pits. The peel contains a high amount of fungicidal toxins that could seriously harm your dog’s health.
Yes, they can. Avocado oil is rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, so it helps boost immunity and reduce inflammation. However, note that avocado oil has a high-fat content, so add it to your pet’s food in moderation.
Is avocado good for dogs? It could be if served in moderation – and without the skin, pit, and leaves. However, if your dog digests anything other than the avocado meat, and shows signs of vomiting or diarrhea, take it to the vet immediately.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
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