Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

Avocado is not safe for dogs to eat due to the chemical persin, which is present in the entire avocado and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems in dogs. Avocado also contains high amounts of fat, which may be difficult for a dog’s digestive system to handle. It is also important not to feed dogs guacamole, which is made from avocados and other potentially toxic ingredients like onion, garlic, and tomatoes, and is high in fat. If you suspect your dog has consumed avocado or guacamole, contact your veterinarian immediately. It is best to stick to foods specifically designed for dogs in order to avoid potential health risks.

Avocado is a popular fruit that many humans enjoy, but can dogs eat avocado as well? The answer to this question may surprise you. While avocados are lauded as a healthy option for humans, several reliable sources have indicated that avocados are not considered safe for dogs.

Why are avocadoes bad for dogs?

This is primarily because avocados contain a chemical called persin which causes health problems in animals, up to and including possible death. Persin is present in the entire avocado, although there is more in the leaves, skin, and pit than in the fruit. Ingestion of persin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems in dogs.

It’s important to note that experts are divided as to whether you can feed your dog avocados. Dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals. Experts also debate whether there is persin in the entire avocado, or whether it is just in the leaves, skin, and pit. As some experts have shown that there is or can be persin in the entire avocado, we recommend not feeding your dog avocado. Additionally, avocadoes contain high amounts of fat which may be difficult for a dog’s digestive system to handle.

If you want to give your dog a healthy treat, try other fruits like apples, blueberries, and bananas – all of which are safe for dogs to eat in moderation.

Guacamole is even worse for your dog than plain avocado

Guacamole is a tasty and popular dip that is made from mashed avocados and other ingredients such as onion, garlic, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro. While guacamole may be delicious to humans, it is not safe for dogs to eat. In fact, guacamole can be even worse for your dog than plain avocado because it has potentially dangerous ingredients like onion, garlic, and tomatoes which can be toxic to animals. In addition, the large amount of fat in guacamole may cause gastrointestinal upset and other issues.

Don’t feed your dog avocado

To keep your pet safe, always avoid feeding them avocados as well as any dishes that contain this popular fruit. Remember, canines should only eat foods specifically designed for them in order to avoid any potential health risks.

If you suspect your pet has consumed avocados or guacamole, it’s important to contact your veterinarian, especially if they ate the skin or pit of the avocado or had guacamole with onion, garlic, or tomato in it. If the dog only ate a small amount of the avocado flesh, they will likely be just fine, but you should monitor them and call the vet if they display any concerning symptoms. 

With proper care and nutrition, you can ensure that your furry friend will remain healthy and happy. So, the answer to the question “can dogs eat avocado?” is a no from us! Researchers seem to be unsure, but why take the risk? Keep your pup safe and steer clear of this fruit.

Sources:

American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Avocado?, August 17th, 2022

Purina, Can Dogs Eat Avocado?, No publishing date

USA Today, Can Dogs Eat Avocado? Is The Nutritious Fruit Health For Dogs? What To Know., July 15th, 2022