Smashed, sliced, or in a salad, the humble avocado is one of the most beloved fruits among humans. This is absolutely no surprise, given it’s tasty, nutritious, and pairable with a number of other delicious foods. But we’re not here to wax lyrical about this yummy breakfast staple. Instead, we’re here to figure out if our canine comrades can enjoy it, too. Can dogs eat avocado? Let’s find out!
Can dogs eat avocado?
The answer to “Can dogs eat avocado?” isn’t completely straightforward. While dogs can certainly eat the flesh in small amounts, they do run the risk of ingesting a fungicidal toxin known as persin.
Persin is found in all parts of the avocado plant. Persin poisoning can lead to some pretty nasty health problems, and possibly even death in extreme cases. Symptoms of persin poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and trouble doing their number twos.
Dogs are said to have a better ability to withstand persin than other animals. But even then, avocado is still a potential hazard. A tiny bit of avocado here and there may be fine. But eating large amounts of it increases the possibility of persin poisoning. Because of the potential for poisoning, some Owners opt to avoid avocado entirely, just like any of the other dangerous foods for dogs.
Whatever your preference for giving your dog avocado, it’s always best to chat to your vet first. They’ll advise whether or not avocado is safe for your dog, depending on your pupper’s unique dietary requirements.
Can dogs eat avocado skin, pits, oil, or other parts of the plant?
Persin is mostly concentrated in the skin, pit, stem, and leaves of the avocado plant. So feeding any of these to your pooch is a big no-no. (The flesh of the avocado only contains a small concentration of persin, which is why it’s not quite as risky as other parts of the plant.) And, if you’ve got an avocado tree in your backyard, try to keep your dog clear of it.
As for avocado oil, though, it’s a slightly different story. This is because avocado oil doesn’t contain any persin. It’s also packed with Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids, which offer a number of health benefits. That makes avocado oil a great way for your dog to reap all the rewards of avocado, without the risk.
Just make sure you feed avocado oil in moderation, as it’s very high in fat. A teaspoonful in your doggo’s meal once or twice a week at most is ideal.
Why else is avocado bad for dogs?
Aside from the potential for persin poisoning, are there any other reasons why avocado can be unsafe? Why, yes! Here are some of the other risks associated with feeding avocado to your dog:
- Avocados are high in fat. And while it’s good fat, too much of it can be troubling for your doggo. An excessive amount of fat may lead to tummy troubles, weight gain, or even pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- The pit can be perilous. As well as containing a higher amount of persin, the central pit is a choking hazard. It could get lodged in your dog’s airways or even end up stuck in their gastrointestinal tract. This kind of blockage is pretty unpleasant and requires surgery
- Your dog could be allergic. Like any other food, there’s always a chance that your dog is allergic to avocados. If you notice any of the signs of food allergy – like sneezing, itchy skin, diarrhea, or trouble breathing – take your dog straight to the vet for an assessment
What to do if your dog accidentally eats some avocado
Noticed your dog chowing down on an avocado and worried they’ll suffer the potential consequences? If they’ve only consumed a bit of the flesh, they might very well be fine. However, if they’ve decided to eat the whole thing or have a go at the skin or pit, keep a close eye and monitor for signs of choking or persin poisoning.
If your pooch experiences vomiting, diarrhea, tummy pain, or trouble passing stools, they may have been poisoned. Take them to the vet straight away so they can do a full check-up. Your vet will be able to properly assess the degree of poisoning and treat your dog accordingly.
If your dog is gagging, coughing, drooling excessively, pawing at their mouth, or in obvious distress, the pit could be lodged in their throat. Open your dog’s mouth, and if the pit is visible, gently swipe it away using your finger. If the pit isn’t visible, take them to the vet immediately.
And if the pit has already made its way down to your doggo’s tummy? You may notice vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, and general discomfort. Once again, the vet should be your first port of call so they can safely remove it.
What are some safer alternatives to avocado for dogs?
Concerned about giving avocado to your dog? You’ll be glad to know there are plenty of alternatives that don’t bear the same dangers. Here are just a few of your options:
- Peanut butter. Similarly creamy, peanut butter is a safe, nutritious, and delicious alternative to avocado for dogs. You can feed it to your dog as a snack, in a peanut butter dog treat, or as an addition to their meals
- Other dog-friendly fruits, vegetables, and foods. Dog-friendly vegetables include beetroots, carrots, broccoli, and cabbage. Some of the best dog-friendly fruits are strawberries, watermelon, bananas, and tomatoes. There’s a bunch of other human foods that dogs can eat, too, including popcorn and rice
- Balanced dog meals. Whether you prefer to give your dog fresh raw dog food, premium kibble, or quality cooked dog food, a nutritionally balanced dog meal provides all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs – without the potential side effects of avocado!
