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Dogs can eat avocado flesh occasionally in small amounts. However, while this nutrient-rich superfood can offer many health benefits, its pit, leaves, and skin contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. In high amounts, it can cause various health complications, from gastrointestinal upset to myocardial damage (heart attack). Additionally, the high fat content in avocado can also cause weight gain and pancreatitis.
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“Avocado flesh can be a healthy, tasty treat for dogs, but only when offered safely and sparingly,” says Dr. Michael Hyder, DVM, and Medical Director of VEG ER for Pets in Palo Alto, California. “Always avoid the pit, skin, and leaves, and never assume ‘natural’ means ‘safe.’ If you’re ever uncertain, your vet is your best resource.”
The Risks of Feeding Your Dog Avocado
There are some risks when feeding your dog avocados, as they contain a fungicidal toxin called persin.
“Persin is a natural fungicidal toxin found in the leaves, skin, and pit of the avocado,” explains Dr. Hyder. “While it’s highly toxic to some animals (like birds and horses), dogs are more tolerant and would typically need to eat large quantities of persin-containing parts to experience poisoning. That said, persin can still cause mild stomach upset in some dogs.”
Some other fruits, like peaches, contain pits that are extremely poisonous to dogs. But can an avocado seed poison your dog? No. While an avocado pit isn’t toxic to dogs, it can pose a choking hazard. There’s also the risk of intestinal blockage if your dog swallows the pit whole, or even just part of it.
“Call your vet if your dog ate [an avocado’s] pit, skin, or leaves, you’re unsure how much avocado they ate, [or] your dog is vomiting, having diarrhea, or acting lethargic,” says Dr. Hyder.
Avocados in Moderation Have Some Benefits
Dani Dominguez, MS and RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified pet nutritionist, and the founder of SunBright Wellness. She shares that while avocados aren’t necessary in a dog’s diet, they may offer some potential health benefits.
“Avocados are called superfoods because they are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These offer significant health benefits like potentially reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, supporting heart health, and preventing chronic diseases,” she explains.
So, how would a cautious dog owner serve their dog small amounts of avocado? For starters, never serve the avocado as-is. Remove the persin-containing skin, pit, and leaves, and only feed your dog the flesh in small spoonfuls. In addition to proper preparation, Dominguez also notes that proper portion size is important.
“Too much avocado could result in weight gain or even stomach upset due to its high fat content. It would be best to limit the avocado to no more than 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s weight,” she recommends.
Can My Dog Eat Guacamole?
Dogs should steer clear of guacamole for more reasons than one. Firstly, guacamole is more than mashed avocados; it generally contains onions and garlic, which are extremely toxic to dogs. Guacamole may also contain lime, which isn’t poisonous to dogs, but the citric acid could cause gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs should also avoid guacamole because, even without added spices or ingredients, avocado is high in fat. Too many calories can lead to obesity and its subsequent complications, such as diabetes and joint stress.
“A healthy diet for dogs should focus on high-quality, real ingredients that nourish their bodies and support their overall well-being,” says Dominguez. “The foundation of a healthy diet for dogs includes real high-quality proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, and supplements.”
Your veterinarian can provide more information about what foods and supplements best fit your dog’s health profile.
Do Some Dog Treats or Supplements Have Avocado?
There are some treats, food toppers, and skin supplements for dogs that contain avocado as an added ingredient. For example, lotions and shampoos infused with avocado oil can soothe dry skin, relieve itching, and make your dog’s coat shine. Avocado meal, a dried, powdered byproduct of avocado, is also found in some commercial dog treats and food.
“These forms are typically purified and considered safe, and are sometimes marketed to support healthy skin and coats,” says Dr. Hyder. “Still, it’s wise to read labels carefully and ask your vet before introducing anything new.”
Safer Alternatives to Avocado
After learning that avocado might not be the best addition to your dog’s diet, you may wonder whether there are any healthier (and less risky) alternatives. Good news: there are!
Determining a suitable alternative starts with understanding your dog’s nutritional needs. For instance, if your dog needs to gain weight, high-protein food toppers made with turkey, chicken, or fish could provide a healthy caloric boost. Matters change if your dog needs to shed a few pounds.
“If a dog is overweight, the extra calories from avocados might not be ideal, and it would be best to incorporate more lower-calorie fruits and veggies, like blueberries and green beans,” recommends Dominguez.
Your dog’s healthcare team can assess their nutritional needs and outline a suitable meal plan.
When You Should Consult a Vet
While avocado flesh is generally safe and even beneficial in moderation, other parts of the fruit can pose serious health risks if consumed in large amounts. Dr. Hyder emphasizes the danger posed by a swallowed avocado seed.
“They are a serious choking hazard and can cause intestinal obstruction, especially in smaller dogs. This can become a medical emergency requiring surgery,” says Dr. Hyder.
Signs of a bowel obstruction include:
- Vomiting (or attempting to vomit)
- Straining to defecate
- A swollen or painful belly
- Refusing food
- Excessive lethargy
“An X-ray may be needed to determine whether the pit is moving through safely or needs to be removed,” he adds.
Talk to Your Vet Before Changing Your Dog’s Diet
Suppose your dog eats food formulated in accordance with the guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines. In that case, they should get all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed to thrive. There are times, however, when you may consider altering their diet.
“It would be time to reassess your dog’s diet if you notice digestive problems, weight changes, allergies, and skin or coat issues,” says Dominguez. “If your dog starts experiencing chronic diarrhea, constipation, or gas, these may be signs that they need a probiotic or may have some type of food sensitivity.”
Dr. Hyder emphasizes the importance of collaborating with your dog’s medical team when considering any additions or changes to their diet.
“If you’re not sure, check with your vet first before sharing anything off your plate,” he says.