Can dogs have avocado

Sarah_Taufiq · June 13, 2021, 9:10pm

Can dog have avocado? No, dogs should not have avocado. Avocado’s pit, skin, and leaves contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. There are some low levels contained in the flesh as well. Persin is considered only mildly toxic to dogs, but depending on how much was consumed, it can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. The fleshy inside of the fruit doesn’t have as much persin as the rest of the plant, but it is still too much for dogs to handle.

Why isn’t avocado a healthy snack for my dog?

Persin is present in the avocado fruit, pits, leaves, and the actual plant, so all of these parts are potentially poisonous to your dog. Most of the persin is concentrated in the leaves, and the skin and pit of the fruit. It is also present in avocado flesh in small amounts. Exactly what amount of persin is lethal isn’t known.
In large amounts, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage.
Avocado flesh’s high-fat content can lead to gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis in dogs if they eat too much. Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas, and it can produce symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and a decreased appetite. Some dogs are more prone to pancreatitis than others, and if it’s a severe case, your dog may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.
Avocados have a large pit, which can be a choking hazard and can also cause a blockage inside your dog’s body.
Because of the fibrous nature of the pit, dogs can’t digest them easily and instead may develop an obstruction in their intestinal tract. If this happens, it can become life-threatening – the only way to remove the obstruction may be through surgery.

The Risks of Dogs Eating Avocado

The fleshy fruit portion of the avocado is the safest part of the food for your dog. Still, veterinarians caution against giving your dog large amounts. Plus, the other parts of the avocado present a serious risk to your canine companion. Below are the parts of avocado that are not safe for your dog.

Persin

Persin is a toxic agent found in the avocado plant’s leaves, stem, seeds, skin, and almost every other part of the plant including the fruit.

Persin is the reason that avocado gets its bad rap, but it turns out that our canine friends are mostly resistant to it. Your dog would have to eat a very large quantity of avocado to experience toxic effects from a person. The toxin is actually more dangerous to other kinds of animals, like birds, horses, sheep, goats, and cows.

Still, it’s a good idea to keep your dog away from the avocado plant to be safe, as there are higher concentrations of persin in the plant’s seeds, stem, leaves, and bark than in the fruit itself. If you have an avocado tree growing in your yard, don’t let your dog nibble at it, and clean up any branches, leaves, or other parts of the plant that fall onto the ground.

The Pit

You might be surprised to learn that the greatest danger the avocado presents for dogs is actually the pit.

The pit (also called the avocado seed) is the large, golf-ball-sized object in the middle of the avocado. You remove it when slicing the fruit or mashing it up for guacamole and discard it in the trash, but remember that your dog might go after it. The pit contains persin, yes, but the bigger danger is the choking hazard it presents.

The pit is the perfect size to get stuck in your dog’s throat, blocking the airway. Even if it makes it past the esophagus, the pet can easily get lodged in the intestinal tract and cause a serious blockage. If your dog eats an avocado pit, take them to the nearest veterinary emergency room right away.

The Fat

One of the nutritional benefits of avocado is that it contains good fats. Still, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

Thanks to the fruit’s high-fat content, too much avocado can be dangerous for dogs. In fact, large quantities of avocado could even lead to a life-threatening case of pancreatitis because of all the fat.

As mentioned above, large amounts of avocado also present the risk of poisoning thanks to persin. As a general rule, don’t feed your dog avocado in abundance. Large amounts can start to cause serious problems.

How to Feed Your Dog Avocado

If you want to give your dog avocado, make sure you’re doing so without presenting any risk to your pup. Here are three rules of thumb to follow:

Keep the portion size small. Giving your dog avocado in large amounts raises the risk of poisoning thanks to persin, and the high-fat content can prove dangerous for your pup as well.
Only give your dog the fruit itself. Never allow your pooch to eat the avocado plant’s stem, leaves, or bark. Completely remove the skin of each avocado and discard it, and remove the pit to make sure your dog can’t choke on it.
Only give your dog plain avocado. Never let your dog indulge in guacamole, as it contains other harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, and salt.

The Nutritional Value of Avocado For Dogs

One of the reasons that avocados are so popular in the culinary world is because of their nutritional value. The actual fruit portion of the avocado contains healthy fats and fatty acids, as well as plenty of vitamins and minerals. Many of those same benefits translate to your dog. The nutritional benefits that a dog can get from avocado include:

Vitamin A

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Vitamin B6

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

fiber

Potassium

Magnesium

Antioxidants

Amino acids

Folate

Things like fatty acids, niacin, potassium, and folate are essential for your dog’s healthy coat of fur — these nutrients help Fido’s fur keep its smooth, shiny luster. Vitamins A, B3, B6, C, and E are good for bone health, skin and fur health, eyesight, and a host of other things. So, avocado fruit itself is rich in nutrients, many of which offer health benefits for your pup. But that doesn’t mean that avocado comes completely without risk.

What if my dog eats avocado oil?

While no type of oil should be given to dogs in large quantities due to their high-fat content, avocado oil doesn’t contain any persin and is considered completely non-toxic to dogs. The same goes for avocado meals — avocado flesh that has been dried and ground — which is an ingredient commonly used in avocado-enriched pet foods, such as AvoDerm.

Which part of an avocado is the most dangerous for my dog to eat?

The pit is the most concerning the portion of the avocado. Aside from being a choking hazard and potentially causing intestinal obstructions, avocado pits also contain a more concentrated amount of persin than the flesh.

What should I do if my dog eats avocado?

Don’t panic! Depending on which part of the fruit your dog ate and how much, they may be just fine. Let’s dig into the details.

Flesh: Since the avocado flesh is only mildly toxic to dogs – if your pooch eats a small amount, they’re more than likely going to be OK. That said, keep an eye on them for about 24-48 hours after eating avocado flesh, and report any vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite to your veterinarian so these symptoms can be treated.

Skin: Avocado skin does have a higher concentration of persin than the flesh, but it’s still considered only mildly toxic to dogs. The skin of avocado doesn’t carry as much fat, which means it’s less likely to cause pancreatitis in your dog than if the flesh is eaten. However, if your pup does eat avocado skin, make sure you monitor for any vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms occur, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian.

Pit: If your dog eats a pit, they may be able to pass it through their system with some irritation of the stomach and intestinal tract. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know whether they’ll be able to pass it or whether it will become a blockage in their intestines. It’s best to contact your local veterinarian for recommendations soon after the pit is ingested. If you notice your dog is vomiting, straining to ■■■■, in pain, or acting lethargic, have them examined by a veterinarian right away.

What to do if your dog eats too much avocado by accident

If your dog does react to avocado then you should obviously avoid giving it to him. However, your dog may find avocado and eat it, skin and all, meaning that there is a potential for further problems. So for instance, if you have avocado trees in your garden, you should do as much as you can to keep your dog away from that area.

The most likely result of your dog eating too much avocado, or ingesting the skin or stalk of the fruit, is that he will either vomit or have diarrhea. If he does vomit, give him little sips of water and watch him closely for any further symptoms. He will probably just want to rest and recover and is likely to be fine again soon. Similarly, if your dog is looking anxious and may have diarrhea, let him out to relieve himself and then, as before, allow him small sips of water to rehydrate.

You should take him to the veterinarian immediately if he chokes on the seed, or if diarrhea/vomiting is persistent and/or worsening. The danger with the seed is that it could become trapped in his throat or cause more problems further down his digestive tract. The sooner you can have your dog treated, the sooner he will recover.

Keeping Dogs Away From Avocados

If you frequently bring avocados into your home, make sure the members of your household are educated about the dangers of feeding them and another human foods to your pets. You may even want to print out a list of fruits and vegetables dogs can and can’t have to keep on your fridge. If your dog tends to get into the trash, invest in dog-proof garbage can so that he can’t rummage around when you aren’t looking.

What fruits and vegetables can I feed my dog instead?

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can eat meat or plant-based food. In fact, most dog kibble is a combination of meat protein and vegetable matter. One way you can enrich your dog’s diet is by adding extra fruits and vegetables on top of their kibble. This can be especially beneficial for dogs suffering from weight problems or diseases, like diabetes. With that said, your canine companion can enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of a large variety of different fruits and vegetables. Some of the healthiest fruits and veggies for dogs include:

Apples
Yes, dogs can eat apples. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They are low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior dogs. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core first. Try them frozen for an icy warm weather snack.

Bananas
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but bananas should be given as a treat because of their high sugar content, not part of your dog’s main diet.

Blueberries
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage in humans and canines alike. They’re packed with fiber and phytochemicals as well. Teaching your dog to catch treats in the air? Try blueberries as an alternative to store-bought treats.

Cranberries
Yes, cranberries are safe for dogs to eat. Both cranberries and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Whether your dog will like this tart treat is another question. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many cranberries can lead to an upset stomach.

Cucumbers
Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are especially good for overweight dogs, as they hold little to no carbohydrates, fats, or oils and they can even boost energy levels. They’re loaded with vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin.

Cantaloupe
Yes, cantaloupe is safe for dogs. Cantaloupe is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and a great source of water and fiber. It is, however, high in sugar, so should be shared in moderation, especially for dogs who are overweight or have diabetes.

Mango
Yes, dogs can eat mangoes. This sweet summer treat is packed with four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. They also have potassium and both beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. As with most fruits, just remember to remove the hard pit first, as it contains small amounts of cyanide and can become a choking hazard. Mango is high in sugar, so use it as an occasional treat.

Oranges
Yes, dogs can eat oranges. Oranges are fine for dogs to eat, according to veterinarians, but they may not be fans of any strong-smelling citrus. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and in small quantities, the juicy flesh of an orange can be a tasty treat for your dog. Vets do recommend tossing the peel and only offering your dog the flesh of the orange, minus any seeds. Orange peel is rough on their digestive systems, and the oils may make your dog literally turn up their sensitive nose.

Peaches
Yes, peaches are safe for dogs to eat. Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, and can even help fight infections, but just like cherries, the pit contains cyanide. As long as you completely cut around the pit first, fresh peaches can be a great summer treat. Skip canned peaches, as they usually contain high amounts of sugary syrups.

Pears
Yes, dogs can eat pears. Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. It’s been suggested that eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50 percent. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Skip canned pears with sugary syrups.

Pineapple
Yes, pineapple is safe for dogs to eat. A few chunks of pineapple is a great sweet treat for dogs, as long as the prickly outside peel and crown are removed first. The tropical fruit is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also contains bromelain, an enzyme that makes it easier for dogs to absorb proteins.

Raspberries
Yes, dogs can eat raspberries. Raspberries are fine in moderation. They contain antioxidants that are great for dogs. They’re low in sugar and calories, but high in fiber, manganese, and vitamin C. Raspberries are especially good for seniors dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help aging joints. However, they do contain small amounts of xylitol, so limit your dog to less than a cup of raspberries at a time.

Strawberries
Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. Strawberries are full of fiber and vitamin C. Along with that, they also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth as he or she eats them. They contain sugar, so be sure to give them in moderation.

Watermelon
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. It’s important to remove the rind and seeds first, as they can cause intestinal blockage, but watermelon flesh is otherwise safe for dogs. It’s full of vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so it’s a great way to help keep your dog hydrated on hot summer days.

Broccoli
Yes, broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in very small quantities and is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Furthermore, broccoli stalks have been known to obstruct the esophagus.

Brussels sprouts
Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for humans and dogs, alike. Don’t overfeed them to your dog, however, because they can cause lots of gas. Cabbage is also safe for dogs, but comes with the same gassy warning!

Carrots
Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange veggie is great for your dog’s teeth (and fun).

Celery
Yes, celery is safe for dogs to eat. In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. As if that wasn’t enough, celery is also known to freshen doggy breath.

Green beans
Yes, dogs can eat green beans. Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned – all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and they’re also full of fiber and low in calories. Opt for low-salt or no-salt products if you’re feeding canned green beans to your dog.

Peas
Yes, dogs can eat peas. Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.

Spinach
Yes, dogs can eat spinach, but it’s not one of the top vegetables you’ll want to be sharing with your pup. Spinach is high in oxalic acid, which blocks the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can lead to kidney damage. While your dog would probably have to eat a very large amount of spinach to have this problem, it might be best to go with another vegetable.

Fruits and Vegetables that are NOT safe for Dogs

While there is a range of fruits and veggies that are safe for your dog to consume, some varieties can also be toxic. Some of the most popular fruits and veggies that you should avoid feeding your dog include garlic, onion, mushroom, avocado, and rhubarb. If you are unsure if your pet should be eating something, make sure you ask one of our vets, and we will be happy to answer any questions regarding your pet’s health and nutrition.

Avocado
No, dogs should not eat avocado. While avocado may be a healthy snack for dog owners, it should not be given to dogs at all. The pit, skin, and leaves of avocados contain persin, a toxin that often causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The fleshy inside of the fruit doesn’t have as much persin as the rest of the plant, but it is still too much for dogs to handle.

Cherries
No, dogs should not eat cherries. Except for the fleshy part around the seed, cherry plants contain cyanide and are toxic to dogs. Cyanide disrupts cellular oxygen transport, which means that your dog’s blood cells can’t get enough oxygen. If your dog eats cherries, be on the lookout for dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and red gums, as these may be signs of cyanide poisoning.

Grapes
No, dogs should never eat grapes. Grapes and raisins (dried grapes) have proved to be very toxic for dogs no matter the dog’s breed, sex, or age. In fact, grapes are so toxic that they can lead to acute sudden kidney failure. Always be mindful of this dangerous fruit for dogs.

Tomatoes
No, dogs should avoid tomatoes. While the ripened fruit of the tomato plant is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called solanine. While a dog would need to eat a large amount of the tomato plant to make him or her sick, it’s better to skip tomatoes all together just to be safe.

Asparagus
No, dogs should not eat asparagus. While asparagus isn’t necessarily unsafe for dogs, there’s really no point in giving it to them. It’s too tough to be eaten raw, and by the time you cook it down so it’s soft enough for dogs to eat, asparagus loses the nutrients it contains. If you really want to share a veggie, something more beneficial is probably best.

Mushrooms
No, dogs should avoid mushrooms. Wild mushrooms can be toxic for dogs. While only 50-100 of the 50,000 mushroom species worldwide are known to be toxic, the poisonous ones can really hurt your dog or even lead to death. Washed white mushrooms from the supermarket could be OK, but it’s better to be safe than sorry; skip the fungi for Fido altogether.

Onions
No, dogs should never eat onions. Onions, leeks, and chives are part of a family of plants called Allium that is poisonous to most pets, especially cats. Eating onions can cause your dog’s red blood cells to rupture, and can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Poisoning from onions is more serious in Japanese breeds of dogs like Akitas and Shiba Inus, but all dogs are very susceptible to it.

Human Foods That Can Be Fatal to Dogs

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is often used to sweeten candy, chewing gum, toothpaste, and baked goods. While deemed safe for human consumption, it can be deadly for dogs.

Eating foods that contain xylitol can lead to a sudden and significant drop in a dog’s blood sugar

Initial symptoms often show up within 30 minutes of consumption and include vomiting, weakness, depression, difficulty moving, coma and seizures. Eventually, xylitol can lead to liver damage and death.

Coffee, Tea and Other Caffeine

Caffeine is naturally found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and guarana, a South American plant.

It is also often added to soft drinks and medications. Caffeine can speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system in dogs.

Within two to four hours of consuming caffeine, dogs may experience restlessness, excessive thirst, a lack of bladder control, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If dogs ingest too much caffeine, they can experience abnormal heart rhythm or lung failure, which can ultimately lead to death.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can be extremely toxic to dogs.

They can cause rapid kidney failure, which can ultimately be fatal.

Alcohol

Alcohol is found in various products, including alcoholic beverages and perfumes mouthwash, paint, varnish, and various cleaning products. While occasional alcohol consumption is safe for humans, dogs cannot tolerate it, even in small amounts.

Symptoms usually develop within an hour after consumption and include tiredness, depression, and lack of muscle coordination, low body temperature, poor breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If a dog consumes too much alcohol, it can result in lung failure, seizures, coma, and even death.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains the stimulant chemicals theobromine and caffeine, both of which are very difficult for dogs to metabolize. If a dog eats chocolate, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

These symptoms can also progress to more serious problems like heart attacks, internal bleeding, muscle tremors, seizures, and death

Salt

Eating too much salt could lead to a condition known as salt poisoning or water deprivation in dogs. This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, fever, and seizures. It may even be fatal in severe cases.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Harmful Food

The best way to ensure your dog doesn’t eat anything harmful is to keep these foods out of reach. To minimize the risk, make sure that you don’t leave these foods on countertops or tables, in purses, or in other places where your dog could access them.

If you know your dog has ingested something toxic, consult your veterinarian immediately or call the pet poison hotline.

Treatment will vary depending upon your dog’s symptoms and the type of food they were exposed to. You should never treat or medicate a dog unless a licensed veterinarian advises you to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

1- What if my dog eats avocado?

The skin of an avocado doesn’t carry as much fat, which means it’s less likely to cause pancreatitis in your dog than if the flesh is eaten. However, if your pup does eat avocado skin, make sure you monitor for any vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms occur, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian.

2- Can dogs eat small amounts of avocado?

Yes dogs can eat avocados because small amounts of the fruit portion of the avocado won’t harm your dog. The benefits of avocados for dogs include healthy fats and fatty acids, plenty of vitamins and minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others.

3- How much avocado will make a dog sick?

There is a risk of intestinal blockage with 3 avocados. If he is having any signs of vomiting or diarrhea, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.

4- How much avocado oil can I give my dog?

Serving Ideas. Add a teaspoon to tablespoon of avocado oil to your dog’s food once a week.

5- What part of an avocado is poisonous to dogs?

Persin is present in the avocado fruit, pits, leaves, and the actual plant, so all of these parts are potentially poisonous to your dog. Most of the persin is concentrated in the leaves, and the skin and pit of the fruit.

6- Why are avocados bad for dogs?

The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, and more serious signs in other animals due to a wide range in sensitivity across species. Avocado toxicity can cause serious signs in birds such as: weakness, depression, feather pulling and agitation.

7- Can dogs eat tuna?

Tuna is not toxic to dogs, and a tiny amount will not cause mercury poisoning. If you own both a dog and a cat, make sure your pup isn’t eating the feline’s food, as wet cat food often contains tuna. Cats are also susceptible to mercury poisoning, so consider choosing a cat food made with other kinds of fish.

8- Can a dog ■■■■ out an avocado pit?

The pit of an avocado doesn’t digest particularly well in a dog’s intestinal tract and might cause a gastric or an intestinal blockage. Once a dog eats an avocado—if the dog’s system is not able to process the pit—it will become stuck partway through the intestinal tract.

9- Can dogs have popcorn?

Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog regularly, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won’t hurt him

10- Are avocado toast healthy?

Arrindell says that — most of the time — avocado toast is indeed a healthy choice. “Avocado contains a lot of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, as well as a good amount of fiber,” Arrindell explains. "Plus, if you’re eating at a restaurant, you have a lot of control of what goes on top of your avocado toast.

CONCLUSION:

No, dogs should not eat avocado. Avocado’s pit, skin, and leaves contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. There are some low levels contained in the flesh as well.