Can Dogs Eat Avocado? Why the Answer Isn’t So Simple
It’s not uncommon to want to spoil your dog by sharing your favorite people food snack instead of a dog treat. After all, if it is safe for you to eat, it must be OK for your dog to eat, right?
Not necessarily.
How about avos — can dogs have avocado safely? The answer is both yes and no. While certain parts of the avocado may offer some health benefits for dogs, others can pose serious risks. Plus, even when safe, avocado is still considered a human food, and not all human foods are ideal for dogs.
Before you consider sharing this popular fruit with your furry friend, it’s important to understand the facts to keep your dog safe and healthy.
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Let’s take a closer look at the risks, the potential benefits, and safer ways to feed avocado if you choose to.
Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
Yes, and no, dogs can eat avocado flesh in small amounts, but with caution, and only after checking with your vet if your dog has special dietary needs. The avocado fruit itself contains a fungicidal toxin called persin.
While persin is considered mildly toxic to dogs compared to other animals like birds and horses, consuming large quantities can still cause serious health problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or even an intestinal blockage.
Most healthy dogs can tolerate a little bit of ripe avocado flesh. However, because avocado is calorie-dense and high in fat, it should only be offered occasionally. Dogs that eat too much avocado may experience digestive upset or weight gain due to the high fat content, much like with other high-fat foods.
Should Dogs Eat Human Foods Like Avocado?
Feeding dogs human food can be tricky. While some foods, like small amounts of avocado pulp, are safe, it’s important to remember:
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Dog food is specially formulated for their nutritional needs.
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Extra treats, even healthy ones, can disrupt their balanced diet.
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Dogs with sensitive stomachs or health issues should avoid new foods.
Always consult your vet before introducing new foods, and when in doubt, stick to dog-specific food.
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Why Is Avocado Sometimes Dangerous for Dogs?
Here’s where it gets tricky:
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Persin Poisoning: Although dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals, eating large amounts of avocado pulp, skin, or leaves from the avocado tree can cause digestive upset and even heart damage in rare cases.
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Choking Hazard: The avocado pit is a major choking hazard. If swallowed, it can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage in your dog’s intestinal tract.
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High-Fat Foods: Avocados are calorie-dense and high in fat. While these are healthy fats, too much can lead to weight gain, pancreatitis, or stomach upset.
If your dog eats a large amount of avocado or any part of the pit or skin, contact your vet immediately.
Is Avocado Oil Safe for Dogs?
What about avocado oil? Can dogs eat avocado oil safely? Yes, in small moderation!
Avocado oil used sparingly can provide beneficial fatty acids and vitamin E without the risks of persin poisoning. Some skin and coat supplements for dogs include avocado oil for its nourishing properties.
Still, because it is calorie-dense, even avocado oil should be given only in tiny amounts if recommended by your vet.
What About Dogs Eating Guacamole?
If you're wondering if dogs eat guacamole, the answer is: they shouldn't. Guacamole often contains dangerous ingredients like onions, garlic, salt, and lime juice — all of which are toxic to dogs. It's best to avoid feeding any guacamole to your dog, even if it's homemade.
Plain avocado flesh is the safest option if you decide to share a little with your pup.
How Much Avocado Flesh Is Safe?
If you want your dog to eat avocado flesh, stick to small, occasional amounts:
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About 1–2 small bites for small breeds
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2–3 bites for medium to large breeds
Only the ripe, soft part of the flesh should be offered. Always remove the avocado pit and the avocado skin first. Watch for signs of digestive upset after introducing avocado, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
If you suspect your dog ate a large amount or any unsafe parts, call your vet immediately.
Health Benefits of Avocado for Dogs
Fresh avocado isn't necessary for your dog’s diet and can sometimes carry risks, but avocado in commercial dog food is a different story. Many dog food brands include avocado meal, which is ground and dried avocado flesh, as a safe ingredient. These formulations are carefully balanced and generally considered safe for dogs.
Avocados are good for dogs in these foods, providing health benefits without the risks associated with raw avocados. Ingredients like avocado meal and avocado oil offer valuable nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, C, and E, fiber to support the dog's intestinal tract, and fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and skin.
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Signs to Watch Out for If Your Dog Has Eaten Too Much Avocado
If your dog consumes too much avocado, keep an eye out for signs of trouble, such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing (which could signal an intestinal blockage)
Call your vet if you’re worried about the amount your dog consumed.
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Besides a small amount of avocado flesh, here are other foods dogs can enjoy:
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Apples (no seeds)
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Blueberries
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Strawberries
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Bananas
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Pears (no seeds)
Always introduce human foods slowly and in moderation, and check if they are safe for your specific dog first.
You may even want to print out a list of fruits and vegetables dogs can and can’t have to keep in your fridge for easy reference!
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