Can dogs safely eat avocado? Key risks and what you need to know
Can dogs eat avocado?
No, dogs should not eat avocado, because there is a chance that your dog could become seriously ill from eating it. The pit, skin, leaves, and bark are the most toxic parts as they contain high levels of persin, which is toxic to dogs. Even the flesh, though less dangerous, should be consumed cautiously.
Note that avocado oil is safe for dogs in small quantities, as it contains no persin. However, due to its high fat content, it should only be given occasionally. Dog foods and treats containing avocado meal are usually processed to remove the harmful persin.
Is avocado good for dogs?
No, avocado is not good for dogs. This is because all parts of the avocado plant – the flesh, pit, skin, leaves, and the actual plant – contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause serious health problems, and even death, in many animals.
Additionally avocado flesh has a high fat content that can lead to gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis in dogs if they eat too much, and because it’s calorie-dense, it can also lead to weight gain. Another concern is the pit at the center of the fruit, which if swallowed can easily cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
Can avocado kill a dog?
Although rare, it is possible that avocado can kill a dog if a large quantity is eaten. However, don’t panic if your dog accidentally eats a small amount of avocado flesh, as the flesh itself is only mildly toxic for dogs.
While all parts of the avocado are potentially poisonous and best avoided, the skin and leaves contain the highest amount of persin. Unripe avocados contain a much higher concentration of persin than ripe avocados, but exactly what quantity of persin is lethal isn’t known.
Symptoms of avocado ingestion
Watch out for the following signs that your dog may have eaten too much avocado:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach upset
- Decreased appetite
- Myocardial (heart) damage
- Choking (if the pit is eaten)
- Lethargy
- Pancreatitis (from the high-fat content)
The risks of dogs eating avocado
According to the Animal Poisons Helpline, ingestion of avocado can result in gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious poisoning in dogs is rare; however, some other animals are much more susceptible to toxicity.
Note that small amounts of avocado flesh (without the pit or skin) are generally safe but should be limited due to the high fat content.
Safer alternatives
We recommend that instead of feeding your dog avocado, choose safer options like carrots, sweet potatoes, or smooth, unsweetened peanut butter if you are seeking a similar texture or nutrition for your dog.
What to do if your dog eats avocado
- If your dog eats a small amount of avocado flesh, look out for any signs and symptoms described above, and call your vet if any appear within 24 to 48 hours.
- If your dog eats any amount of avocado skin, monitor closely for any signs and symptoms and call your vet for further advice.
- If your dog consumes an avocado pit, contact your vet immediately, because of the risk of choking and/or intestinal blockage.
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