{"id":947,"date":"2022-04-07T07:33:18","date_gmt":"2022-04-07T07:33:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/?p=947"},"modified":"2022-04-07T07:33:18","modified_gmt":"2022-04-07T07:33:18","slug":"can-dogs-eat-avocado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Dogs Eat Avocado?","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Thanks to its exquisite flavor and incredible health benefits, avocado has become a favorite in many cuisines around the world. However, when it comes to avocado and dogs, there is bound to be some confusion. On the one hand, there are sources that advise against giving it to the pet, and on the other, there are dog foods that include it among their ingredients.<\/p>\n<p>This makes many owners wonder &#8220;<strong>Can dogs eat avocado?<\/strong>&#8221; \u201c<strong>Is avocado good or bad for dogs?<\/strong>\u201d, \u201c<strong>What if my dog ate avocado?<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66f8b929e4998\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66f8b929e4998\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Can_dogs_eat_avocado_yes_or_no\" title=\"Can dogs eat avocado: yes or no?\">Can dogs eat avocado: yes or no?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#So_can_you_let_your_dog_eat_avocado\" title=\"So can you let your dog eat avocado?\">So can you let your dog eat avocado?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Does_avocado_have_benefits_for_dogs\" title=\"Does avocado have benefits for dogs?\">Does avocado have benefits for dogs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#How_to_give_avocado_to_a_dog_Frequency_and_amount\" title=\"How to give avocado to a dog? Frequency and amount\">How to give avocado to a dog? Frequency and amount<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Easy_recipe_meat_avocado_and_cheese_croquettes_for_dogs\" title=\"Easy recipe: meat, avocado, and cheese croquettes for dogs\">Easy recipe: meat, avocado, and cheese croquettes for dogs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Ingredients\" title=\"Ingredients\">Ingredients<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Instructions\" title=\"Instructions\">Instructions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Contraindications_and_side_effects_of_avocado_in_dogs\" title=\"Contraindications and side effects of avocado in dogs\">Contraindications and side effects of avocado in dogs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Quick_Answers_to_Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions\">Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Can_dogs_eat_guacamole\" title=\"Can dogs eat guacamole?\">Can dogs eat guacamole?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#What_happens_if_my_dog_eats_avocado_oil\" title=\"What happens if my dog eats avocado oil?\">What happens if my dog eats avocado oil?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#Are_commercial_avocado_dog_foods_safe\" title=\"Are commercial avocado dog foods safe?\">Are commercial avocado dog foods safe?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/can-dogs-eat-avocado\/#What_part_of_avocados_is_most_dangerous_for_my_dog\" title=\"What part of avocados is most dangerous for my dog?\">What part of avocados is most dangerous for my dog?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_dogs_eat_avocado_yes_or_no\"><\/span>Can dogs eat avocado: yes or no?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Strictly speaking, dogs can eat avocado, but there are considerations and restrictions that you should know about it.<\/p>\n<p>The reason some say dogs shouldn&#8217;t eat avocado is its content of the toxin persin. This toxin is known to be potentially dangerous for some animals (birds, horses, rabbits); however, it is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/nutrition\/are-avocados-poisonous-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">harmless<\/a> to dogs when consumed in small amounts.<\/p>\n<p>The edible part of the fruit, that is, the pulp contains very low concentrations of persin, hence its consumption is considered safe for both dogs and humans.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_can_you_let_your_dog_eat_avocado\"><\/span>So can you let your dog eat avocado?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As long as a small portion is administered, without any remains of skin, bone, or leaves, most dogs can eat the pulp of a ripe avocado without being life-threatening. It is noted that the safety of avocado in a canine diet may vary depending on each dog, its diet, and general health status.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_avocado_have_benefits_for_dogs\"><\/span>Does avocado have benefits for dogs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When administered properly, avocados provide many of the same health benefits for dogs as they do for their owners. The high content of good fats, fiber, amino acids, essential vitamins, and minerals contributes to better nutrition and supports numerous vital processes.<\/p>\n<p>No wonder avocados are now included among the ingredients of many commercial dog foods and treat.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are 5 ways a dog can benefit from eating avocado:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Better functioning of the gastrointestinal system. The dietary fiber present in avocado helps promote healthier digestion and more regular bowel movements.<\/li>\n<li>Good skin and coat health. Due to its high content of omega 3 fats and vitamin E, the pulp of the ripe avocado is an excellent food to keep the dog&#8217;s skin and coat much brighter, silkier, and healthier.<\/li>\n<li>Healthy and bright eyes. Likewise, vitamin A, vitamin E, and good fats contribute not only to more beautiful and brighter eyes but also to better visual health.<\/li>\n<li>Better absorption of nutrients. Another of the essential vitamins in avocado is vitamin C. This, in addition to being an antioxidant and strengthening immunity, improves the dog&#8217;s ability to absorb the rest of the nutrients.<\/li>\n<li>Better cardiovascular health. Being rich in good fats, fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals such as potassium, moderate intake of avocado helps promote better cardiovascular health.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_give_avocado_to_a_dog_Frequency_and_amount\"><\/span>How to give avocado to a dog? Frequency and amount<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In case you want to give your dog avocado, the first thing is to make sure you know how to do it. Here are the 4 basic rules of the experts, which we also recommend from SweetDoggo:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Only the pulp of the ripe fruit. The dog should never chew or swallow parts of the peel, stem, leaves, or center pit of the avocado, as these contain the highest concentration of persin. If eaten, the pet could experience symptoms of toxicity.<\/li>\n<li>Always make sure to remove such parts and keep them out of their reach. In addition, it is important that they eat the fruit in its natural form, without added salt or spices.<\/li>\n<li>Control the portion size. Dogs should not eat more than a small serving of avocado per day; 2-3 thin slices are enough to include the fruit in a meal. This amount should be adjusted depending on the breed in question. It is not the same to give avocado to a large or giant breed dog, as to a medium or small dog.<\/li>\n<li>Better occasionally than regularly. Due to its high-fat content, avocado should not be a frequent, let alone daily, food in the average canine diet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Consult the veterinarian or nutritionist. Consulting a veterinarian before giving your dog avocado is always a good recommendation, but this is especially advisable in case the pet suffers from any health condition, or is still a puppy.<\/p>\n<p>Recommended: What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? Which ones are prohibited?<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Easy_recipe_meat_avocado_and_cheese_croquettes_for_dogs\"><\/span>Easy recipe: meat, avocado, and cheese croquettes for dogs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ingredients\"><\/span>Ingredients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>1 \u00bd cups lean ground beef<\/li>\n<li>\u00bc cup grated cheese (low fat)<\/li>\n<li>\u00bd small ripe avocado (without skin or seed)<\/li>\n<li>1 cup whole-grain oatmeal<\/li>\n<li>1 egg<\/li>\n<li>2\/3 cup of water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Instructions\"><\/span>Instructions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F (180\u00b0C).<\/li>\n<li>Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth and sticky.<\/li>\n<li>With the help of a spoon, take moderate portions of the dough and shape them into croquettes.<\/li>\n<li>Transfer them to a baking sheet, making sure to leave space between them.<\/li>\n<li>Bake the croquettes for 15 minutes or until they are golden on the outside. Remove them from the oven and let them cool. Once they are completely cool, store them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contraindications_and_side_effects_of_avocado_in_dogs\"><\/span>Contraindications and side effects of avocado in dogs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although it is unlikely that a dog&#8217;s life would be endangered by occasional and moderate consumption of avocado, there are several contraindications, risks, and adverse effects to be aware of.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Overweight<\/strong>. The pulp of ripe avocados is very rich in fat, so long-term inadequate intake can lead to nutritional imbalance and overweight. Small dogs and those that don&#8217;t get enough daily exercise to face a higher risk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pancreatitis<\/strong>. It is known that some sensitive dogs can develop pancreatitis after eating avocado, even if it has only been a small amount. This condition, characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, can be fatal. As a general rule, avocado is contraindicated (forbidden) in dogs that have already been diagnosed with the disease.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gastrointestinal irritation<\/strong>. Too large portions of avocado pulp could provide higher levels of persin than a dog can tolerate, hence stomach symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Persin poisoning<\/strong>. As we have mentioned throughout the article, avocados contain persin, a fungal toxin that can cause serious health <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/news\/scoop-avocado-and-your-pets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">problems<\/a>, and even death, in many animals. Although this toxin is present in all parts of the plant, the highest concentration is found in the leaves, skin, and stones of the fruit.<\/p>\n<p>As explained, dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals, but that does not mean they are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/toxicology\/food-hazards\/avocado\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">out of danger<\/a>. In the event of eating any of these parts high in persin, the pet may experience symptoms of toxicity, including vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage.<\/p>\n<p>It is not yet known exactly how much persin can be lethal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gastrointestinal obstruction<\/strong>. The pit or seed of the avocado is not only dangerous due to its toxic content, but also because it poses a high risk of gastrointestinal blockage. Its size and density mean that the dog cannot digest it, getting stuck in the intestines without being able to pass.<br \/>\nThe only treatment available in these cases is to remove the bone surgically.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Allergy<\/strong>. It is not common, but as with other fruits and vegetables, it can be the case that a dog is allergic to avocado. It is recommended to always start with a small amount and monitor your pet closely for signs of allergy.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Answers_to_Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_dogs_eat_guacamole\"><\/span>Can dogs eat guacamole?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In general, guacamole is not good for dogs, not only because it is more difficult to control the amount of avocado ingested, but also because it often contains salt, onion, garlic powder, and other ingredients not suitable for canine consumption. Specifically, garlic and onions can put a pet at risk of poisoning.<\/p>\n<p>It may interest you: <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/poisoning-in-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">9 Potential Poisons for Dogs &#8211; What Can Poison My Dog?<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_my_dog_eats_avocado_oil\"><\/span>What happens if my dog eats avocado oil?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Although ingestion of a significant amount can have adverse effects due to the high-fat content, the truth is that avocado oil does not contain persin and is not considered toxic to dogs. Eating food that contains avocado oil is not dangerous for them.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_commercial_avocado_dog_foods_safe\"><\/span>Are commercial avocado dog foods safe?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Yes<\/strong>. Currently, many dogs and cat food brands are including avocado oil and flour (dried and ground avocado pulp) as healthy ingredients in their products. As they do not contain a persin toxin, these foods are completely safe.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_part_of_avocados_is_most_dangerous_for_my_dog\"><\/span>What part of avocados is most dangerous for my dog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is said that the most dangerous part of the avocado is its seed or pit. In addition to having high concentrations of persin toxin and being more likely to cause poisoning symptoms, the bone poses a high risk of choking and intestinal obstruction in dogs.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thanks to its exquisite flavor and incredible health benefits, avocado has become a favorite in many cuisines around the world. However, when it comes to avocado and dogs, there is bound to be some confusion. On the one hand, there are sources that advise against giving it to the pet, and on the other, there [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/947"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=947"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/947\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":949,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/947\/revisions\/949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=947"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=947"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sweetdoggo.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=947"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}