So, can dogs eat Avocado? Avocados are said to be a healthy and tasty snack for people, but can dog eat them? Yes and no is the answer. Avocados have a toxin namely persin, which kills fungi and can make animals sick or even kill them. Experts say that dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals. But that doesn’t mean your dog can eat avocados without risk.
Persin is in avocado fruit, pits, leaves, and the plant itself. This means that all of these parts could be harmful to your dog. No one knows how much persin can kill someone. Large amounts can make you throw up, have diarrhoea, and hurt your heart muscle.
If your pet dog eats too much avocado flesh, the high-fat content can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis. Since avocado flesh is also high in calories, it can also cause the dog to gain weight. The stone in the middle of the fruit is also a worry because it could cause someone to choke.
Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
This is a tricky question, but the best answer is that you shouldn’t give your dog avocado. We recommend being careful because avocados have Persin, which is a toxin that kills fungi.
It may cause serious health problems and, in the worst cases, death in cows and horses. Dogs can handle Persin better than most other animals, but too much of it can still hurt their health.
Most of the persin is in the leaves and bark of the avocado plant, as well as in the pits and skin of the fruit. Less persin is in the flesh of the Avocado, though. Taking this into account, all parts of an avocado could be dangerous. The amount of Persin is also higher in fruit that is raw yet.
So, can dogs have avacado? Even though dogs aren’t likely to get sick from Persin, it’s still best to avoid the risk. Since avocados can also cause other problems, like stomach upsets, we recommend that you don’t give them to your dog at all and instead give them safer fruits that don’t have these health risks.
Related: CAN DOGS EAT APPLESAUCE?
What Happens If My Dog Eats Avocado?
So, can dogs eat avacado? Most likely, small amounts of avocado flesh won’t cause any problems. When it comes to toxicity, the flesh is the part with the least amount of Persin. But eating a lot of avocados over a long time is riskier, and two dogs were reported to have heart failure after eating a lot of avocados for a long time.
If your dog eats a lot of Avocado at once, it is more likely that they will get sick and throw up or have diarrhoea because avocados are high in fat, which can cause stomach problems. Dogs eating a lot of high-fat foods can also get pancreatitis, a very serious disease.
Also, the pit or stone of an avocado can be a choking hazard or cause a blockage in the stomach, so make sure your dog can’t get its paws on it. If you grow avocado plants in your home or garden, keep them out of reach of cats and dogs.
So, if your dog ate an avocado, watch for any signs of illness or changes. If you see something that seems strange, you should take your dog to the vet.
What About Dog Foods That Contain Avocado?
So, can dogs eat avacados? Avocado is only good for dogs when it is in commercial dog food that is balanced. Most of the time, these products will have avocado oil or avocado meal, which you dry and ground avocado flesh.
Both of these ingredients don’t have a lot of Persin, so it’s safe for your dog to eat them in the amounts they are in the dog food. In fact, these avocado products can be a good source of vitamins A, B6, C, and E. They can also be a good source of fibre, which is good for digestive health, and fatty acids, which are important for the coat and skin condition.
Now you know the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat avocado?” Even though your dog can’t eat guacamole or a slice of Avocado on toast, it can still eat a lot of other safe human foods.
FAQs: Can Dog Eat Avocado?
Are Avocado Safe For Dogs?
This is a tricky question, but the best answer is that you shouldn’t give your dog avocado. We recommend being careful because avocados have Persin, which is a toxin that kills fungi. It is known to cause serious health problems and, in the worst cases, death in cows and horses.
How Much Avocado Can A Dog Eat?
Two or three small pieces of Avocado are plenty to give your dog a tasty treat without putting their health at risk. Remember to cut the avocado flesh into small, easy-to-swallow pieces so that your dog doesn’t choke on it.
Will A Small Piece Of Avocado Hurt My Dog?
Avocados are never safe for dogs to eat. This is because they have a poison in them namely persin, which is very bad for dogs. It can cause fluid to build up in their lungs and chest, which can make it hard for them to breathe, cut off their oxygen supply, and even kill them.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.