Avocados are the talk of the town lately, haven't they? Whether they are served in a dish like guacamole, smashed, or smooth-ied, this fruit (yes, it's actually a fruit, not a vegetable) has been become a human dietary staple - and for good reason, because avocados have about as many health benefits as there are ways to prepare them.
But what about our furry friends? As a pet owner, you've probably wondered if you can share your love for avocados with your dog. Let's dive into the world of avocados and dogs to see what's safe and what's not.
The Good, the Bad, and the Avocado
The Nutritional Powerhouse
First off, let's talk about why avocados are so adored by us humans. They're packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Avocados contain:
- Monounsaturated Fats: Good for heart health and reducing bad cholesterol levels.
- Vitamins E, C, and B-6: Boosts immune function and skin health.
- Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Sounds great, right? But hold on—just because it's good for humans doesn't mean it's automatically good for dogs.
The Perilous Persin
If we were sum up the risks of avocado into one word, well, it would be persin. It even sounds bad, doesn't it? Well, it is. Persin is a fungicide that is used on avocados and other produce, and it can be toxic for animals, not just dogs. The slight silver lining it that persin less toxic for dogs than it is other animals (persin poisoning in dogs is rare), but it is still something you want to limit exposure to, and be aware of (by limiting their consumption and keeping an eye out for negative reactions).
Is Avocado Safe for Dogs?
The Flesh
The flesh of an avocado (which is the part you and I have eaten) is also the safest of a dog to eat. Not only is it low in the fungicide persin, but it also packed with healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. So, if you are motivated to and are a good sharer, this is the part of the avocado you can give your dog - again, in small amounts, and only occasionally.
The Pit
The pit is something you should absolutely avoid giving to your dog. Because it is is so hard and a perfect size for them to put in their mouths, it is a serious choking hazard. To make matters worse, it can also contain high levels of persin. So avoid the pits!
The Skin
As you may have imagined, persin can be in the highest quantities on the exterior of the avocado (a.k.a. the skin). If dogs consume too much skin and therefore too much persin, they could experience anything from an upset stomach to diarrhea and vomiting.
What About Avocado Oil?
Now, let's move on to avocado oil. This increasingly popular oil is derived from the flesh of the avocado and is used for cooking, skincare, and even as a dietary supplement.
The Pros
Avocado oil does retain many of the nutrients found in the avocado flesh. It's rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that’s excellent for heart health. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E, which supports skin and coat health in dogs.
The Cons
Despite its benefits, there are a few things to consider before you start drizzling it over your dog’s kibble:
- Caloric Content: Avocado oil is calorie-dense. Even small amounts can add up quickly, contributing to weight gain if not monitored.
- Digestive Issues: Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and might experience diarrhea or upset stomach after consuming avocado oil, especially if introduced suddenly and in large quantities.
If you are looking to give your dog more healthy fats, salmon oil or cod liver oil are safer than avocado oil.
How to Safely Introduce Avocado and Avocado Oil to Your Dog
If you’ve decided to let your dog sample a bit of avocado or avocado oil, here are some guidelines to ensure it’s done safely:
Start Small
Introduce avocado or avocado oil slowly and in small amounts. Monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions. If your dog shows any adverse signs, discontinue immediately.
Avoid the Bad Parts
Always remove the pit and skin of the avocado before offering any to your dog. Stick to the flesh and ensure it’s given in moderation.
Use Oil Sparingly
If you’re opting for avocado oil, a small amount goes a long way. Consider adding a few drops to your dog’s food rather than a full teaspoon. Observe your dog’s reaction before making it a regular addition to their diet.
The Bottom Line
So, can dogs have avocado or avocado oil? The answer is yes, but with caution. The flesh of the avocado and avocado oil can provide some health benefits when given sparingly and responsibly. However, the pit and skin should be avoided due to their persin content and potential for causing digestive issues or obstructions.
As always, if you’re unsure or have concerns about introducing new foods into your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian. Every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever given your dog avocado or avocado oil? What was their reaction? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s keep our furry friends happy and healthy together!
And there you have it—everything you need to know about dogs and avocados. Remember, moderation is key, and always keep an eye out for those pits! Happy snacking, both for you and your four-legged buddy.
FAQ
What Happens If My Dog Eats Avocado?
So what happens if your dog eats avocado and what exactly should you do? Well, in most cases your dog will be fine and nothing will happen. Most dogs will be absolutely fine if they have a little avocado. However, if your dog consumes a lot of avocado, or even worse - guacamole, you should monitor them for any GI distress, and call your vet immediately.
How Much Avocado Can I Give My Dog?
Moderation is key: while there is no definitive answer to this question, the general guidance is less is better. And the smaller the dog you have, the smaller the chunks of avocado you'll want to give them.
Can Dogs Have Guacamole?
We don't know about you but guacamole is our favorite dip. Like, ever. The blend of a creamy avocado, the tang of a lime and the combination of spices and salt just does it for us. If it is not your thing, fine, we forgive you, but you may still be wondering if guac is something your dog can have.
The short and clear answer on this one is NO, dogs cannot have guacamole. Guacamole typically contains onions and garlic, both of which can be toxic for dogs.
Should your dog show signs of an upset stomach or any adverse effects, it may be wise to part ways with this green delight. In the whimsical tapestry of canine cuisine, a little avocado, carefully given, can be a cherished addition to your pet’s diet without casting a shadow on their well-being.
Research
1) Dainton AN, He F, Bingham TW, Sarlah D, Detweiler KB, Mangian HJ, de Godoy MRC. Nutritional and physico-chemical implications of avocado meal as a novel dietary fiber source in an extruded canine diet. J Anim Sci. 2022 Feb 1;100(2):skac026. doi: 10.1093/jas/skac026. PMID: 35148409; PMCID: PMC8835640.
