Can Dogs Eat Avocados?

Are dogs allowed to eat avocado, or is the green fruit harmful to our four-legged friends?

For us humans, avocados have already been an absolute hit for several years due to their health benefits and specific flavor and aroma. But, the eating habits and especially the digestive system of our dogs differ from ours.

We explain to You what You need to know when dealing with dogs and avocados and whether they are suitable for dogs at all.

Published: February 10, 2022.

Can Dogs Have Avocados?

Dogs should not eat avocados, not because of the high-fat content of the fruit, which can be burned off by more intense physical activity, but because avocados contain the toxin (fungicide) "persin," which can damage the heart muscle of the animal and, and in the worst case, lead to death.

Generally, dogs are more resistant to persin than other pets and small animals, but why risk it? After all, the exact lethal amount of persin for dogs is not known, but it certainly varies depending on the dog's size, bread, eating habits, etc.

Persin is contained in small amounts in the fruit's flesh, with high amounts found in the fruit's pit.

However, swallowing an avocado pit can cause other issues for dogs, including an intestinal blockage - potential intestinal obstruction from an avocado pit is not something to ignore.

If you suspect your dog may have swallowed an avocado pit, You need to contact a veterinarian, explain what happened, and act according to their instructions.

Note: this is a serious warning. Even if You have a larger dog, for example, a Mastiff, contact the veterinarian if You suspect that your dog has swallowed an avocado pit.

Avocado Ingredients

Avocados are considered very healthy for humans since they are rich in essential fatty acids and contain numerous vitamins, minerals, fibers, etc., including 30% fat (healthy, unsaturated fatty acids), relatively high protein content, copper, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, etc.

What Amount of Avocados Is Deadly to Dogs?

Your dog took a bit of avocado from the table, and now you're worried about his health? That's good because you'd better not leave your avocado unattended - lesson learned.

Nevertheless, your dog can probably eat a small piece of avocado flesh without any worries, but this depends on the dog's size and can be highly individual.

However, be careful if the dog has chewed or eaten the whole fruit or even the pit of the avocado! If this is the case, you must immediately consult a veterinarian!

For short, keep your avocados out of your dog's reach - better safe than sorry!

Can Dogs Eat Guacamole?

No, guacamole is tasty to humans thanks to ingredients like garlic, onion, salt, and similar.

While salt is not healthy, some salt will not harm the dog. However, garlic and onion are dangerous to dogs.

For short, keep guacamole and other foods/meals containing similar ingredients away from your dog.

Can Dogs Safely Consume Avocado Oil?

Avocado oil doesn't contain persin, and thus, it is not toxic to dogs.

However, avocado oil is oil, after all, and as such, it may trigger pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.

Although avocado oil contains plenty of healthy fats, it is best not to give it to your dog.

Symptoms of Persin Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog has accidentally eaten a piece of avocado, watch him closely!

If he exhibits one or more of the following symptoms:

• Restlessness
• Convulsions
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Increased pulse
• Abdominal dropsy
• Disorientation
• Cough

after accidentally eating the avocado, be sure to consult a veterinarian! If unsure, also contact the veterinarian!

Note: Symptoms of poisoning usually appear within 24 hours of consumption.

Dog Has Eaten An Avocado - What Can I Do As First Aid?

Unfortunately, there's not much You can do as first aid other than contact a vet and hope your dog vomits on his own.

The vet will probably first give him what is called a vomit injection to force vomiting and observe the dog and the progression of the poisoning.

Further treatment will depend on the severity and progression of the poisoning.

To summarize for You: Keep the avocados away from your dog(s).

The persin contained in the avocado and especially in the avocado pit, can lead to symptoms of poisoning in your dog and cause serious heart muscle damage.

In the worst case, avocado poisoning will end in death for your dog!

So do not feed your dog avocado under any circumstances!