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Pawrennial

Can dogs eat avocado?

Only with care.

Dogs are much less sensitive to avocado than birds, rabbits, and horses, so a little ripe flesh is unlikely to poison them. The bigger risks are the pit, which can get stuck in the gut, and the high fat, which can cause stomach upset. It's best not to share.

Is avocado poisonous to dogs?

Avocado contains a substance called persin. It's seriously toxic to pet birds, rabbits, horses, goats, and sheep, which is why avocado often appears on lists of foods pets shouldn't eat.

Dogs seem relatively resistant to persin, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Problems in dogs are rare, though there is a single report of heart damage in two dogs after eating avocado. The leaves, bark, and skin contain more persin than the flesh.

The pit: a choking and blockage risk

The large, hard pit is the main danger for dogs. If swallowed, it can get stuck in the throat, stomach, or intestines and may need surgery to remove. Dogs often steal avocados from counters or trash bins, so dispose of pits where your dog can't reach them.

Call your vet straight away if your dog swallowed a pit, or shows signs of a blockage:

  • Repeated vomiting, or trying to vomit without bringing anything up
  • Not eating, or seeming tired and uncomfortable
  • A painful or swollen belly
  • Straining to poop, or no poop

Too much fat

Avocado is rich in fat. A large amount can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis (a painful inflamed pancreas) in some dogs. Guacamole is a bigger problem: it usually contains onion and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.

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Frequently asked questions

My dog ate some avocado. Should I worry?

A small amount of ripe avocado flesh usually causes no problems, or at most a mild upset stomach. Call your vet if your dog ate the pit, a lot of avocado, guacamole, or leaves or skin, or if they start vomiting or seem unwell.

Can dogs eat guacamole?

No. Guacamole usually contains onion and garlic, which damage dogs' red blood cells, plus salt and sometimes chili. If your dog ate some, call your vet for advice.

Why do some dog foods contain avocado?

Some commercial dog foods use avocado oil or avocado meal made from the flesh, which is considered safe in those amounts. That's different from a dog chewing a whole avocado with its pit and skin.

Is avocado dangerous for other pets?

Yes. Avocado is seriously toxic to pet birds, rabbits, horses, and livestock such as goats and sheep. Keep it well away from them.

Sources

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