Dog Foods, Dog Health, Dog Questions, Dogs

Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

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It is often complicated to keep track of safe and unsafe foods for your dog. Plus, it’s hard to ignore your dog when he’s pawing at your knee, begging for a bite of your food. If you’ve ever thought, “Well, a small bite can’t hurt,” and then immediately panicked after sharing, you’re not alone. So, can dogs eat avocado? Is that avocado bacon sandwich safe to share? Or should you lock the door next time you feel like some creamy goodness? Let’s take a look.

 

What Exactly Is In An Avocado Comprised Of?

An avocado is botanically classified as a berry. Its large single seed, or “pit, ”earn it is placed in the berry family.

Avocados are rich in vitamins, namely vitamin C, K, E, and multiple B types. The berry also contains a plentiful amount of potassium. You can find different phytosterols as well as carotenoids in its flesh. Basically, for humans, these green “berries” are a nutritious jackpot.

The creaminess is thanks to the large amount of fat that avocados contain, with 75% comprising of various fats. The monounsaturated fat in the form of oleic acid takes the top spot with 67% of the total fat content. Other fats include palmitic acid and linoleic acid. Saturated fat makes up a surprising 14% of total fat.

 

Persin: Toxic or Not?

Avocado contains a slight amount of a toxin called persin. The less ripe the fruit, the higher the persin count.

Persin, while not harmful to humans, is known to be harmful to some large animals and birds. In fact, pet specialists and veterinary professionals warn that the ingestion of too much persin is deadly. And, this is especially true for specific bird species. Avocado poisoning is fatal for budgies, canaries, parrots, and parakeets. Even a small amount of the toxin will kill these small birds.

So, where does that leave us with dogs? Thankfully, they are in the green zone. Don’t worry, that’s not an avocado code -they’re safe. However, experts caution that certain Guatemalan varieties of avocado have a much higher persincount. And as we all know, you can never be too safe.

 

Effects of Persin on Dogs

The Pet Poison Hotline assures us that avocados are not toxic for dogs or cats. While persin can poison dogs, with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, it takes an enormous amount to do so.

A recent study conducted in 2012 by 10 specialists reached the same conclusion. The study, held over a period of 6 months, fed a de-fatted extract of the pit, skin, and flesh of avocado to 40 adult beagles.

The specialists overseeing the study applied three test control diets with varying amounts of the avocado extract included. At the end of the 6 month test period, the specialists found no anomalies or weakened health conditions in any of the test subjects.

 

Further Research On The Effects Of Avocados On Dogs

Avocados do not contain an amount of persin high enough to cause significant damage. However, some dogs may experience stomach troubles after ingestion. This is according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Dr. Tina Wismer, the medical director of the Animal Poison Control Center at ASPCA, says that it is no cause for alarm. Unlike other species which experience problems with their vital organs after persin ingestion, dogs are otherwise pretty resilient. This is due to a less complicated GI tract, Dr. Wismer explains.

VetVine Specialty-Consulting Services gives us a similar explanation. Sheri L. Berger, DVM, DACVO of VetVine, agree that avocados might cause stomach upset. However, she remarks that they are not toxic to dogs. In fact, their nutritional value makes them a great diet supplement—in small doses, of course. Berger warns that exaggerated portions of avocado may lead to obesity and pancreatitis.

Naturally, as the same can be said for any unbalanced, high-calorie diet.Dr. Steve Barghusen, D.V.M, of Minnesota-based Pet Crossing-Animal Hospital, advocates the use of avocado as a supplement.

This is in contrast to using it as the main part of your dog’s diet. Dr. Susan Wynn, DVM, CVA, agrees. She advises dog owners to consider slices of avocado a side treat, offered in small doses to their pet.

Most experts agree that the flesh itself is safe in small, measured amounts. But where does that leave us with the rest of the fruit?

 

Large Seed: Choking Hazard?

As we’ve already discussed, the low persin levels of the avocado’s flesh make it officially safe for dogs to eat. However, there is one thing to look out for. The single seed can be a potential choking hazard.

This is primarily due to its size. If you wish to feed your dog avocado, it is best to do so in small, chopped up pieces. Specialists warn that letting your dog eat a whole avocado may lead to accidental inhalation or ingestion of the seed.

Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinary professional with Wellness Natural Pet Food, is adamant that you should not leave your dog alone with a whole avocado. Dog owners should closely monitor their dog if they suspect their pet has swallowed an entire pit or even shards. Anything that’s too hard to chew can be a potential choking hazard.

The skin and leaves of the avocado contain higher levels of persin than the flesh. Your dog may show an aversion or adverse reaction to the flesh of an avocado. If this happens, their tolerance for other parts of the fruit will be even lower. Speak with your veterinarian about possible allergies or stomach issues if you have concerns.

 

If Avocados Are Safe, Are They Also Good For Your Dog?

Experts say yes, in measured amounts. Of course, there are the apparent benefits of the many vitamins it contains. Also, the additional fatty acids can aid your dog’s body in the growth of healthy, shiny fur.

Avocados are also rich in antioxidants, which are suitable for the brain. The New-York Academy of Sciences carried out a recent study on aging dogs. In the study, the institute notes that it is very beneficial to add antioxidants to a diet.

The introduction of antioxidants can help improve cognition and reduce brain pathology in your dog. It’s even better if you add behavioral enrichments such as social training and change of environment to the package.

The California Avocado Commission gives avocados a thumbs-up for dogs, as well. Dr, Guy Whitney reports that dogs belonging to families in the avocado industry are perfectly happy and healthy.

He goes as far as to claim that every dog he’s seen on an avocado orchard has had a shiny coat. According to him, such dogs look well-fed, and above all, look happy and healthy. We’ll take your word for it, Dr. Whitney.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, avocados are safe to eat, for both humans and dogs. No need to panic (much) when your dog jumps up and grabs your guacamole-smothered taco out of your hand. Your only concern is how much you feed him.

 

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