Can Dogs Eat Avocado? The Truth About This Popular Superfood

Can dogs eat avocado? This seems like an easy question to answer, but there’s actually more to it than you might think! Avocado has gained popularity as a health food over the last few years, but just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean that dogs can eat avocado. Here’s what you need to know about this delicious (but dangerous) food item and your dog’s diet.

What Is Avocado Anyway?

Technically speaking, avocado is a fruit. And, like all fruits, avocados are high in sugar and low in protein—the two nutrients that dogs need most. Plus, too much avocado can cause your dog to develop diarrhea and/or experience vomiting and stomach pain. Because of these side effects, dogs should never eat avocado without approval from a veterinarian. Always check with your vet before giving any food to your pet that isn’t specifically made for dogs or cats.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Avocado

It may look like a delicious treat, but avocado is not safe for dogs. In fact, eating avocado can be quite dangerous for your dog, so you should definitely keep it out of their reach. Avocados are toxic to both cats and dogs because they contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. They also may cause an obstruction in your pet’s stomach or intestines if consumed in large amounts.

Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Avocado?

Though avocados are incredibly healthy, these delicious fruits can cause problems for dogs. Always check with your vet before giving your dog avocado, as it can be toxic in large quantities or in certain combinations with other foods. First, let’s talk about why dogs can’t eat avocado at all… and then we’ll get into how much avocado is too much and which specific types of avocados you should avoid feeding to your pup. Let’s start by talking about two compounds found in avocados that make them dangerous for dogs: Persin and Bitter Toxin. Both of these substances act as poisons in dogs. Persin causes respiratory distress and heart issues; bitter toxin causes vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death. While persin is only present in unripe avocados (the kind that humans usually consume), the bitter toxin is present in both ripe and unripe fruit. If your dog eats an entire avocado—or multiple pieces—it could die from poisoning.

Allergies And Other Issues To Watch Out For

While avocado can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, there are some potential side effects you should be aware of. Be sure to talk with your vet about any allergies or other health issues before introducing avocado into your pet’s diet. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, never give it avocado—it may create abdominal pain and diarrhea, which will make your dog miserable!