For decades, avocado has been considered toxic to dogs and many veterinarians and animal associations have recommended dog parents avoid it completely.
However, a 2012 study proves that avocado toxicity to dogs is a myth, and that people can safely feed avocado flesh to their dogs as an occasional treat.
The amount of persin, a natural fungicide, found in avocado flesh is harmless to dogs; however, it is the leaves, pits and bark that can cause problems if ingested.
So, avocado is on the list of safe fruit for dogs? Keep reading to learn more about how to feed avocado to your dog and why avocado leaves, pits, and skins should not be given to dogs.
IIs avocado good for dogs?
Yes but only avocado pulp is safe to feed to dogs.
The avocado and fruit tree contains butt, a natural fungicide that can be toxic to dogs. However, the highest concentration of persin is found in non-edible parts such as avocado leaves, skin, and pit, and very little in the flesh of the avocado.
That said, you can give your dog avocado and share the healthy benefits of this nutritious superfood, but make sure you only feed the flesh of the avocado without the skin.
My Pax the dog is crazy about avocados and interestingly, he knows what’s good for him. When he sees an avocado that has fallen from a tree, he carefully eats the inside and leaves the skin and pit behind.
Here’s a little video of him enjoying his favorite fruit:
Hhealth benefits of avocado for dogs
If you look at the nutritional profile of the avocado, it’s no surprise that it has become one of the most popular additions to our diets and why it would make a great snack for our dogs, too.
Unlike fruits like strawberrieswhich is often sprayed with high amounts of pesticides, the avocado is at the top of Clean 15 listwhich contains fruits with the lowest pesticides in the world.
Avocados are consists of 70% oleic acid, a essential fatty acids that support the cardiovascular system and the heart, help reduce bad cholesterol in the blood, increase the absorption of carotenoids and reduce inflammation.
But that’s not all — aside from healthy fats, avocados also contain high amounts of important nutrients such as:
Potassium: maintains healthy muscle and heart contractions, supports optimal nerve function, and balances electrolytes.
FIY, avocados are a better source of potassium and have less sugar per serving than bananaanother healthy snack you can add to your dog’s diet.
Vitamin B9 (Folate): regulates metabolic processes such as red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and repair, cell division and tissue growth
Vitamin B6: supports healthy nervous and cardiovascular function and regulates hormones
Carotenoids (a-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene): has a strong natural antioxidant effect, promotes optimal eye and joint health
fiber: supports the growth of good bacteria in the gut and improves digestive health
How to safely feed your dog avocado
Feeding avocado to your dog is like feeding it to a child. Remove the skin and first dig and cut the flesh into small cubes or slices. There are some exceptions, like my dog Pax, who never eats skin and pit, but I suggest you don’t eat the whole avocado.
You can also mash up some avocado and spread it on a mat or put the mixture inside a Kong Toy to make your dog’s snack time more entertaining.
Feed avocado in moderation as you would any other fruit or vegetable you add to your dog’s diet. Remember: no matter how healthy food is, too much of anything good can have the opposite effect.
Hhow many avocados can a dog have?
Depending on the size of your dog, the amount of avocado your dog can eat will vary but you will do the same way as you eat avocados.
If you want to add more vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients to your dog’s diet, foods like fruits or vegetables are not enough mainly due to soil and nutrient depletion.
Natural nutritional supplements for dogs can help cover all of your dog’s nutritional needs and treat deficiencies to prevent premature aging and health issues.
If you don’t know where to start, you can try Healthy Dog Tool and take a free personalized supplement plan with recommendations and dosages.
what are the dangers of dogs eating avocados?
Avocado pits represent a serious choking and gastrointestinal obstruction risk for dogs. If digested, the pit can get stuck in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and has to be surgically removed. If your dog is eating avocado pit, please refer to this article on how to avoid surgery if your dog swallows a foreign object.
As mentioned above, avocado leaves and skin contain high amounts of persin and can lead to diarrhea and vomiting in dogs if accidentally eaten.
Some dog parents may also be concerned about the risk of pancreatitis when feeding avocados. While avocados contain large amounts of healthy fats, they also contain lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat.
In fact, a diet high in carbohydrates and grains is more likely to cause pancreatitis in dogs than a high fat diet. That is why pancreatitis is more prevalent in dogs fed a kibble diet.
Iinteresting avocado facts you did‘I do not know
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Ancient superfoods: Avocados have been around for thousands of years and were a staple food of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, dating back to 500 BC These civilizations considered avocados a symbol of love and fertility because the fruit grows in pairs.
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name origin: The word avocado comes from the Aztec word “ahuincat,” which was changed to “aguacate” and “palta” by the Spanish conquistador and chronicler, Pedro de Cieza de Leon, who wrote about Peru between 1532 and 1550.
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Historical trade routes: Spanish conquistadors were responsible for bringing avocados to Europe in the 16th century. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that avocados began to gain popularity outside of Central and South America.
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The Hass variety: The most famous avocado variety, the Hass, was discovered by chance by Rudolph Hass, a postman from California, in the 1920s. He patented the variety in 1935, revolutionizing the avocado industry for decades to come.
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Day of celebration: National Avocado Day is celebrated on July 31st in the US and highlights the growing popularity of the fruit and its impact on international food culture.
Ca dog eats avocados – FAQ
● IIs avocado safe for dogs to eat?
Yes, you can safely feed your dog avocado, but only the flesh. Always remove the skin and pit as they contain high levels of persin, a toxin that causes serious gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
● Hhow many avocados can a dog eat?
Depending on the size of your dog, the amount of avocado your dog can eat will vary but it’s best to follow the same approach as eating avocados. I do nott recommend feeding avocados every day and this should not exceed 10-15% of the total cost of food.
● wwill a small piece of avocado hurt my dog?
No, giving your dog a small piece of avocado will not cause any side effects. Many dogs love the taste and texture of avocado, and this fruit can help keep their skin, coat and heart healthy.
● IIs avocado poisonous to dogs?
Avocado skin, leaves, and pits contain high amounts of persin, which can be toxic to dogs and cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. However, avocado flesh is safe for dogs and has several health benefits, including optimal heart and brain function, healthy skin and coat, and better digestion.
● wWhat happens if my dog eats an avocado?
If your dog steals a few slices of avocado from your plate without you noticing, you should not worry, because avocado is rich in healthy fats and fibers that help their skin, skin and gut health . However, eating too many avocados at once can cause diarrhea in some dogs.
● Ca dog eats guacamole?
You can offer your dog some guacamole if it doesn’t have onions or hot peppers. A small amount of garlic is also safe. However, if you want to feed your dog avocado, the plain fruit is the best choice.
● Cdoes the dog have avocado oil?
Yes, avocado oil is safe for dogs in moderation. If you feed your dog cooked foods, you can use avocado oil as an alternative to olive or coconut oil.