Can dogs eat avocado?:- Feeding dogs should be the main concern of any responsible owner. Because of a nutrient-poor diet, a chaotic and unhealthy diet will eventually send you and your four-legged friend to the vet.
Dogs are part of the carnivorous animal species, and their diet is largely based on protein.
However, the dog is not an exclusive carnivore, and its body is able to use nutrients taken from other foods, except meat. We could say, without mistake, that this animal is rather omnivorous.
Thus, the healthy and balanced diet of your pet (we are talking about a dog that does not suffer from any disease) should not be missing, first of all, animal protein, and then vegetables, cereals, and even fruits.
Dry food will provide the dog with all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs for an active and healthy life.
- Feeding small dogs
- Feeding large dogs
- Feeding Pregnant and Lactating dogs
- How much food does the dog need?
- Consider Dog age, dog size when choosing dog food
- Types of dog food
- Frequency of dog feeding
- Dietary Supplements and Reward
- How about avocado, can I feed avocado to my dog?
- What’s the persin in Avocados?
- What does a persin do in dogs?
- The benefits of avocado for dogs
- 1. High in fat, but healthy
- 2. Rich in antioxidants
- 3. Excellent for the skin
- 4. Good for the heart
- 5. Stronger muscles
- 6. Fiber for digestion
- 7. Good vision
- 8. Better nutrient absorption
- Avocados can be bad for your dog, why?
- A few opinions on the danger of avocado for dogs
- Should You Feed Your Dog Avocado?
- How to give avocado to the dog?
- How many avocados can you feed your dog?
- Precautions to take while feeding avocado to your dog
- 1. Avoid the stems, leaves, bones (seed), skin and bark of the tree
- 2. Keep the portion size small
- 3. Just give your dog the fruit itself
- 4. Just give your dog avocado
- 5. Pay attention
- What is the lethal dose of avocado for dogs?
- Avocado poisoning symptoms in dogs
- 1. Diarrhea/vomiting, breathing difficulty/convulsions when severe
- 2. Food allergic reaction
- 3. Accidental ingestion of seed
- Diagnosis of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
- First aid if the dog has eaten avocado
- Treatment of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
- Recovery of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
- Can You feed other avocado products to your dog?
- 1. Can we feed Avocado oil to our dogs?
- 2. Can we feed Guacamole to our dog?
- 3. Can dogs drink avocado milk?
- 4. Can a dog eat Dog food containing avocado?
- 5. Can a dog eat avocado for an upset stomach?
- 6. Can dogs eat baked avocado?
- 7. Can dogs eat boiled avocado?
- 8. Can dogs eat avocado ice cream?
- 9. Can dogs with cancer eat avocado?
- 10. Can dogs eat dried avocado?
- 11. Can dogs eat fried avocado?
- 12. Can my dog eat avocado peel?
- 13. Can dogs eat avocado sushi?
- 14. Can dogs eat avocado toast?
- 15. Can dogs die after eating avocado?
- 16. Can dogs eat avocado seed?
- 17. Can dogs eat avocado leaves?
- 18. Can a dog eat Australian avocado?
- 19. Can dogs eat lettuce and avocado?
- Conclusion [Can Dogs Eat Avocado]
Feeding small dogs
Small dogs need more calories/kg than medium or large dogs. And that’s because their metabolism is faster and therefore they consume their energy much faster.
However, because they are small, they cannot eat a very large amount at once, an amount that will ensure their daily needs. So these dogs need more meals a day than larger breeds, and their diet needs to be high in fat and protein to give them the energy they need.
Small dogs have small mouths and small teeth. So it is recommended to look for smaller dry food. Another aspect to keep in mind: small dogs live longer than medium or large dogs so they need a diet rich in antioxidants.
They prevent the harmful action of free radicals, which are guilty of triggering many diseases. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables.
Feeding large dogs
Specialists recommend a lot of attention when choosing food for large dogs. According to studies, they need a carefully selected diet, perfectly adapted to body size, but also lifestyle.
For example, a large dog that lives in a block of flats will need a smaller amount of food than another that is raised in the yard and has daily movement.
The latter consumes a lot of energy, therefore the diet must be adequate and appropriate. It should be noted that a large dog has a digestive tract twice as small as a small dog.
For this reason, it is recommended that the quadruped be fed twice a day and the portions are not very large.
Feeding Pregnant and Lactating dogs
If the female dog is in good condition at mating, she will not need any food supplement during the first 3 weeks of pregnancy. During the second 3 weeks, she has 15% of her extra needs, but in the last 3 weeks, she can have up to 50%.
This means she can eat one and a half times what she ate before mating. During breastfeeding, the nutrient requirements of mothers increase dramatically, it can increase 3-6 times the original. If large litters are breastfed, the pups should be fed from 3 weeks of age.
How much food does the dog need?
A small adult dog needs a larger amount of food because its body consumes energy very quickly. In contrast, a medium or large pet will need portioned food.
He should not be allowed to eat as much as he wants because he has a relatively low digestive capacity that predisposes him to certain diseases, there is even a risk of intestinal obstruction.
Consider Dog age, dog size when choosing dog food
Nutrient requirements are also greatly influenced by the age of the dog and the size of the dog. The size of the dog and the age of the dog are decisive factors in finding the right dog food.
Think about it: a young dachshund has completely different needs than an old German shepherd. It is a basic truth that the nutritional needs of a puppy are quite different from those of an adult dog.
A lot of minerals need to be provided for the puppy to grow. It is also worth noting that as an adult, a large-bodied dog suddenly starts growing at a young age.
In order not to cause health problems in the future, for example in the bones, you need to get the right amount and composition of the food.
Types of dog food
It has been revealed above how many different foods our dog can get, but let’s see what an owner can buy, what options he has if he wants to choose dog food. But before we dive into the world of dog food, we want to draw attention to one thing.
It is always a good idea to read the nutrient table carefully on the boxes of the various dog foods available in stores. This shows what a particular dog food actually contains.
Unfortunately, in many cases, there are things that are not good for the health of the dogs at all. There are basically five types of dog food:
1. Dry food
The biggest advantage of dry food is that it has a beneficial effect on dogs’ teeth due to its texture. While consuming dry food, plaque, that adheres to the surface of the teeth is practically abraded by chewing.
Why is this important? Because tartar is responsible for the formation of tartar. If you go into a store or are just browsing the internet, you will come across a plethora of dry foods.
The question rightly arises: what kind of dry food should I take? The composition and nutrient content of dry foods are very different and, accordingly, there is a huge variation in prices. So it doesn’t matter what kind of dry food you choose.
Dry feed composition
The price largely determines the quality of dry food composition. Cheap dog food, usually found on the shelves of grocery stores, is one extreme. And the more expensive premium feeds, which are typically available in specialized stores and web stores, provide the other side.
Inexpensive dry foods are usually full of all kinds of artificial flavor enhancers, dyes, and additives.
These substances are not good for our dog at all, they can even trigger an allergic reaction in our little pet. And that’s just one side of the coin. The nutritional value of dry foods containing such contents is also low.
Premium foods have a much better nutritional value. They contain the nutrients needed for the dog to develop. The quality is, of course, reflected in the price, they are typically much more expensive than the shoddy dog food discussed earlier.
2. Canned food, moist foods
Dogs are happy to eat moist foods due to their texture. Basically, the high water content gives the wet texture, so of course, their nutrient content is also lower than that of a premium dry food.
This is basically not a problem yet, you just need to be aware of this. And supplement it with other foods if needed to provide your dog with daily nutrient needs. As with dry foods, it is true of canned foods that there are both poor and premium ones.
Therefore, it is important to choose carefully between different brands here as well. You can also find sugar and various additives in the ingredients of poor quality wet foods, which is not good for your dog’s body at all. And then on the other side, there are premium quality products that contain up to 100% meat.
However, the price of these cans is already significantly higher than that of their lower quality counterparts.
3. Homemade food
Indeed, if we look back a few decades, pets did not receive dry food or canned food from their owner. People fed their dogs’ homemade food. Food leftover from households was given so that nothing would end up in the trash.
But let’s not forget that man and dog have different nutritional needs. There can also be a huge difference between two homemade meals. Even if you give a large portion of the remnants of a meal, its nutrient content is far from certain to cover your dog’s needs.
Read Also: Can Dogs Eat Popcorn? I’m Sure, You’ll Be Amazed After Knowing The Answer
However, homemade food can be more than just leftovers. Many are specifically for the dog as a separate cooking pot. A new healthy form of homemade food for your dog should be freshly prepared, dog-designed food made only from natural ingredients.
4. Freshly prepared dog food
These premium quality dog foods meet the needs of your dog to the maximum in every way. Like you, your dog deserves to be fed a good quality, healthy food.
However, industrially produced dog food cannot always provide this. Freshly made pet dog food is made from a reliable source, natural and even suitable for human consumption.
Thanks to fresh cooking, they retain useful nutrients and vitamins compared to other dog foods. They contain neither preservatives nor flavor enhancers. Freshly prepared dog food has a good effect on the dog’s health and well-being. Such as
- vitality increases.
- hair will be prettier and brighter.
- previous allergic symptoms may be reduced or even completely eliminated.
- Maintains the optimal weight of the dog, protects against obesity.
- It increases the life expectancy of the dog
5. Special foods
Special diets are fundamentally different in composition from traditional dog food. They are adapted to the different life situations, breeds, and characteristics of dogs, ie they satisfy some special needs. For example:
- for elderly dogs,
- for dogs with various diseases (liver disease, heart disease, etc.)
- for dogs with allergies,
- pregnant, lactating dogs,
- for dogs recovering from surgery.
In fact, the range of special foods is very wide. You can even buy food according to the breed of dog.
Frequency of dog feeding
Once you have decided what to feed your dog, the question immediately arises as to how often to feed a dog?
- At a young age, it is recommended to feed three meals a day until your dog is about half a year old. Adults, on the other hand, do not need such frequent meals, this number can be safely reduced. And you should feed your dogs once or twice a day. Veterinarians prefer the latter, twice a day meal.
- When feeding your dog, determine the dose according to whether you give him food once or twice a day. In this case, you may want to follow the dog food manufacturer’s recommendation and read the nutrition table on the dog food. It’s not good to keep your dog hungry, but it’s not good to feed him too much.
- And don’t forget an important golden rule: after feeding, always let the dog rest and by no means take it for a walk right after a meal or don’t want to play with it then.
Dietary Supplements and Reward
Snacks Vitamins and mineral supplements are generally not needed when feeding factory foods.
These are recommended by veterinarians only for the treatment or prevention of certain specific diseases, and for no reason, it is not worth feeding such a thing. They are usually harmless unless they are overdosed.
Feeding reward snacks, on the other hand, is mostly harmful. They do not contain useful substances and are very fattening.
This does not mean that the dog should never be given a bite of reward, but it is recommended to choose it well and reward the dog with them in a subordinate, restrained manner.
Raw carrots are mostly recommended for this purpose, as well as reward snacks that are low in calories and have some other health benefits, e.g. they clean their teeth.
How about avocado, can I feed avocado to my dog?
Usually, fruit and vegetables are foods appreciated by dogs especially in summer.
Of course, not all vegetables are suitable for canine feeding and it is essential to know what types of fruit are allowed and those prohibited for our four-legged friend.
But in particular, what can be said about avocado in the dog’s diet? Is this exotic fruit increasingly popular in our kitchens suitable or not for canine feeding?
Avocados contain what some call good fat, which can help lower cholesterol, although too many good things are never good.
Dogs that consume too much fat may develop pancreatitis, although exposure to many avocados is likely to be a problem. Still, some dogs have diseases that require a low-fat diet, and some dogs can have gastrointestinal nervousness, vomiting, or diarrhea if they consume too much avocado.
This exotic fruit used mainly for the preparation of savory dishes contains a toxin called persin, which can actually cause mild poisoning in the dog. However, this toxin is essentially found in the peel and seeds of avocado, while in the pulpit is absent.
To give the dog avocado without problems or dangers, therefore, just deprive it of the peel and the seed.
If the dog inadvertently ingests avocado seeds or peel, it could show the classic symptoms of poisoning, namely diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and killing. In this case, take your four-legged friend to the vet immediately.
So in short, yes you can feed avocado but just its pulp. Avoid the skin and seed of the avocado feeding to your dog.
Also, the leaves and stems of avocado plants consist of the poison persin therefore, these parts of avocado plants are also harmful to dogs.
What’s the persin in Avocados?
Persin is a so-called fatty acid derivative, which is contained in the leaves of the avocado and also in the skin and the fruit kernel. The flesh of the avocado contains only minor traces of the toxin.
It is safe for humans in small quantities and avocado core powder has recently been increasingly touted as a new superfood. However, medical studies on this do not yet exist.
What does a persin do in dogs?
If the dog has accidentally eaten avocados, symptoms of intoxication usually appear within 24 hours. These become noticeable through shortness of breath, coughing, and an increased pulse.
Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur. The dog can also suffer from water retention and may start to cramp. At the first signs, a veterinarian should be consulted.
The avocado core contains not only persin, which is dangerous. If the core is swallowed whole, intestinal obstruction can also occur.
The benefits of avocado for dogs
The avocado pulp, therefore, is not at all dangerous for the dog but on the contrary, it is a food rich in substances and beneficial properties.
It is an excellent source of healthy fats, potassium, vitamins, and folic acid, this fruit boasts a series of very useful benefits for canine health.
1. High in fat, but healthy
As we have seen, avocado has a high percentage of calories, most of which consist of healthy fats. In summary, there are two main types of fat: good fats and bad fats.
The former refers to so-called saturated fats (also called trans fats), which increase the percentage of bad cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease, obesity, or diabetes.
The second, however, are unsaturated fats, free of cholesterol and essential for correctly absorbing vitamins. In addition, good or healthy fats bring a lot of energy, are a fundamental part of the nervous tissues, and help balance cholesterol levels, contributing to the maintenance of cardiovascular health.
Inside the unsaturated, or good, fats, we can distinguish two main groups: the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are divided into omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
The avocado contains them both and, consequently, offers the dog that consumes it the benefits we talked about and it helps keep the coat healthy, soft, and shiny.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Thanks to the vitamins it contains, avocado is a food characterized by powerful antioxidant properties that help the dog to prevent early cellular oxidation.
And, consequently, to significantly reduce the chances of developing degenerative diseases typical of dog old age.
Likewise, this same richness in vitamins and antioxidants strengthens the animal’s immune system, preparing to deal with possible viruses or bacteria that can penetrate your dog’s body.
3. Excellent for the skin
In particular, the high content of vitamin E makes it a natural remedy to keep the dog’s skin in perfect condition. Giving him avocado, therefore, will make him have soft and healthy skin.
In addition, vitamin E stimulates the formation of red blood cells and promotes the creation of collagen, speeding up the healing of wounds.
4. Good for the heart
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, also promotes the production of red blood cells, therefore it is suitable for dogs with anemia.
On the other hand, this type of vitamin B deficiency alters the function of the heart. Since folic acid decreases the amount of homocysteine, a compound that facilitates blood clotting and, consequently, increases the occlusion of the blood vessels.
Avocado is positive because it helps prevent heart attacks and other heart and arterial diseases.
5. Stronger muscles
It is a good source of quality protein. Similarly, avocados contain 18 amino acids, responsible for the growth of muscle tissue.
6. Fiber for digestion
The avocado has important fiber content, and the fiber is very important to regulate the digestive functions. In addition, high fiber diets contribute to maintaining good colon health, as well as reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
7. Good vision
We have already seen how vitamin A, together with vitamin E and fatty acids, helps to maintain a good coat and healthy skin. But, vitamin A, too, helps your dog’s good vision.
8. Better nutrient absorption
Avocados are full of minerals and vitamins, which contribute, in different ways, to the good health of your puppy. But, there is still one to mention, vitamin C. That’s right, vitamin C improves the absorption capacity of the dog’s nutrients.
Additionally, vitamin C is an antioxidant, which prevents cell oxidation, helping the immune system, and reducing your dog’s risk of contracting diseases.
Avocados can be bad for your dog, why?
Avocados are great healthy food, loaded with fiber, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin and vitamins C, B5, B6, E, and K. They also help lower cholesterol and heart disease.
And the consumption of avocado, just as it benefits you, does it to your dog. And it is not all about feeding your dog only with feed.
However, there are two groups of people: one group believes in feeding dogs with avocado and the other group totally bans feeding avocado to their dogs. They believe avocado to be dangerous for their pets.
Usually, avocado is considered to be the beneficial fruit but there are two compounds and some elements in it which put them as the riskier fruit for your pet. And they are…
1. Persin
What is true is that in the leaves, stems, and skin of the fruit, there is a toxin called persin which you should avoid at all costs. persin is mostly concentrated in the leaves, skin, and kernel of the plant.
It is therefore important not to serve the whole fruit. Unripe avocado also contains higher levels of persin. But if you want to offer your dog a slice or two of ripe avocado, persin poisoning is highly unlikely.
So all you have to do is peel the avocados and remove the pit before adding them to your dog’s diet. And that’s it.
2. Avocado fat
Another theme that helps inflate the myth is that high-fat foods were known to present with pancreatitis in dogs.
But lately, it has been discovered that it is the cooked fat that causes the aforementioned pathology, NOT RAW. And it is that the raw fat of the avocado contains an enzyme called lipase that helps digest and eliminate fat from the body. Both yours and your dog’s.
We know that raw fat and avocados have a lot, which is good fat. And avocados also contain lipase, which is the enzyme necessary to break down fat. So avocados not only contain healthy fat, but they also contain the enzyme necessary to break down fat so the body can easily digest and assimilate it.
Although they contain good fats, they can still cause digestive problems in some dogs. In large amounts, avocado can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis. It is for this reason that it should always be served in moderation.
3. avocado pits
The other reason why people avoid feeding avocado to their dog is their pit. As for avocado pits, they may seem pleasant to chew on your dog but pose a choking hazard. They can create a blockage if swallowed. Never offer your dog an avocado pit. If you grow it in your garden, keep the fruit out of dog reach.
4. Latex allergy
Avocado has a molecular structure similar to natural rubber, which may cause natural rubber allergy. This type of allergy, also known as latex allergy, can also affect humans.
There is no danger of death such as hives or swelling, but it may cause unnecessary trouble. There is a risk of allergic reactions to dogs, and it is possible that it may cause fruit allergies and further allergic symptoms, and it is by no means worth eating at risk.
A few opinions on the danger of avocado for dogs
Not everyone shares the opinion that the persin content in the ripe flesh of avocados is sufficient to become dangerous to dogs:
- In the Veterinary Manual of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., one reads that dogs seem to be relatively insensitive to persin.
- The North American ASPCA Poison Control Center describes the possible symptoms in dogs after consuming avocado only with an upset stomach, i.e. vomiting and diarrhea.
- The Pet Poison Helpline TM, also based in North America, also only warns of mild symptoms such as upset stomach in dogs and cats. And adds constipation and pancreatitis to the list of possible symptoms.
However, the latter is not related to persin, but simply to the high-fat content of the avocado or the risk of intestinal obstruction from eating the skin and the huge avocado core.
Should You Feed Your Dog Avocado?
You should always ask your veterinarian before making any decisions about which human foods to share with your dog. Some medical conditions can be worsened by avocados, so they are not for every dog.
If you are worried about Persin poisoning, you can opt for other products that provide similar health benefits without Persin.
If you decide to serve an avocado for your dog, opt for natural, ripe avocados that are free of chemicals and additives. Remove seeds, skins, and stems. It is best to serve simple avocados, or you can mix them with your dog’s other regular foods.
It is probably not a good idea to serve your dog guacamole, as other ingredients can be harmful to dogs. Again, it is best to ask your veterinarian before feeding your dog these human foods.
How to give avocado to the dog?
As mentioned above, and as with any other type of fruit and vegetable, you need to follow certain rules while feeding avocado.
- The dog must have avocado well cleaned, peeled, and seeded which can be dangerous even in terms of risk of asphyxiation. As for the quantities, you really have to stay within the minimum limits: just a few pieces once in a while.
- While to puppies: up to six months of age it is essential that they eat only the food prescribed by the veterinarian! For this reason, it is absolutely not recommended to give avocado to the puppy dog. Much better to wait until he is the right age to taste it.
- A small amount can be added in pieces or pureed to the fruits and vegetables. Here the avocados should be mixed with broccoli, carrots, or pumpkin. This gives the four-legged friend a good portion of vitamin A, vitamin E, glutathione, and potassium.
- Remove the core and cut off the shell. Avocado doesn’t have to be dangerous. One should only know that the core should be removed due to its toxicity. Stoned fruits, including avocados, should be prepared by removing large seeds before handing them over to feeding. Prevent any possibility of suffocation. You definitely don’t want the core to get stuck in your dog’s neck. Such adversity is completely avoidable.
- Also, remove the peel or skin before giving it to your dog. For a better understanding: If you want to share a small portion with your four-legged friend, then make sure that you prepare it correctly and serve it in smaller portions.
How many avocados can you feed your dog?
The dog is a carnivorous animal, therefore fruit and vegetables must occupy between 15 and 20% of its diet. In order to take advantage of all the benefits of avocado, we advise you to give it small pieces only occasionally.
To be more precise, we can say that a dog that weighs about 10 kilos must consume on average 150 grams of meat per day and about 30 grams of fruit and vegetables.
It should be noted that when we speak of fruit and vegetables it is not to be understood as 30 grams of fruit and as many of vegetables, but that this figure must include both foods.
In this way, the dog is given a correct dose of meat, accompanied by fruit and vegetables that must be alternated to avoid giving him always the same things. Therefore, one-day avocado can be part of these 30 grams per day.
Precautions to take while feeding avocado to your dog
If you want to give your dog avocado, be sure to do it without posing any risk to your puppy. Here are some precautions that you need to follow:
1. Avoid the stems, leaves, bones (seed), skin and bark of the tree
These parts of the tree (stems, leaves, bones (seed), skin (shell), and bark) contain persin, which is a fungal toxin. It is possible for a dog to be poisoned if he consumes large amounts of these substances.
Fortunately, most dogs have no interest in eating avocado leaves and tree bark, and generally do not have access to them. A more common problem would be eating an avocado pit, as it could obstruct the esophagus, stomach, or intestinal tract.
Even the Pet Helpline states that dogs are rarely affected by persin, while blockages caused by avocado pits pose a much higher risk.
Generally speaking, it’s okay for dogs to eat avocado, as long as they don’t eat the stems, leaves, bones, skin, or bark of trees. Also, there is a small amount of persin in the edible part of avocados.
However, this compound may have some benefits when consumed in small amounts, such as fighting cancer cells.
2. Keep the portion size small
Giving your dog avocado in large amounts increases the risk of poisoning from persin, and the high-fat content can also be dangerous for your puppy.
3. Just give your dog the fruit itself
Never allow your dog to eat the stem, leaves, or bark of the avocado plant. Completely peel off each avocado and discard it, and remove the seed to make sure your dog can’t choke on it.
4. Just give your dog avocado
Never allow your dog to feed her guacamole as it contains other harmful ingredients like onion, garlic, and salt
5. Pay attention
Keep a close eye on your pet while eating avocado to make sure he doesn’t experience any adverse side effects. Keep your vet’s number handy in case your dog shows a negative reaction.
Remember: there are all kinds of fruits and vegetables that are dangerous to dogs, as well as some that are beneficial.
What is the lethal dose of avocado for dogs?
The lethal dose of avocado for dogs is not known exactly. For general reasons, small dogs may be less resistant, and large dogs may be more tolerant.
But some dogs quickly lose their physical condition due to individual differences. There are actually cases where owners talked to each other saying that their dog was fine after eating an avocado.
Unless it is a case of explosive eating that you take your eyes off, it seems that eating will not immediately lead to death.
Avocado poisoning symptoms in dogs
There are particular types of avocado that are known to be poisonous to the pets due to the presence of persin in the avocado leaves, seeds, bark, and fruit.
Research and studies have been conducted in various parts of the world that show that avocado is not highly toxic to dogs. However, if a dog were to eat or swallow the seed of an avocado, it could cause illness. Avocado seed can be the cause for gastrointestinal tract obstruction and different varieties of avocado have varying amounts of persin.
Avocado is highly poisonous to animals like horses, goats, birds, and cattle, and with dogs, depending on the amount they have ingested can end up with an upset stomach.
The most poisonous part of an avocado is the leaf. However, Avocado poisoning usually in dogs occurs when dogs ingest or swallow the pit of an avocado.
The avocado pit contains a toxic compound named persin, and, when ingested, can cause dogs to become ill. Poisoning symptoms usually appear within 24 hours. Signs of poisoning from avocados are:
1. Diarrhea/vomiting, breathing difficulty/convulsions when severe
When a dog eats avocado, it can cause diarrhea/vomiting, dyspnea, and cramps. Symptoms do not appear immediately but gradually, so symptoms may begin a few days after eating.
Although diarrhea and vomiting may be resolved if they are immediately resolved, some symptoms may not subside for several days.
When diarrhea/vomiting symptoms are seen, water and nutrients cannot be absorbed by the body, which may lead to dehydration, weight loss, respiratory distress, convulsions, etc.
If the symptoms progress to this point, it may be life-threatening, so if your dog has symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting, visit a veterinary hospital as soon as possible.
2. Food allergic reaction
Some dogs are allergic to avocado. Food allergies include itching/redness on the skin, dandruff and hair loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. Make sure that you share the details of your dog’s meal with your family so that your dog doesn’t eat allergic ingredients.
If you are interested in it, you may want to consult your veterinary hospital because you can check which ingredients your dog is allergic to by an allergy test. Some signs of allergic reactions are
- Shortness of breath
- Water retention
- Cough
- Diarrhea/vomiting
- Cramps
- Increased pulse rate
- Restlessness
- Weakness
- It can trigger fluid accumulation in tissues and organs such as the lungs and heart or in free spaces. Such as the chest or abdomen, which may cause him to have an altered and uncomfortable breath (dyspnoea) or that he cannot breathe
- Pancreatitis
- Lethargy/apathy
- Anorexia
3. Accidental ingestion of seed
Even if you’re careful not to give your dog avocado, it’s still possible that he accidentally eats it from a drop or a trash can. Be careful not only with the ingredients but also with the avocado seeds.
If swallowed, the trachea may become blocked or become indigestible. Endoscopic surgery or laparotomy may be needed to relieve bowel obstruction. If it is swallowed, seek medical advice immediately as it may be fatal.
Diagnosis of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
If you know that your dog has consumed avocado, call your veterinarian. Once you get to the veterinarian, he will examine your dog for any clinical signs of distress and do a physical examination and some clinical tests as well.
The veterinarian may choose to do a urinalysis, blood work, and biochemistry profile, simply to check your dog system to make sure of the amount, if any, of abnormalities.
A definitive diagnosis of avocado poisoning is made by the veterinarian by looking at your dog signs and symptoms after having knowledge of exposure and consumption of avocado by your dog.
If your dog is a female and is lactating, mastitis may occur within one full day of the ingestion of the avocado and milk production may significantly decrease.
The mammary glands become very swollen and hard and may produce abnormal-looking milk.
First aid if the dog has eaten avocado
As a dog owner, you should also have some first aid medication for your four-legged friend in the household pharmacy. These include so-called coal tablets.
If the dog has inadvertently eaten avocado along with the skin, charcoal tablets should be administered immediately and the dog should be observed. The coal tablets consist of activated carbon, which binds and remove toxins in the body.
You should also make sure that your four-legged companion drinks enough water. If there are signs of poisoning, however, you should immediately consult the vet. It is best to provide the following information when visiting the vet:
- The amount of avocado eaten.
- The time of the poisoning.
- The behavior of the animal since eating.
- The first aid measures are taken.
Treatment of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
Since the severity of the toxicity of avocados to dogs is quite debatable, the veterinarian will be the only one to make the expert decisions concerning the treatment of your dog.
If the dog has accidentally swallowed the avocado pit and it is lodged in his GI tract, the veterinarian will need to use an endoscope to locate the pit and remove it without any injury to your pet. As for side effects from the persin, treatment methods may include:
1. Analgesics
If your dog is a lactating female and is showing signs of mastitis, the veterinarian will prescribe pain medication and analgesics to help with the pain and swelling.
2. Drugs
If by accident your dog has ingested enough avocado such that the amount can affect the heart, the veterinarian may prescribe diuretics or antiarrhythmic drugs.
Recovery of Avocado Poisoning in Dogs
Prognosis in the case of avocado poisoning is considered good in many cases of avocado consumption. Once your dog is treated, he will more than likely recover just fine.
In terms of a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract from the pit, this depends on the severity of blockage in the recovery from surgery to remove the pit. It is important to follow your veterinarian instructions for at-home recovery.
The veterinarian will explain to you how to administer any analgesics or other medications and will let you know of any side effects from these drugs. If any new symptoms occur or if you have any questions, it is important to contact the physician.
Can You feed other avocado products to your dog?
If you decide that you want to feed avocado to your dog, it is better that you feed him raw avocado.
However, there are avocado oil, avocado milk, guacamole, and avocado foods that we consume. But are they beneficial for dogs? Can we feed them to our dog? Here are the answers:
1. Can we feed Avocado oil to our dogs?
You can buy cold-pressed green avocado oil from the pulp in specialist shops. With this gentle production process, it is intended that many ingredients are retained in the extracted oil.
Here one must assume that in addition to the fatty acid profile reminiscent of olive oil, the persin contained in the pulp in certain concentrations also gets into the oil.
And since it is usually not even possible to understand which types of avocado the oil was pressed from, you can only guess the ingredients. In small doses and especially for the external cure of flaky skin and itching, avocado oil is only suitable for dogs with reservations, but in principle it is suitable.
But here, to be on the safe side, you can also switch to other oils with an even higher proportion of essential fatty acids such as high-quality rapeseed oil or linseed oil.
Read Also: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? 30 Things Must Know If You Own a Dog
Avocado oil contains vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids, which decrease inflammation in the body. But avocado oil is high in fat, so you should only share it with your dog in moderation.
It’s worth noting that an avocado’s stem, leaves, pit, and peel are not safe for dogs, so avocado oil is a sure way to give your dog the benefits of this fruit. You can add a teaspoon of avocado oil in your dog’s feed once a week.
2. Can we feed Guacamole to our dog?
Guacamole may be delicious, but it’s not a great option for your four-legged friend. The reason is that guacamole almost always contains some ingredients that are harmful to dogs, including:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Salt
These foods can cause stomach upset, to say the least, and a severe case of poisoning at worst.
Onions and garlic are particularly dangerous to your pet, and can even lead to organ damage and kidney failure if ingested enough. Consider guacamole as one of those human foods that are banned for your dog.
3. Can dogs drink avocado milk?
It depends on the ingredients. Generally, avocado milk on the market has added a lot of additional chemicals, which is not suitable for your dog. If you mix milk with avocado at home, then there is no problem.
4. Can a dog eat Dog food containing avocado?
Basically, the avocado contained in dog food uses a low amount of persin, so it is said that it is unlikely to have an effect.
However, some dogs may react to a small amount of persin, so if you are worried, you should stop it. Some overseas dog foods contain avocado, but it is said that overseas avocado dog food has a relatively low content of persin.
Manufacturers should know that avocados in large amounts are a risk to dogs. So even dog foods containing avocados will not be formulated with so much avocado that they can harm your dog’s health. It is also said that Persin disappears during the processing process.
Therefore, if you’re thinking of giving dog food like this, it’s a good idea to give it while you are on watch. Basically, it’s not a problem, but if you’re concerned about the effects of avocado on your dog’s body, stop feeding it.
5. Can a dog eat avocado for an upset stomach?
If your dog has stomach upset or stomach ache, it is better that you don’t feed your dog with avocado or any avocado product. As avocado may aggravate the condition and may cause more harm to your little dog.
6. Can dogs eat baked avocado?
Yes, your dog can eat baked avocado, however, make sure that you have peeled all the skin of the avocado and remove the seed. Just bake the meat of the avocado and give your pet only a little amount.
7. Can dogs eat boiled avocado?
Yes, your friendly dog can eat boiled avocado. As you have already know the fact that avocado peel and seed are harmful to your dogs.
So make sure that you have removed these parts of avocado completely before feeding your dog with boiled avocado.
8. Can dogs eat avocado ice cream?
Who has never seen the image of a dog sharing ice cream with the guardian or enjoying a ball strategically placed on the floor? It makes you want to do the same, especially on hot days.
But you need to know that offering dog ice cream is not a very healthy practice. Excessive coloring, fat, and sugar in ice cream and popsicles can cause poisoning and gastrointestinal changes in dogs, and many of them have enough milk to cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Ice cream for dogs should not have sugar or food toxic to them, such as avocado, grape, or chocolate, for example.
9. Can dogs with cancer eat avocado?
The study carried out at the University of Utah, reports that carbohydrates feed tumors and as a consequence, they grow and grow bigger inside the body.
This effect is demonstrated in humans and now only in animals. That is why we must carry out a diet very rich in protein and good fats.
Therefore, you can feed your dog with avocado if he is suffering from cancer. Avocado consists of all nutrients that are required to fight cancer.
10. Can dogs eat dried avocado?
Dried avocado can be given to dogs in small quantity maybe once a week. It would be beneficial for your dog. Again, make sure that you have removed all the skin and seed of the fruit.
11. Can dogs eat fried avocado?
Dogs cannot eat fried foods whether it is avocado or other food. It all stems from the very composition of any of the fried foods.
Because regardless of what we fry, the frying method is always the same, that is, in liquids at high temperatures and that the substance is of vegetable (like oil) or animal (butter or lard) origin.
The result changes very little nutritionally because we will have a highly caloric food, full of fat and almost no nutrients. But if a potato falls from the plate and our dog eats it we don’t have to worry, the toxic effect of fried foods is only seen if they are eaten constantly and is caused by the accumulation of fat in the body.
Frying fats are generally unsaturated fats that expose the dog to the risk of acute pancreatitis.
12. Can my dog eat avocado peel?
No, dogs can’t eat the avocado skin. You have to remove the peel completely before feeding this fruit to your dog because the skin of the fruit contains the harmful chemical persin. You can see for the effects of persin above in this article.
13. Can dogs eat avocado sushi?
Dogs can eat sushi but in moderation. The basic rule also applies in this case. The stomach of our four-legged friend is in fact very delicate and can be easily subject to intolerance or allergies.
Giving the dog one or two sushi rolls will probably not harm their health (and probably make them very happy!). But always be cautious, your dog may end up suffering from some adverse symptoms.
Do not give the sushi dog if there is even the slightest chance that it can be spoiled (leftovers are not a good idea), and remember to monitor the dog’s salt consumption and calories.
The overweight dog can eat sushi? It depends. Here too, the advice of an expert, who evaluates the right daily calorie intake, is important.
14. Can dogs eat avocado toast?
The dog can eat toast as long as it is in small quantities. In fact, toast, like all carbohydrates, turns into sugars which can be harmful to the dog because it can cause diabetes, hyperglycemia but also overweight and obesity.
In addition, the toasts also contain yeast which can continue to ferment in the stomach causing bloating, flatulence, and stomach pain. But it can also contain salt which can cause them diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy but also excessive thirst.
The salt is then so toxic as to cause if taken in abundance, kidney problems, terrible convulsions, and sometimes even death. This applies also and above all if seasoned with ham, salami, or in any case sausages in general that add nitrite and nitrate to the metabolic load.
Furthermore, toasts can be dangerous for dogs that suffer from wheat allergies or cereal sensitivities which can give rise to very annoying reactions.
15. Can dogs die after eating avocado?
Dogs don’t react well to a chemical called persin, which is found in this fruit. Your dog will not die from eating avocado but may develop stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea.
16. Can dogs eat avocado seed?
As mentioned earlier, dogs absolutely must not eat the seeds of an avocado. While avocado can be consumed in small quantities by your dog, the seed poses a real threat.
Its size can cause serious suffocation risks or intestinal tract problems. In addition, avocado seeds contain toxins even if in very low doses. This is one more reason to avoid giving seed to your dog.
17. Can dogs eat avocado leaves?
Of course, not, the leaves of the avocado plant consist of persin which is very harmful to our pet friend.
18. Can a dog eat Australian avocado?
There are many varieties of avocado, it doesn’t matter which variety of avocado you have purchased to feed your dog. The precaution that you have to take is the same, remove the skin and remove the seed.
The meat or the pulp of the fruit contains persin but in less amount that is not harmful to your dog if given in a limited amount. The amount of persin that different varieties of avocado contain may vary.
Some may contain more and some may contain less. But all in all, you can feed the avocado fruit pulp or the meat only that too in a less or limited amount.
And you have to monitor the health of your dog after he ate the avocado. Take him to the vet if any symptoms occur and tell the vet exactly what type of avocado you have given him and n which amount.
19. Can dogs eat lettuce and avocado?
Yes, your dog can eat lettuce and avocado but in limited quantity and don’t make it the main meal of your canine friend. Give this food moderately to your dog maybe once a week.
Conclusion [Can Dogs Eat Avocado]
Despite the many rumors, you can feed your dog a small portion of avocado. The toxicity of this fruit comes from its core, which particularly affects horses or birds than dogs.
Before you give your dog a piece of avocado, remove the core as well as the shell. Avocados are very fatty and can lead to weight gain. So only serve small animal-friendly portions.