Avocados are one of the healthiest foods in the market. These are considered both nutritious and delicious for humans, but can dogs eat avocado? Certainly, avocado is a popular ingredient in most dog foods, and some experts claim it improves dogs’ coats and overall health.
However, many vets and nutritionists considered avocados to be the wrong choice for our four-legged buddy. Let us clear up the misconceptions and answer the question, “Can dogs eat avocados, or is it a risk for our canine companion?”
Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
The answer to the question “Can dogs eat avocado?” is not straightforward. It is both a “Yes and No.” Dogs can eat the fleshy fruit of avocados but with skin, leaves and pit removed. Its peel and leaves are toxic for dogs, and the pit might be a choking hazard. Otherwise, small amounts of the pulp of avocados are a healthy choice for dogs.
Nutritious Value
Avocados are a complete package of nutrients, including healthy fats, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory substances. Some of these nutrients are listed as follow:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants
- Amino acids
- Folate
Many of these nutrients are good for dogs’ fur, bone health, skin, eyesight and offer many other health benefits.
The Risk Associated with Avocados
As mentioned earlier, the answer to the question “Can dogs eat avocado?” is a “No.” Other than the pulp of the fruit, all the parts of avocados are toxic for dogs. It is because they contain a toxic agent called Persin. It is present in the leaves, skin, stems, seeds, and bark of the avocado plant.
Apart from toxins, the pit of the fruit also presents a choking hazard for dogs. It might block the dog’s airway and intestinal tract. Also, many vets claim that the fleshy part of avocado fruit contains a high amount of fats. It again raises the question, “Can dogs eat avocados fruits’ pulp?” Yes, but in fewer amounts.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Whether you give plain avocado or mixed as an ingredient in commercial dog food, notice your dog’s response over a few days or weeks. If you see any symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, eating, or choking due to the pit, instantly take your dog to the vet and switch back to other safe foods.
We hope that this article answers your question, “Can dogs eat avocado?” So you can give your dog the food that is best for his health and well-being.
