Can dogs or cats eat avocado?

While avocados are not poisonous to cats or dogs, they can certainly cause issues. Avocados are bright green fruits that contain a large pit and have tough skin. Originally native to the Americas, this fruit is now popular worldwide thanks to its creamy texture and nutty taste.

But before you give your pet a little try, we’re going to look at avocados in more detail, as there are a few things you need to know.

Note – If you suspect your cat or dog has eaten an avocado pit, then you should contact your vet for advice.

Can dogs eat avocado?

Avocado flesh is non-toxic, so it should be fine for most dogs to have in small amounts. However, due to its high fat content, it’s crucial not to go overboard. Too much avocado could trigger digestive upset, or in some cases, an episode of pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is an extremely painful condition that can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapse. In some cases, it can even be fatal. Some dogs are more prone to pancreatitis than others, meaning that even small amounts of this fruit could cause a flare up.

If your dog has suffered from pancreatitis in the past or has any other health complaints like diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, then you must speak to your vet before making any dietary changes.

Can dogs eat guacamole?

You should not give guacamole to your dog. As well as avocados, guacamole contains a variety of other ingredients, including salt, garlic and onions, all of which can be dangerous to dogs. So, keep your dips to yourself and only offer plain, unseasoned avocado flesh to your pet.

Can dogs eat avocado oil?

Avocado oil is not toxic to dogs, but it is very high in fat. This could cause digestive upset or trigger an episode of pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Oils will also add extra calories to your pet’s diet, which will lead to weight gain over time.

Is avocado good for dogs?

Avocado flesh is nutritious, and many people enjoy it for its health benefits, as part of a balanced diet. Avocados contain the following:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and joints

• Magnesium and potassium, which support bone health and metabolism

• Plenty of fibre, which is essential for digestive health and helps stop feelings of hunger

• Vitamin E and carotenoids like lutein, which support eye health

• B vitamins, which have a variety of functions in the body

While all these nutrients are valuable to dogs as well as people, it is important to remember that your dog will be receiving all of their essential requirements from a good-quality complete diet. There shouldn’t be a need to supplement them with other food sources.

Avocado is also more calorie-dense than many other fruits, which could lead to weight gain if fed in excess. So, vets normally advise sticking to your dog’s normal diet as much as possible.

How much avocado can a dog eat?

Avocado should only be given in small amounts, as an occasional treat. There are no official recommendations on how much is safe to feed your dog, but many sources suggest no more than one teaspoon per 10lb (4.5kg) of body weight.

Don’t forget that animals susceptible to pancreatitis could have an episode triggered by quite a small amount of avocado.

A lot of pet parents avoid avocado altogether as the risks outweigh the benefits. You might decide that it’s safer to offer your pet another fruit or vegetable. Other pet-safe examples include:

• Banana

• Broccoli

• Carrot

• Cucumber

• Melon

• Pear

How should I prepare avocado for dogs?

You should only offer ripe avocado flesh to your dog, which should be served plain and unseasoned.

Make sure to remove the skin and the pit. The skin is tough and hard to digest. It also contains higher levels of persin than the fruit. In large amounts,persin can be toxic, though dogs seem more resistant to its effects than other species.

The pit is also dangerous because it is large and undigestible. It could cause a blockage in your pet’s intestine, which may need to be removed through emergency surgery.

If your dog has accidentally swallowed an avocado pit, then contact your vet for advice.

What are the signs of an avocado allergy?

Avocado allergy is uncommon in pets, but signs could include itchy skin, swelling, hives, breathing difficulties, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Call your vet if you suspect that your cat or dog is having a reaction.

Are there any benefits of avocado for dogs?

There are some potential health benefits to eating avocado, but these might be outweighed by its high fat content. Most vets recommend sticking to a good-quality complete diet for your pet’s nutrition.

Can dogs eat avocado skin?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat avocado skinas it is tough and hard to digest. In large amounts, it could cause an intestinal obstruction. Plus, avocado skin contains higher levels of persin than the flesh, which could cause problems.  

Can dogs eat the avocado pit?

No, dogs should never eat the avocado pit! Just like a stone or a lump of plastic, avocado pits are undigestible. This means they could cause a blockage in your pet’s intestines, which could make them very sick.