Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

What part of the avocado is the problem?

Persin, a natural fungicidal compound, is concentrated in the avocado's leaves, skin, bark, and pit. The flesh of a ripe avocado contains very low levels of persin, which is why small amounts are generally tolerated by dogs. Birds, horses, and rodents are much more sensitive to persin than dogs are; for them, avocado exposure can be fatal. For dogs, the bigger risk is actually the pit, which is the perfect size to lodge in the esophagus or intestines and cause a life-threatening obstruction.

Can I give my dog avocado flesh?

A small amount of plain, ripe avocado flesh is unlikely to harm most dogs. Some commercial dog foods even include avocado oil or meal as an ingredient for its fatty acid content. However, avocado is high in fat, and too much fat can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, especially in breeds prone to the condition. If you share avocado with your dog, keep it to a small piece occasionally, not a regular serving. Skip the guacamole entirely since it typically contains onion and garlic, both of which are toxic to dogs.

What should I do if my dog ate the pit?

An avocado pit is a choking hazard and can cause a gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed. If your dog swallowed or partially swallowed a pit, contact your vet immediately. Signs of an obstruction include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, straining to defecate, and lethargy. An obstruction often requires surgical removal, so early detection is important.