A really important question you are asking yourself!
Can dogs eat avocados or is the green fruit even harmful to our four-legged friends?
With us humans it is colloquial “butter pear” or “Alligator Pear” the absolute bestseller for several years!
We explain to you what you have to consider when dealing with dogs and avocados and whether they are even suitable for feeding your dog buddy.
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat avocados?
No, dogs are not allowed to eat avocados! Not only because of the high fat content of the fruit. Avocados contain the toxin «persin», which can damage the animal’s heart muscle and, in the worst case, lead to death. The toxic persin is found in small amounts in the pulp and in high amounts in the stone.
What ingredients are in the avocado?
Avocados are considered very healthy. You are rich in essential fatty acids and contain a lot potassium.
This is also in the extraordinary butter pear:
- 30% fat (healthy, unsaturated fatty acids)
- relatively high protein content with 2%
- copper supplier
- fiber
- antioxidants
- Vitamin A
- vitamin B
- vitamin C
- vitamin E
- vitamin k
Avocado for the dog? Now is that healthy or dangerous?
It is even extremely life-threatening!
The laurel-like fruit contains a toxin called “persin”making feeding the fruit a real hazard to your dog.
Found in large amounts, that is Poison in the avocado seedbut the pulp also contains small amounts of persin.
Danger:
In addition, swallowing an avocado seed can cause your dog to have an intestinal blockage!
Reading tip: Be sure to read our Can Dogs Eat Mangoes article to find out if this exotic fruit is right for your four-legged friend.
Intestinal obstruction in dogs caused by avocado seeds
Your dog swallowed an avocado seed?
Now it’s getting hot!
An intestinal obstruction caused by an avocado seed is not to be trifled with.
If you suspect your dog could be suffering from an intestinal blockage, you must go to a veterinarian or an animal hospital immediately!
An intestinal obstruction can cause serious damage to the intestinal wall. Dying off of the affected section of intestine or tearing open of the intestine can also have fatal consequences.
An intestinal obstruction in a dog is always an absolute emergency!
Can Dogs Die From Avocados?
Yes, dogs can die from avocados.
So they have no place on your faithful pup’s menu!
It’s great that there is a whole range of delicious and healthy vegetables that are much better suited to feeding a dog.
Tip:
Better safe than sorry! Keep your avocados out of your dog’s reach.
What Amount of Avocados is Lethal for Dogs?
Your dog stole some avocados from the breakfast table and you’re worried about his health?
This is good because you better not leave your avocado unattended.
We can still reassure you: your dog can eat a small piece of pulp without hesitation.
However, be careful if he has chewed or eaten the whole fruit or even the pit of the avocado!
If this is the case, you need to see a vet immediately!
Symptoms of persine poisoning in dogs
If your dog accidentally ate a piece of avocado, watch him closely!
If he has one or more of the following symptoms after accidentally eating the green fruit, or you are unsure, be sure to consult a veterinarian:
- restlessness
- cramps
- shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- ascites
- disorientation
- Cough
- weakness
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
Symptoms of poisoning usually appear within 24 hours after consumption.
Good to know:
Persin poisoning can cause heart muscle damage in your dog, which ultimately leads to death.
Dog ate avocado – what can I do as first aid?
Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do as first aid, except one to contact the veterinarian and hoping your dog vomits on its own.
The vet will probably give him a so-called first Puke Syringe miss to force vomiting and stem the progression of the poisoning.
Further treatment depends on the severity and course of the poisoning.
Summarized for you: That’s why you shouldn’t feed your dog an avocado
The persin contained in the avocado and especially in the avocado stone can lead to symptoms of poisoning in your dog and cause serious damage to the heart muscle.
In the worst case, avocado poisoning can end in your dog’s death!
So under no circumstances should you feed your dog avocado!
No, not even a little, because:
No avocado, no problem!
Thank you for reading! Do you still have questions about feeding avocados? We look forward to your comment under this article.