Can I Feed Avocadoes To My Dog? The Answer May Surprise You

Avocados and their safety for dogs have been debated for years. Some claim it’s toxic and others say it’s safe. But what’s the truth?

According to the poison control center, there are toxic components in them that could be dangerous to certain animals, namely goats, horses, birds, and cattle. This is because avocado fruit, leaves, bark, and even seeds can hold persin, which is toxic to some animals.

Different species of avocados have different levels of this toxin. The pits are typically the most dangerous part due to the possibility of causes an obstruction. But in terms of toxicity, most dogs (and cats) typically only experience stomach upsets when eating avocados.

This may be due to the fact that persin is present in the highest amounts in unripe fruit and in leaves, not in ripe avocados. On top of that, some dog foods even contain avocados, and little to no reports of issues have come from them. One such brand is AvoDerm Natural.

Avocados in dog food can provide good fat to the dogs who eat them while also giving them anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins and minerals. Avocados also provide healthy protein and nutrients to help reduce the risk of skin problems, fur issues, and infections in dogs.

Still, you shouldn’t feed avocados directly to your dogs, and you should keep them away from any avocado plants! The general consensus from experts is that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay