Talk about a conundrum. I seriously needed/wanted to know – can dogs eat avocado’s?…

Known as a “superfood” for humans, avocado’s are supposed to be a wonderful fruit –

• Healthy for the heart
• Great for vision
• Osteoporosis prevention
• Cancer
• Healthy babies
• Lower risk depression
• Improved digestion
• Natural detoxification
• Protection from chronic diseases

But are they safe for dogs to eat? #thatisithequestion

I don’t eat avocado’s. I’ve never tasted one in any shape, form or Doodle fashion. At a dinner party, your guacamole is safe around me 🙂

So why did I have one in my house?

Doodle Dad brought it home because he “thought” he was going to use it in a recipe. One look at my face and he decided not to improvise or deviate from the original recipe.

Mr. Avocado has been residing in our refrigerator veggie bin ever since.

Harley and Jaxson eat a variety of fruits and veggies for snacks and also with their meals. #greenbeanlovers

I’m always trying to introduce “healthy” treats into their diet. Even if it’s something I don’t like to eat…

IT MADE PAWFECT SENSE –

Rather than let the avocado go bad in the fridge, I could serve it with their dinner.

But first – since this was a “new food” – research was in order.

Once I started reading, I became more confused than ever! #headachekindofconfused

I could not make heads nor tails with the information I found. Some said yes – while other’s said no and Doodle Doc had gone home.

IS THE AVOCADO TOXIC OR NOT? –

To summarize Dr. Jean Dodd’s Pet Health Resource Blog –

• Leaves, bark, seeds, skin and pits of the avocado contain a natural, oil soluble fungicide called persin.
• Persin’s toxicity effect on animals depends on the species of the animal.
• Persin is toxic to birds, rabbit, horses and ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats)
• Those of us us whose canine and feline companions enjoy the occasional avocado indulgence can breathe a sigh of relief: persin does not adversely affect dogs or cats.
• The primary danger of avocados to dogs and cats concerns the possibility of swallowing the large pit, causing blockage or obstruction in their esophagus, stomach or intestinal tract.

I also read –

The toxicity of this fruit comes from the persin that it contains, but this affects horses and birds much more than it will your pet dog. It’s important to prepare avocados by removing the seed and skin. Keep in mind this fruit is very fatty and will pack on the pounds. Provide only small portions to see if your dog’s digestive system agrees with avocado. Source: Can I Give My Dog…?

WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO? –

• Since the ASPCA placed avocado’s on their “do not eat” list.
• Almost every article warned that the fruit is very fatty.
• And this video from the Medical Director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center warned me that avocado’s can cause diarrhea and vomiting in dogs and cats…

I decided to hop, skip and jump my two little avocado’s over to my next door neighbor. #Igotasurpriseforyou

Even though I read avocado meat in moderation and small servings may be fine for your dog, I saw no compelling reason to add it to our menu.

Nana always said –

You can’t miss what you’ve never had!

And in this case, she is so right – Harley will never miss it…

Vet Disclaimer – I am not a veterinarian. I’m a pet parent always interested in understanding more about my dogs.

ONE MORE THING –

Only three days left to win your own 16 oz bag of Rocco & Roxie’s Gourmet Liver Treats…

Cathy C. Bennett is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Sources –

• Can I give my dog avocado?
• Avocado’s – poisonous to companion animals or not?
• Toxic food guide for pets (downloadable guide)