Giving your dog avocado can be a tricky thing to do. On one hand, it's filled with healthy fats and vitamins, but on the other hand, there is a danger of having an adverse reaction. As dog parents, we want to ensure that everything we give our dog's is safe but also provides all the necessary nutrients to maintain for them to maintain a good health.
With avocado toast popping up in almost every restaurant we go to, you may be wondering if its safe or not, and how should I feed my dog avocado. Giving your dog avocado can be a tricky thing to do. On one hand, it's filled with healthy fats and vitamins, but on the other hand, there is a danger of having an adverse reaction. Which is why we have created a compressive guide exploring the benefits, and risk of feeding avocados to dogs and if you should incorporated into your pups diet.
Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
The short answer is it's complicated, dog's can eat avocado as long as it is in is plainest, freshest form, but with moderation since Avocado and its by products, contain high in fats that can lead to digestive upsets if consumed in large quantities to ensure they are getting all other treats that are low fat.
The outmost important thing here is to remove the pit due to chocking and intestinal blockages, leaves and skin of the avocado as these contain high levels persin that is a fungicidal toxin. Depending on the amounts and which part of avocado and how much is consumed can cause upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage. Eating high amounts of this high fat content vegetable can lead to GI upset, pancreatitis and weight gain.
Benefits of Avocado for Dogs
While there are some health benefits to avocados including vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants these benefits can be obtain from feeding other foods or supplements like Dr Woow Allergy Immunity that are lower in fat and do not contain a risk of inducing pancreatitis. Research on avocados has shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can support skin health in dogs.
- Vitamin E: This essential vitamin for dog's skin and coat health. It can reduce oxidant stress and cellular damage through the body. This vitamin also supports the overall immune system and lowers inflammatory response in the body.
Dr Woow Skin and Coat Omega Chews & Hip and Joint Mobility Chews contain Vitamin E that help alleviate inflammation in your dog's skin and joints and improve their overall long term health.
- Niacin: Known as vitamin B3 is a necessary vitamin for energy metabolism and support brain health function and neurotransmitter.
- Folate: Part of the B vitamins known as B9 is critical to control the anemia levels in your dog's body and supporting other Vitamins B in the body.
Risk of Avocado for Dogs
It's no secret that dog's love to explore and get into things they should not. Unfortunately that also includes avocado. Which can be harmful if not consumed correctly and high amounts. Before adding it into your dog's diet it's important for you to understand the risks.
- Avocado contains persin, a toxin that can be harmful to dogs in large quantities. The persin is found in the leaves, bark, seed, and fruit of the avocado, but the flesh is generally safe.
- Feeding your dog too much avocado can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
How Can Dog's Eat Avocado?
If you want your pup to eat avocados as a healthy treat you should avoid giving them large amounts of it first. But the best way to feed dogs avocados is to give them 2 or 3 chunks that will be enough for them without risking their health.
Just make sure to remove the pit and skin of it, cut it into small pieces to make it easy to swallow and minimize your dog's choking risk. It's worth noting that there are many risk into giving Avocado to your pup and various experts recommend that you do not feed avocado even in its plain it's form as it contains persin and the risk far at weights the benefits.
