Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

This is a tricky question, and the answer is that maybe dogs shouldn’t eat avocado. But what’s most important to know is that the actual avocado flesh is not that dangerous for dogs! In this article, I’ll cite sources, explain the studies, and dig deeper into why dogs can eat avocado and why it’s still best to give it only in moderation.

What parts of avocado are toxic to dogs, and is it really dangerous?

Let’s start with the information I found on the Pet Poison Helpline and dive into some recent studies showing that avocado might not be as dangerous for dogs as we thought.

The most important thing to remember is that avocado flesh—the actual stuff we eat on our favorite avocado toast—is not toxic in normal, moderate amounts. The dangerous parts are the pit and avocado peel.

What makes avocado potentially harmful to dogs?

Avocados contain a toxic compound called persin. Persin is present in the fruit, leaves, stems, and pit. It’s harmful to dogs in high doses, but according to the Pet Poison Helpline, dogs and cats are rarely affected by it. Birds, horses, and livestock, however, are highly susceptible to persin poisoning, making avocado particularly dangerous for them.

For dogs, the bigger concern isn’t persin—it’s the pit (seed). If a dog swallows the pit, it can lead to a choking hazard or a life-threatening intestinal blockage. Additionally, the flesh of the avocado is very high in fat, which can upset your dog’s stomach or trigger pancreatitis in dogs predisposed to digestive issues.

Myth busting: is avocado really toxic to dogs?

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, persin toxicity in dogs is rare. It’s more likely that dogs will experience issues from swallowing the pit or consuming too much fat. Supporting this, a study from the University of Illinois found no detectable levels of persin in avocado meal (a processed form of avocado used in dog food). These findings suggest that the concern about avocado being toxic to dogs might be overblown, especially when it comes to small amounts of ripe flesh.

However, it’s still 100% accurate that raw avocados—including the skin, pulp, and pit—still contain small amounts of persin. While this is unlikely to harm dogs in small doses, and is more dangerous to other animals, eating large quantities of avocado or any toxic parts (like the leaves, stems, or pit) is considered risky.

Avocado meal is now a part of dog food

The study I cited looks into the use of avocado meal in dog food. Researchers found no detectable levels of persin in avocado meal—a processed version of the fruit used as fiber in dog food. They suggest that the warnings about avocado toxicity may be exaggerated and not supported by strong evidence. But again, keep in mind that this is about avocado meal, which is processed. There’s more persin in fresh avocado, although not enough to make it dangerous in moderation.

In fact, their study found that avocado meal could be a healthy fiber source for dogs, with no signs of toxicity in the animals tested. This suggests that, when processed or used in moderation, avocado might not be as dangerous as once thought.

However, raw avocados still contain small amounts of persin in the pulp, skin, and pit. While it’s unlikely to harm most dogs in small quantities, giving your dog a lot of avocado is not a good idea. First, the fat is the problem. Second, there are still tiny amounts of persin, so you shouldn’t do that! Also, dogs don’t need avocado in their diet, as they can get complete nutrition from high-quality dog food.

And don’t let your dog play with avocado or avocado pits!

Which parts of the avocado should dogs avoid?

So, can dogs eat avocado?

The answer is somewhere in the middle. Small amounts of ripe avocado flesh are okay, so if your dog steals some of your food with avocado, don’t worry.

Should you be giving your dog avocado on purpose? Not really. While avocado is great for us with its healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, dogs don’t need it in their diets, and too much fat can cause digestive issues.

How to safely give your dog avocado

If you still want to share, this is what you need to remember:

I’d suggest avoiding avocados entirely, but you don’t have to worry too much if your dog eats a small amount. For better alternatives, stick to regular dog-safe fruits like bananas, apples, or blackberries, which actually have health benefits and no risks.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat avocado pits?

No, dogs should never eat avocado pits. They can choke, as the pit is hard to crack, and it can cause a serious intestinal blockage if swallowed. Avocado pits also have a high level of persin (the toxic compound), so keep them away from your dog.

Can dogs eat avocado toast?

If they eat some by accident, don’t worry. But you shouldn’t give your dog avocado toast. While dogs can eat bread, this breakfast isn’t for them. We put all sorts of stuff like garlic, onion, and lemon juice that can cause serious digestive issues and are classified as toxic to dogs, so please skip the avocado toast and save that money for your next house!

Can dogs eat mashed avocado?

Plain mashed avocado is okay for dogs in small amounts, but you don’t need to feed them this. If you’re making some baby food and your dog eats a little by accident, don’t worry. However, mashed avocado is not something we recommend for dogs.