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Can you feed your dog avocado or guacamole?

By Kimberley Spinney

MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 16: Avocados are seen growing on a tree at a farm on October 16, 2019 near Medellín, Colombia. Colombian avocado industry has experienced a massive growth over the past decade, due to the economic development in Colombia and the increased global demand for 'superfood' products. The geographical and climate conditions in Antioquia allow two harvest windows of the Hass avocado variety across the year. Although the majority of the Colombian avocado exports are destined to Europe, Colombia aspires to become one of the major avocado suppliers to the U.S. market in the near future. (Photo by Jan Sochor/Getty Images)
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA - OCTOBER 16: Avocados are seen growing on a tree at a farm on October 16, 2019 near Medellín, Colombia. Colombian avocado industry has experienced a massive growth over the past decade, due to the economic development in Colombia and the increased global demand for 'superfood' products. The geographical and climate conditions in Antioquia allow two harvest windows of the Hass avocado variety across the year. Although the majority of the Colombian avocado exports are destined to Europe, Colombia aspires to become one of the major avocado suppliers to the U.S. market in the near future. (Photo by Jan Sochor/Getty Images) /
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Is it safe for our dogs to eat avocado?

It’s one of the hottest, trendiest foods around. Avocado and guacamole are the “it” food for so many people. But is it safe for our dogs to eat?

Don’t get me wrong, sharing people food with your dog is almost a fact of life for so many of us. Even if we know better, there is just something about those cute faces and puppy dog eyes that has us convinced that if they don’t get whatever it is that we are enjoying, they may just hate us forever. And sometimes, things fall on the floor when you are cooking or accidents happen. We all know that our pups are often better than a vacuum cleaner when it comes to getting that food up.

However, what happens if the food that falls or that we are currently enjoying is made with an avocado (looking at you delicious guacamole)? Is it okay for our dogs to eat avocado?

Can our dogs eat avocado or guacamole?

While the answer is a bit mixed, many veterinarians would say no. According to the AKC, while avocados might be healthy for people to eat, “avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can cause serious health problems — even death — in many animals.” And while vets might say that dogs are more resistant to persin, there is no guarantee that they would not get sick.

Not only is the persin found in the meat of the avocado, but it is also in the flesh, pit, and leaves as well. Basically the entire avocado contains this fungicidal toxin, making it clear that this is not something our dogs should be eating.

The AKC explained that:

"Exactly what amount of persin is lethal isn’t known. In large amounts, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage. Avocado flesh’s high fat content can lead to gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis in dogs if they eat too much, and because it’s calorie-dense, it can also lead to weight gain. Another concern is the stone at the center of the fruit, which may cause choking."

As much as we may enjoy fresh avocados and guacamole, it is clear that this is not a food that our pups should be enjoying with us. This also means that if some spills, we need to remember to clean it up and not leave it for the furry vacuum cleaners in our lives. Of course, if they do get a lick, it probably won’t be too bad for them, but it is a good idea to monitor your pup just in case there are some negative symptoms.

Related Story. Safety tips for dog owners at Christmas time. light

Did you know that avocado was a no go for our dogs? Are there any other foods that you know aren’t safe for our dogs? Tell us in the comments below.

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