Can dogs eat guacamole?

Can Dogs Eat Avocado? Just a Little, but Hold the Guac.

You love a good avocado toast. Or, perhaps you enjoy dipping chips in guacamole or eating it on its own. No matter how you consume this delicious fruit, you’re curious about whether or not you can give it to your dog. Can dogs eat avocados? Are there benefits of avocados, or should you avoid feeding them to your dog altogether?

Before giving your dog any kind of avocado, make sure you learn if they’re actually good for him.

Is It OK to Give Your Dog an Avocado?

Pet parents may have found information about how avocados contain some toxicity and might not be good for their dogs. While this is partly true, it is also fine to give your dog a small amount of avocado.

When deciding if you want to feed avocado to your dog, just make sure you clear it with your vet first. Then, you can determine exactly how much to give your dog according to his weight as well as why it may be good for him.

The Benefits of Avocados for Dogs

In general, the avocado fruit does have some health benefits (as long as your eat eats it in moderation). It provides healthy fats, which is a necessary part of a dog’s diet.

Avocados are also a good source of:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• fiber
• magnesium
• potassium
• folate
• amino acids
• antioxidants

Some of these will help your dog maintain a healthy coat and fur, while others help his eyesight and bone health.

The Risks of Avocados for Dogs: Pits & Persin

Avocados contain persin, which is a toxin that could potentially lead to death if your dog eats a large amount of avocados. However, dogs are mostly resistant to persin.

The most amount of persin is found in certain parts of the avocado including the pit, leaves, and avocado flesh/skin, so definitely avoid feeding those to your dog. Also, make sure you keep your dog away from your avocado plant or avocado tree since he’ll be more likely to ingest higher amounts of persin.

The pit is a dangerous part of an avocado because it could be a choking hazard. It could get caught in his throat and block his airway or become lodged in his intestinal tract and cause a blockage.

Additionally, a large amount of avocados is not good for your pup because he shouldn’t eat that much fat. High-fat content could end up causing weight gain and a host of dangerous health issues for him like pancreatitis.

The Signs of Persin Toxicity

If your dog ate a lot of avocados and the persin poisoned him, you’ll see some telltale side effects including:

You should take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms. Your dog may have to get a urinalysis and blood work done and might need to take IV fluids and an anti-nausea injection for upset stomach.

For immediate care, dog owners should call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680.

What Happens If Your Dog Swallows an Avocado Pit?

If your pooch swallows a pit and it becomes lodged in his upper GI tract, the vet will need to find the pit and remove it using an endoscope. If the pit is lower down in your dog, then your vet will need to perform abdominal surgery.

Keeping Avocado Away From Your Dog

If you are scared of your dog eating avocados or getting ahold of a pit, make sure you keep them in a safe place out of his reach, such as on a counter, in a closed cabinet, or in the refrigerator.

If you have little children at home who tend to feed their food to your dog, then make sure you supervise them when they eat avocado – or avoid feeding it to them altogether until they’re older.

If your canine friend can get into the trash and might access the avocado skin and pits, make sure you lock the trash up or move it somewhere he cannot access it.

Is Guacamole Safe for Dogs?

Can dogs eat guac? While an avocado meal made up of only a small amount of the avocado fruit itself should be OK, dogs shouldn’t eat any amount of guacamole.

Onion and garlic, which are toxic to dogs, are in guacamole recipes. They can cause kidney failure as well as organ damage. Additionally, dogs should not eat large quantities of salty food.

If your dog ate guacamole, contact your DVM.

Can Dogs Eat Avocado Oil?

If you’re thinking of feeding avocado oil to your pup by putting it into his dog food, they can only eat a small amount of it. This is because it is very high in fat. If you’re looking for an alternative, then try fish oil for dogs for healthy fatty acids. Ask your vet how much to give your dog.

What Fruits Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?

If you want to feed your dog human foods, you’re in luck, because dogs can eat a number of different fruits, including:

· Apples (not the seeds or core)

Remember to serve these things in moderation, like you would with any human food. And if your dog is exhibiting symptoms of sickness or an allergic reaction, cease feeding him the fruit and call your veterinarian immediately. Your dog may need to undergo a food allergy test.

Feeding Your Dog Healthy Treats

Let’s say that you want to give your dog some treats, but you just don’t want to risk it with avocado or other kinds of fruits. Instead, you can give him food that’s specially formulated for him.

Your dog will love Wholesome Pride apple slices, which are made with 100% real ingredients – they’re a natural treat comprised of dehydrated apples. Not only will your pup enjoy them, but also you can use them to train him.

Another option is Raw Freeze-Dried Salmon Dog Treats. These are a simple, healthy dog treat made with limited ingredients that are 100% natural, and they’re made of raw, freeze-dried salmon that’s wild-caught in Alaska. They have no artificial ingredients, fillers, or preservatives and are only four calories per treat.

Apple Slices Dog Treats, Red, 8 Oz

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At Wholesome Pride, our mission is to create a better, healthier, treat—using 100% real ingredients. That’s why we work with farmers in the US and around the world to sustainably source and produce delicious and nutrient-rich treats made with farm fresh ingredients. We don’t use any artificial or unnatural preservatives, artificial colors, or fillers in our dog treats, which make them a perfect snack for…

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Can Dogs Eat Avocado? The Bottom Line.

While a very small amount of avocados should be fine, make sure you avoid the problematic areas of this fruit. Then, your dog will be healthy and get some of the essential healthy fats he needs. Just remember that less is more.

Can Dogs Eat Guacamole? Is Guacamole Bad for Dogs?

Do you look forward to Taco Tuesday every week? We sure do! But what if your dog is staring at that leftover bowl of guacamole? Can you treat your dog to some guacamole on top of their kibble as a special treat?

Guacamole is certainly a healthy and tasty dip for humans, but the same isn’t true for our canine friends. The good news is that guacamole in small quantities isn’t going to do your dog too much harm, as long as there isn’t onion or garlic in the mix.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s something you should actively feed them.

Facts About Guacamole

Guacamole can be traced back to the Aztecs in the 16 th century and was eaten throughout Latin America. The name guacamole is derived from the Aztec word “ahuaca-hulli,” which translates as “avocado sauce.”

The main ingredient of guacamole is, of course, the avocado! These fruits are a rich source of carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

National Guacamole Day is September 16, the same day as Mexican Independence Day.

On Super Bowl Sunday, America gets through roughly 53 million pounds of delicious guacamole!

Is Guacamole Okay for Dogs to Eat?

Depending on the recipe, guacamole usually contains avocadoes, onions, salt, garlic, tomatoes, lime or lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, and spices such as cumin or cayenne.

Let’s take a look at each of those ingredients and find out whether they’re something that’s okay for your dog to eat.

Avocadoes

It might seem surprising, but avocadoes are not that good for dogs to eat.

An avocado contains a toxin known as persin, though the levels in different parts of the avocado vary. Dogs aren’t usually badly affected by persin, so a small amount of guacamole shouldn’t be harmful, but this will also depend on an individual dog’s sensitivity to persin.

Avocado is listed on the Pet Poison Helpline as a mild toxin to dogs.

Symptoms of persin toxicity in dogs can include:

The persin content is lower in ripe avocadoes, and usually, these are the only ones used to make the perfect guacamole. Even so, you might still decide that to let your dog near avocadoes of any kind is too much of a risk.

Another reason to avoid letting your dog chow down on a large bowl of leftover guacamole is that the high-fat content of avocados can trigger pancreatitis.

Some people place the pit of an avocado into the center of the bowl to help stop the avocado in the guacamole from going brown once exposed to the air. This pit can pose a danger to dogs because if they happened to swallow it, there’s a risk of a blockage occurring in their throat, stomach, or intestines, any of which will require immediate veterinary attention.

Onions and Garlic

If you like plenty of onion and garlic in your guacamole, these are also both listed as toxic to dogs on the Pet Poison Helpline website.

They both belong to the Allium family of plants, which includes leeks and chives. Garlic contains around five times more of the toxic compound, thiosulphate.

Thiosulphate can damage the red blood cells within a dog’s bloodstream, which can lead to anemia and blood loss.

Symptoms include:

These symptoms can take a few days to become apparent. Certain breeds of dogs are thought to be more susceptible to thiosulphate poisoning, including Japanese breeds such as the Shiba Inu and Akita.

Salt

Another ingredient that makes guacamole taste so good to us humans but won’t do your dog any good is salt. The levels of salt in guacamole should be negligible, but even so, it’s good practice as a pet parent to avoid feeding your dog any human foods that contain salt.

In high levels, salt can be poisonous to dogs.

Tomatoes

Good news! The red tomatoes commonly used to make guacamole aren’t considered poisonous to dogs.

Lime or Lemon Juice

The acidic taste of the juice from lemons and limes is unlikely to be particularly palatable to your dog. What’s more, these fruits both contain linalool, limonene, and psoralens. These can all cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Again, the small quantities of lemon or lime juice used in guacamole shouldn’t be enough to cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Parsley and Cilantro

Here are two ingredients used in some guacamole recipes that are actually good for your dog!

Parsley contains high levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Parsley can help keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh and soothe an upset stomach.

Cilantro also contains plenty of vitamins and minerals, as well as helping your dog’s digestive system work properly.

If your dog seems to enjoy the flavor of parsley and cilantro, it’s probably best to feed it to them in small amounts sprinkled over their kibble or wet food occasionally, rather than as a component of guacamole.

Spices

While you may love your guacamole to have a good kick, thanks to the addition of spices, these could play havoc with your dog’s digestive system.

Spices like cumin, cayenne, and jalapenos can irritate your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Maybe the only thing worse than finding that your dog has jumped up to the table and licked the bowl of super-spicy guacamole clean is knowing that you’ll have to clean up the aftermath!

What to Do if Your Dog Has Eaten Guacamole?

It’s quite clear that while many of us humans love this green dip, it’s not something that we should actively be feeding our dogs.

But what if your dog has helped themselves?

First of all, try and work out roughly how much guacamole your dog has eaten. A tablespoon of guacamole is probably not going to give a Newfoundland any seriously bad side effects. But if your cheeky French Bulldog has climbed onto the table and scarfed a whole family-size bowl of guacamole while you were in the kitchen, then it might be time to call the vet.

You’ll need to use your judgment to work out whether your dog needs veterinary attention. If you see your dog display any symptoms, then we recommend calling your vet as a matter of urgency. Remember that symptoms of garlic or onion poisoning can take up to five days to become apparent.

Just Say No

Like with many other human foodstuffs, guacamole can taste good to some dogs, and they may like to have a little treat of this dip now and again.

That doesn’t mean we should give it to them, though! Even if your dog seems to enjoy the taste, after considering all the ingredients of guacamole individually, this isn’t a food that you should be encouraging your dog to eat.

Too many of the ingredients can cause some level of toxicity in dogs. In our opinion, the cons of allowing your dog to indulge in guacamole outweigh the pros. Why not treat them to a tasty chew or bone instead and save the guacamole for the two-legged members of your family to enjoy?

Featured Image Credit: Lebensmittelfotos, Pixabay

• Facts About Guacamole
• Is Guacamole Okay for Dogs to Eat?
  • Avocadoes
  • Onions and Garlic
  • Salt
  • Tomatoes
  • Lime or Lemon Juice
  • Parsley and Cilantro
  • Spices

  Can dogs eat guacamole?

  

  Dogs love snacks, and guacamole is definitely one of those snacks that they enjoy. However, while it might seem like a tasty treat, you may be wondering if it’s safe or not for your pup.

  The answer to this question is a little complicated. Guacamole can be a great snack for dogs, as long as it’s prepared properly and doesn’t contain any added ingredients that may be toxic or unhealthy for them. As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to understand the basics of canine nutrition and take the time to research whether or not a certain food is safe for your pup. That way, you can make informed decisions about what to feed your pup, and you can be sure that you’re making their health and happiness a priority.

  In this article

  • What is guacamole?
  • Nutritional contents of guacamole
  • Can dogs eat guacamole?
  • Potential risks of feeding guacamole to dogs
  • Alternatives to guacamole

  What is guacamole?

  Guacamole is a delicious dip made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and sometimes garlic. Not only is guacamole tasty, but it is also incredibly nutritious, and packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Avocados, the main ingredient in guacamole, are full of healthy fats, vitamins B and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, making it not just a tasty treat, but an amazingly nutritious one too. The other ingredients, such as onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice, are also full of essential vitamins and nutrients, creating a nutrient-dense dip.

  Nutritional contents of guacamole

  It’s no secret that guacamole has some health benefits for your pup. The avocado in the guacamole provides your dog with essential fats, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for the health of the entire body. The ingredients found in guacamole, such as tomatoes, garlic, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro, also have high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals that can help support your pup’s overall health and wellness. Guacamole can even help with digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help your pup stay healthy and active.

  Can dogs eat guacamole?

  Dogs love snacks, and guacamole may be one of the tastiest options! But can dogs eat guacamole safely?

  When it comes to guacamole, the answer is a resounding yes – in moderation. Avocados are packed with nutrients, and guacamole – a mixture of mashed avocado, diced onion, garlic, lime juice, salt, and sometimes other additional ingredients – can be a healthy snack for your pup. However, there are some potential risks involved, so it’s important to check with your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your pup’s diet.

  While avocados are full of healthy fats, they are very high in fat overall, so they should only be given to your pup in small portions. Additionally, onions and garlic can be toxic to dogs, so if you’re making your own guacamole, make sure to leave these ingredients out. Finally, if you’re buying store-bought guacamole, make sure to check the label for any additional ingredients that may be dangerous for your pup, such as hot peppers or added sugars.

  Potential risks of feeding guacamole to dogs

  The potential risks of feeding guacamole to dogs may not be immediately apparent, but it is important to remember that avocados contain a toxic compound called persin. This compound can be harmful to dogs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart problems. It is recommended that dogs avoid guacamole, as it can contain large amounts of persin. Ingesting too much persin can be especially harmful, even potentially fatal, to smaller dogs. Additionally, some guacamole recipes contain garlic, which can also be toxic to dogs. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding guacamole to your pet.

  Alternatives to guacamole

  Guacamole may be one of the most popular dip options for chips and tacos, but it’s not necessarily the best dip for your pup. While guacamole’s main ingredients are avocados, tomatoes, and onions, all of which are healthy for humans, onions are toxic for dogs. Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can be toxic for your dog in large doses. If you’re looking for an alternative dip for your pup, you can try homemade hummus or sour cream dip. Both provide a similar creamy consistency, with much fewer risks for your pup. Hummus is made of chickpeas, lemon, garlic, tahini, and olive oil. The sour cream dip is simply a mixture of sour cream, garlic (in small quantities), and sometimes herbs. Both dips are equally delicious and safe for your pup.

  Important
  All information provided on this website is based on best-effort research and personal experience. Please read more about the information provided on this blog on the health and nutrition disclaimer page.

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