Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

A tiny bit of plain avocado flesh is usually okay for dogs, but it is not a good treat. Dogs handle avocado better than many animals, yet the pit, skin and leaves can make them sick or block the gut. The flesh is also very fatty. Keep portions very small.

Is avocado poisonous to dogs?

Avocado has a natural substance called persin. The ASPCA says persin is in the leaves, fruit, seeds and bark, and it can make dogs vomit and have diarrhea.

Dogs are far less at risk than other animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual says dogs seem fairly resistant. It lists horses, rabbits, birds and some other animals as more easily poisoned. It describes just one case report of heart damage in two dogs.

The AKC adds that dogs are more tolerant, and persin may only cause a mild upset stomach in some of them.

Why is the avocado pit dangerous?

The bigger danger is the pit, and it has nothing to do with poison. The Merck Veterinary Manual says a dog that swallows a whole pit can get a blockage in the gut. The AKC says the pit can also be a choking risk, especially for small dogs, and may need surgery to remove.

Signs of a blockage, according to the AKC:

• Vomiting
• Straining to poop
• A swollen or painful belly
• Not wanting to eat
• Low energy

Call your vet right away if you see these signs, or if you know your dog swallowed a pit.

Can dogs eat avocado flesh?

A small amount of plain flesh once in a while is fine for most dogs. The AKC gives a limit of no more than 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dog’s weight. Treat that as the top limit, not a daily serving.

Avocado is full of fat. The AKC warns that it can cause weight gain, and it can lead to pancreatitis in some dogs. Pancreatitis is a painful swelling of the pancreas, an organ that helps break down food.

If your dog has had pancreatitis, ask your vet before giving any avocado.

How to serve avocado safely

• Scoop out a very small piece of plain flesh.
• Remove the pit and all the skin first.
• Keep the whole fruit, pit and peels away from your dog. Use a trash can with a lid.
• Keep the plant and its leaves out of reach if you grow avocado at home.

Other kinds of avocado

Can dogs eat guacamole?

No. The AKC says guacamole usually has onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs. It also adds more fat. Do not share it.

Can dogs eat avocado oil?

Only by accident. The AKC says avocado oil has no persin, but it is still very high in fat. A lick is not likely to matter. Giving it on purpose can lead to pancreatitis and weight gain.

Can dogs eat avocado skin, leaves or the pit?

No to all three. The ASPCA says leaves and seeds contain persin. The AKC adds that the skin and pit have it too. Call your vet if your dog swallowed any of them.

What to do if your dog ate avocado

The ASPCA says to note how much your dog ate and call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as soon as you can. That is true for any part of the avocado.

A lick of flesh from a plate is unlikely to cause trouble. Still, call right away if your dog:

• Swallowed a pit, skin or leaves
• Has vomiting or diarrhea that keeps going
• Seems sore in the belly or very tired

Safer treats to try

Plain blueberries, banana and apple slices are easier on a dog’s belly. Treats of any kind should stay under about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For a longer list of foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.