Are Avocados Safe For Dogs

Avocado is on the top of the list of nutritious fruits. Although avocado does not have the sweetness of other fruits, it is favored by most people because of the vitamins and minerals it contains. This green pear-shaped fruit has higher potassium levels than bananas. Avocado contains high levels of fat but the fat this fruit contains is monosaturated. The monosaturated fat avocados contain is good for the heart and does not really cause obesity. Avocado was once eaten only by royalty because this fruit is considered as luxury food. These days, more than half of the households in US consume this fruit.

In spite of these known healthful benefits, avocados consumption is still shrouded with misconceptions. Some people have the notion that the caloric content of avocado would cause obesity. The unfunded beliefs about the dangers of eating avocados is not only confined to humans but also to dogs. ASPCA has warned dog owners about allowing the pet to eat avocados.

Persin, a substance that is highly toxic to dogs is found in avocados. This toxic substance causes fluid to accumulate in the dog’s chest and abdomen. Buildup of fluid in the dog’s chest will prevent the normal functioning of the heart. Owners would not allow the dog to eat avocado as the high levels of fat it contains can make the pet obese. Responsible dogs owners are careful in giving fatty foods to the pet as these kinds of foods can cause obesity . A blockage in the throat or in the gastrointestinal tract caused by the avocado seed is one more reason why dog owners steer the pet away from this fruit. Dogs would not bother to chew the food thus the avocado seed will be swallowed whole. A surgical procedure may be necessary to save the life of a dog that has swallowed an avocado seed.

With all the arguments about the dangerous effects of avocado to the dog, one can’t help but wonder why some commercially prepared pet foods have avocado as an ingredient. Dog owners have proven that avocado is good for the skin and coat of the dog. AvoDerm, the dog food that contains avocado is given to dogs continuously plagued with skin disorders, excessive shedding and poor coat quality.

Some dog owners attest to the healthful benefits of this fruit to the dog. Some dog owner would still keep the pet away from these fruits. What are your views – should you or should you not give avocado to the dog?

Find out more about if dogs can eat avocado and about first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.