Can Dogs Eat Avocado?

There are three main reasons to keep avocado away from your dog: 1. Persin Toxicity: The leaves, bark, skin, and pit of the avocado contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. While dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals like birds, it can still cause problems. Ingesting these parts of the plant can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. 2. High Fat Content: Avocados are very high in fat. A high-fat diet can cause gastrointestinal upset and, more seriously, can trigger a painful and dangerous inflammation of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. 3. The Pit: The large, hard pit in the center of the avocado is a major hazard. It can become lodged in your dog's esophagus, stomach, or intestinal tract, causing a life-threatening blockage that requires emergency surgery. It is a serious choking hazard.

If your dog sneaks a small piece of the plain avocado flesh, they will most likely be fine. The flesh contains the lowest concentration of persin. However, you should still monitor them for any signs of vomiting or diarrhea. The bigger dangers are the pit and the high fat content.

It is not worth the risk to feed your dog avocado. The potential for pancreatitis from the high fat content and the severe choking/blockage risk from the pit make it a fruit to keep on the human-only list. There are many other fruits and vegetables that are much safer and healthier for your dog to enjoy.