Can Dogs Eat Avocados? Vet-Approved Answer & Feeding Guide

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes and no. Dogs can eat avocado in moderation, and this nutrient-rich fruit can offer some health benefits. However, before adding avocado to your pup’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While small amounts of avocado flesh are generally safe, what about the pit, skin, and leaves? Are these parts of the avocado toxic and harmful to dogs? What about guacamole or avocado oil? Can too much avocado cause health issues due to its high-fat content? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate avocado into your dog’s diet.

Are Avocados Good For Dogs?

Avocado can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when given in moderation and fed appropriately. However, avocado plants contain a natural compound called persin, predominantly found in the fruit’s leaves, skin, and pit. Ingestion of persin has been linked to myocardial necrosis (heart muscle damage) in various mammals and birds and sterile mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands) in lactating mammals.^[1]

The concentration of persin varies across different parts of the avocado:​

• Leaves: Approximately 0.9 to 1%​
• Flesh (Fruit): Approximately 0.08% to 0.15%​

Fortunately, the levels of persin in the avocado’s flesh are relatively low (almost non-detectable), making it safer for dogs, especially since canines exhibit a higher resistance to persin than other animals.^[2] ​A study conducted by the University of Illinois explored the use of avocado meal—a byproduct derived from the fruit’s flesh—as a novel fiber source in dry dog food. During a two-week feeding trial, Beagles were given diets containing avocado meal and showed no signs of toxicity or distress. These findings suggest that avocado flesh can be a safe and effective fiber source in canine diets, potentially offering an alternative to conventional fibers.^[3]​

Avocados can be a nutritious and healthy occasional snack for dogs if you only feed the flesh.

Overfeeding avocados to dogs is not recommended as it can cause stomach upset. While persin levels in avocado flesh are non-detectable, excessive intake could increase the overall persin consumption and might become problematic in larger amounts. Therefore, it’s advisable to offer avocado to dogs only in moderation.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of avocado contains the following nutrients:

Avocado Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Avocados to Dogs

While avocados can offer some nutritional benefits to dogs, there are several important risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion:

Are Dogs Allergic to Avocados?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to avocados.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Avocados

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information:.When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home, or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining avocados or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Avocados to Dogs

When feeding avocados to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Avocados to Dogs

Best Avocado Dog Food

If you want to incorporate avocado into your dog’s diet, AvoDerm Original is the best choice due to its avocado-based formulation. It features omega-rich avocados, which provide essential nutrients that promote healthy skin, a beautiful coat, heart health, healthy eyes, and better digestion. Additionally, premium proteins like chicken meal and brown rice, ensuring a balanced diet for dogs. The inclusion of the formula is free from wheat, corn, and artificial flavors, making it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities. AvoDerm Original is a wholesome choice for dogs of all breeds and sizes.​

As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust. 

How Much Avocados Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like avocados. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning avocado based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (1 to 2 times per week)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1/2 to 1 teaspoon	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	1 to 2 teaspoons	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	1 to 2 tablespoons	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	2 to 3 tablespoons	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	Up to 1/4 of an avocado	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Avocados?

Yes, puppies can eat avocado, but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of mashed, ripe avocado—to see how they react. Feeding too much avocado can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle with the high fat content. Only plain, ripe avocado flesh should be given—avoid the skin, pit, and leaves, as they contain persin, a natural compound that can be harmful in larger amounts. Additionally, steer clear of guacamole or seasoned avocado, as ingredients like onions, garlic, and salt are toxic to dogs. When introducing avocado—or any new food—avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day so you can monitor for any food sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a teaspoon of plain avocado, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s system reacts before offering more. Always remove the skin and pit, as they pose a choking hazard and may cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

Can Dogs Eat Guacamole?

No, dogs should not eat guacamole. While plain avocado flesh is safe in small amounts, guacamole often contains toxic ingredients such as onions, garlic, salt, and spices, which can be harmful or even deadly to dogs. Onion and garlic, in particular, can cause severe damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even guacamole without these ingredients is not recommended due to high fat content and potential seasoning additives.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to avocados that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

​Incorporating avocado into a dog’s diet requires careful consideration due to potential health risks. While the flesh of ripe avocados contains beneficial nutrients such as vitamins and healthy fats, it also poses certain dangers. The presence of persin—a fungicidal toxin—varies across different parts of the avocado, being most concentrated in the leaves, skin, and pit. Although dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals, ingesting large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Moreover, the avocado’s high-fat content can contribute to pancreatitis, a serious condition affecting the pancreas. Additionally, the pit presents a choking hazard and potential for intestinal blockage if swallowed. Given these considerations, limiting avocado consumption to small quantities of the flesh is advisable, ensuring that the skin, pit, and leaves are strictly avoided. Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet to ensure their safety and well-being. ​

Whether you’re introducing avocados or any new food, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Isolation and identification of a compound from avocado (Persea americana) leaves which causes necrosis of the acinar epithelium of the lactating mammary gland and the myocardium
2. Avocado (Persea spp) Toxicosis in Animals
3. Nutritional and physico-chemical implications of avocado meal as a novel dietary fiber source in an extruded canine diet