Can dogs or cats eat avocado?

April 26, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat avocado?

The good news is that avocados can be safe for dogs. But moderation is key, and you should be careful when it comes to the pit.

Avocados contain healthy fats that are beneficial for your pet's skin and coat health as well as their overall immune system function. They also provides fiber that helps keep your dog's digestive system in good working order.

The part of the avocado that can be harmful to dogs is the pit or seed, which contains a toxin called persin. Persin can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs if consumed in large amounts. However, the flesh of ripe avocados does not contain enough persin to harm most pets.

As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food item into your dog's diet! If your dog eats almonds and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If your dog requires veterinary care as a result of eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat avocado?

Avocados can be safe for cats. But moderation is key, and you should be careful when it comes to the pit.

Avocado contains healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins that can benefit a cat's health if consumed in small amounts. However, it's important to note that the pit and skin of an avocado are not safe for cats to consume since they contain a toxin called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Remember, giving too much avocado to your cat can lead to weight gain and digestive issues. And some cats may have allergies or sensitivities to various foods, including avocado. In any event, don't go overboard!

As always, consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food item into your cat's diet! If your cat eats almonds and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If your cat requires veterinary care as a result of eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet