Avocados have grown in popularity over the past few years. Today, you see them everywhere: from traditional guacamole on chips to sliced on a burger, blended in a smoothie or even spread on some toast. As humans, we're taught that these fruits are highly beneficial to our health. If you're a pet parent, it's only natural that you'd wonder: Can my dog or cat eat avocados?
If a food you love is healthy, you may feel inclined to share it. But some foods can make our favorite furry friends sick. Let's learn more about our pets' relationship with this popular health food.
Can Dogs & Cats Eat Avocados?
Unlike some foods (see: chocolate), the answer to this question is slightly more nuanced than a straight "yes" or "no." If your pet consumes a very small amount of avocado, they will most likely be unharmed. However, if a cat or dog consumes more avocado than their body can handle, they're entering toxin territory. In short, if you're bringing home avocados for yourself, your best bet is to keep them away from your four-legged friends.
Why Are Avocados Risky?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), "Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can cause serious health problems — even death — in many animals. According to veterinarians, dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals, but that doesn't mean avocados are 100% safe for your dog to consume."
If you're wondering, can cats eat avocados in larger amounts? The answer is similar: It's not advised. It's not just the "meat" of the avocado that contains persin. In fact, every part of the avocado — from the pit to the flesh to the leaves — has the potential to poison your pet. And while the amount of persin is unknown, there are some side effects that the AKC notes in pets who have consumed large amounts of the toxin, such as vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset and heart muscle damage.
Avocado also has other, nontoxic risks to consider. It's a high-calorie food that can cause your pet significant weight gain more quickly than expected. And the stone pit at the center of the fruit may cause animals to choke on it, if swallowed. While an avocado pit will likely not fit in a cat's mouth, you do have to be cautious with larger dogs who might view the pit as a toy!
Tasty Tips
My Pet Ate Avocado, What Should I Do?
We know that larger amounts of avocado may be dangerous for cats and dogs. But if your pet has eaten avocado, you might be worried and wonder: Can dogs eat avocado, even in small amounts? What about my cat?
If your pet has consumed some avocado — or food containing avocado, like guacamole — don't panic. The first thing you should do if your cat or dog has eaten the fruit is remove whatever remains of the food from their mouths. Then, call your vet or animal poison control and ask them how to proceed. If possible, take note of how much avocado you believe your pet has eaten so that you can share this information with your vet. If your pet consumed a food containing avocado, do your best to note all the other ingredients in case there are other toxins to consider when asking for their advice.
Can dogs eat avocados? It's certainly not something worth testing intentionally. Plus, not sharing means there will be more for you to eat!
Remember, there are a lot of alternative snacks and foods you can give your dog as rewards to strengthen your bond without risking their health. Consider providing your pet a healthy treat like plain turkey or chicken, or even a fruit like watermelon, for a job well done. They'll thank you — and their bellies will, too.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Liver & Chicken Entrée
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & Barley recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock & Barley Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Rice Stew
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Related articles
What You Should Know About Pet Food Calories
Learn how to determine how many calories your dog or cat needs each day, as well as how to count their calories and what to do if they're getting too many.
What Nutrients Can Help a Pet’s Immune System?
Learn why nutrients like antioxidants & amino acids can help improve your pet's immune system, as well as top antioxidants to look for in pet food.
Can Dogs and Cats Eat Butter?
Learn all about whether butter is safe for your dog or cat and what to do if they eat it.
Is Corn Bad for Pets?
Learn how corn can play a pivotal role in your pet's food and diet. Discover the benefits it has in improving your pet's overall health.
Flea and Tick Medication: Oral vs. Topical Treatments
Learn the difference between oral vs. topical flea and tick medications so that you can decide which one might be most effective for your dog or cat.
Vitamins
Learn more about the different types of viatmins that are important to your pet's nutrition, and what you should be looking for when buying pet food.
Water
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Pet Dental Health: What Happens During a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Learn about veterinary dental care for your pet, including deep teeth cleaning procedures, which can help your dog or cat maintain proper dental health.
Pet Food Storage Tips
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Easy DIY Dog & Cat Toys: Nine of Our Favorites
Browse this comprehensive guide for several of our favorite DIY dog and cat toys that are sure to put a little pep in your pet's step.
Dog and Cat Urine Crystals: What You Need to Know
Crystals in your pet's urine can be common, but can also indicate a deeper health concern. Learn about the different types of crystals & what they mean.
Littermates: Is Adopting Dog or Cat Siblings a Good Idea?
If you're considering adopting dog or cat littermates, learn some insightful information that might you decide if adopting siblings is really a good idea.
Do Dogs & Cats Have Empathy?
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
TAILS of Aging in Older Pets
Learn the five key criteria for observing aging in your pet, including thinking, activity, interaction, loss of control and sleep cycles.
How to Become a Pet Nutritionist or Vet
Want to know how to become a vet or a pet nutritionist? Learn the basics from veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly, including education requirements & specialties.
Keeping Pets Calm During Thunderstorms
Is your dog scared of thunder? Does your kitty dart under the bed at the first rumble? Learn a few tips for keeping your pets calm during the storm.
How to Reduce Your Pet's Carbon Paw Print
Headed outside? How you and your pets engage with nature can affect the environment, so here are some quick tips for reducing your pet's carbon paw print.
Minerals
Learn about the 18 different types of minerals that are essential to dogs and cats, as well as the differences between macrominerals and microminerals.
Adopting Special Needs Pets
Learn what it's like to adopt a special needs pet and how behavioral challenges or disabilities can be overcome to give them a proper forever home.
What Dog Breed is Best for My Cat?
Learn why some dog breeds are better for cats than others, including recommendations based on breed size & temperament, and tips for introducing them.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.