Can My Dog Eat Avocado?

NO

Avocados are listed among the top 10 most dangerous human foods for dogs. The avocado’s toxicity is due to a chemical compound called persin. The persin is a fungicidal toxin and it is mostly concentrated in the avocado’s leaves. A certain amount of persin is also present in the pits from where it leaks and penetrates the pulp.

Compared to other animal species, dogs are more resistant to the persin’s toxic effects. However, they are still sensitive and can suffer great consequences if exposed to sufficient amounts of persin.
Small amounts of persin in dogs, lead to gastrointestinal approach manifested with diarrhea and vomiting. Larger amounts of persin can cause inflammation of the mammary glands and even heart failure.
Another problem with the avocados is the size of their pits. Since dogs tend to be overzealous eaters they can easily swallow the pit and once swallowed, the pit may lead to gastrointestinal obstruction. The pit also poses a choking hazard.