Can Dogs Have Avocado Oil?

 

There are many vegetables and fruits dog parents can safely share with their pooches, but avocados aren’t one of them. This is because the avocado plant, skin, pit and leaves contain a fungicidal toxin called persin that’s harmful for dogs. In large quantities, persin can cause vomiting in dogs and other unpleasant side effects like diarrhea. The pit is also a choking hazard and can block the digestive tract if swallowed whole.

The good news is that the avocado oil derived from the flesh of the fruit does not contain any persin toxin and, if used sparingly in moderation, can offer many health benefits to dogs such as improved skin and wound healing. This is why you may find that dog products made from avocado oil appear on ingredient lists.

However, the drawbacks of using avocado oil (and the raw fruit) are that it is high in fat and can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. If your dog is predisposed to this condition, it’s best to skip this food altogether or use it sparingly.

Avocado oil is a great natural way to Can dogs have avocado oil​ moisturize dry or itchy skin and has been shown to speed up wound healing. It’s also a good source of vitamin E which can help with the production of healthy collagen in dogs’ skin, as well as boost the immune system and lower cholesterol levels.

Whether you make your own homemade avocado oil or purchase it in stores, make sure that the oil is labeled as "virgin," rather than "refined." According to researchers at UC Davis, almost all of the commercially available avocado oil samples they tested were either stale by their expiration date or contained nearly 100 percent soybean oil, which is less expensive to produce.

If your dog does ingest avocado peel, skin or pit, keep an eye on them for 24 to 48 hours and report any vomiting or diarrhea they exhibit. The pit is particularly concerning because it can cause a blockage in the intestinal tract, so if your dog eats this part of the fruit, they will need to be seen by a veterinarian right away for recommendations.