Every owner of a four-legged friend wants his pet to be healthy and cheerful. Often people, trying to give their pets the most pleasure, decide to expand the diet and feed the dog “something tasty”. Some fruits and vegetables can be good for a pet’s body, but the owner must be firmly aware of what is allowed and what is not!
In this article, we will analyze an ingredient in one of the most popular healthy breakfast foods and guacamole and answer why can t dogs eat avocado.
Is Avocado Safe for Dogs?
There is no definite answer. Avocados can be beneficial. However, there are also the dangers of eating this fruit by the dog. Experts say that avocado bad for dogs or at least useless unless it is properly prepared. But the danger of harming the body exists!
The controversy about the usefulness of the product is caused by the toxic substance “persin.” It can cause allergic reactions and intestinal disorders. The main content of the toxin is found in unripe fruits, but in ripe avocados the percentage of persin is minimal. The problem is that it is rare to find a ripe fruit with minimal levels of the harmful substance on store shelves.
This toxin is most dangerous to:
- Poultry;
- Cattle;
- Pets.
Dogs, like humans, are highly resistant to the trace elements contained in the fruit. And for optimum results, you must carefully prepare the avocado before eating it:
- Feed your dog only ripe fruit;
- Remove the skin completely;
- Do not feed the stems or leaves;
- Observe the proportions and dosage.
With this approach, avocados can be a healthy addition to the main diet. But, if you’re not sure, limit it to the food. Quality food has all the nutrients, proteins, carbohydrates, microorganisms, etc.
Can Dog Have Avocado?
Experts warn: feeding your dog an avocado can cause the following side effects:
- Nasal congestion;
- Respiratory problems;
- Coughing;
- Sneezing;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Possible fluid accumulation in the heart muscle area.
If any of the above symptoms are identified, it is recommended that you see a veterinarian for consultation and, if needed, preventive treatment.
Food Categories
Even fruits and vegetables cooked properly can cause GI distress. Especially if consumed in large portions. An increased risk to the health of the dog is a high fat, protein content. Animals with a weakened immune system are at risk.
For the same reasons, it is not advisable to expand the diet of young dogs, puppies, whose age has not reached 1 year. The internal organs are still forming and this requires special attention and care on the part of the owners.
The unconfirmed fetus should not be given to a pregnant individual. The body of the female is already experiencing increased stress, pregnancy is definitely not the time for experimentation.
Older animals are at risk. The aging organism should not be burdened with heavy food with dubious usefulness. It is better to support the diet with appropriate food. Quality food carefully balances all the basic elements necessary to maintain health, the variety does not matter, the main thing is maturity.
Avocado OK for Dogs Only If
If the decision to periodically feed your dog an avocado is made, the following conditions must be met:
- Consult a veterinarian;
- Determine the dosage;
- Choose quality, ripe fruits.
It is important that the product does not contain any harmful substances and additives. Before taking the fruit, make sure that there are no skins, leaves, stems. The best solution is to mix the pieces with other foods your dog usually eats.
What You Can Use as a Substitute
Offer your pet an equally nutritious pumpkin or an almost completely safe zucchini. Any responsible pet owner should know that you should talk to your vet before you introduce anything new to your dog’s diet. can you feed dogs avocado