Many pet owners are unsure about what their furry friends can and cannot eat. Common questions include whether dogs can eat avocados or grapes. It is crucial for pet owners to pay close attention to their dogs' diets because accidentally feeding them harmful foods can cause significant harm. Let's take a look at what foods are safe for our beloved pets and which ones should be avoided.
Here are the most scientifically accurate pieces of information released by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF):
- Grapes (and raisins)
- Cocoa (Chocolate)
- Onion family (including onions , scallions, leeks, and high doses of garlic extract)
Additional items:
- Macadamia nuts (high fat content can cause vomiting and nausea in dogs)
- Xylitol (always check the ingredient list on yogurt)
- Nutmeg
- Fruit pits (Don't argue that dogs can eat cherries and peaches without the pits; if you eat them, you don't spit out the pits either, right ? Apple seeds can be toxic in large quantities.)
Macadamia nuts can make dogs nauseous and lead to vomiting due to their high fat content, which is particularly problematic for dogs with pancreatitis . While it is misleading to discuss toxins without considering dosage, it's important to keep the above foods away from dogs . Even if they may dodge a bullet once, relying on luck shouldn’t lessen your sense of responsibility.
Let’s address some misinformation circulating online and debunk a few myths :
Can dogs drink milk?
Milk can cause diarrhea in dogs, which might be due to the quantity or lactose intolerance. Just like humans, some people are lactose intolerant (including myself). You can give puppies lactose-free milk or goat's milk.
Can dogs eat garlic?
As mentioned earlier, it is high doses of garlic extract that are harmful, which means supplements should be avoided , but fresh garlic is safe in moderation . Allicin found in garlic can benefit dogs' cardiovascular health. However , since garlic is a member of the onion family, it's worth noting that the thiosulfate content in onions is 15 times that of garlic; this compound can lead to Heinz body anemia in dogs . Below are the recommended daily amounts of fresh garlic based on the dog's weight:
- 4.5-6.8 kg: 0.5 clove
- 9-18 kg: 1 clove
- 20-32 kg: 1.5 cloves
- 34-41 kg: 2 cloves
- Over 45 kg: 2.5 cloves
Note: Small-breed dogs are not recommended to eat garlic due to potential dosage issues . Even though garlic is not toxic, it’s better for cautious pet owners to avoid giving garlic to their dogs to prevent accidents .
Can dogs eat avocado?
Avocados are tasty for us, but they can be very harmful to our furry friends like dogs and cats. The skin, pit, and even the flesh of avocados contain a substance called persin, which is very toxic to pets. Depending on how much they eat, their size, and other factors, pets might get sick with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, being very tired, or even worse .
Pit and Skin (Never Feed These!)
The avocado pit is quite large and if a dog eats it, it can cause serious problems like choking or a blockage in their stomach . So, make sure to never give this to your pet. The skin also contains a lot of persin, which can make dogs sick!
Flesh (Only Sometimes)
Research shows that the avocado flesh itself is not toxic, but it still has some persin in it and is high in fat. If you really want to give your pet a tiny bit, make sure they are small and healthy, and only give a very small piece. However , if your pet has health issues, I recommend not giving them avocado at all!
Better Fat Alternatives
Besides the persin issue, avocados are quite expensive. If you want to give your pet some healthy fats, here are some better choices you can consider:
- Animal fats
- Olive oil
- Extra virgin coconut oil
- Flaxseed oil
In summary, when asking "can dogs eat avocado," the safest answer is no. While a tiny amount of the flesh may not harm a healthy dog, the risks associated with the toxic persin in the skin and pit, the potential for choking or intestinal blockage, and the high fat content make it an unwise choice. For pet owners wanting to supplement their dog's diet with healthy fats, it is far better to opt for safer, more beneficial alternatives like olive oil or flaxseed oil. Always prioritize your dog's safety and consult your veterinarian if you are ever unsure about a food item.
