Determining whether dogs can eat guacamole can be confusing due to conflicting information online. Some sources warn against giving dogs any guacamole because avocados contain persin, a substance that can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Others argue that small amounts of plain avocado or simple guacamole without harmful ingredients like onions and garlic may be safe. However, this food is generally risky to share, and we suggest avoiding giving your dog guacamole altogether.
If your dog has eaten guacamole, you should contact your veterinarian for advice. Here’s why guacamole is bad for your dog.
Why is guacamole bad for dogs?
The avocado that makes up the primary part of guacamole contains a toxin called persin, which is fine for human consumption in small quantities but can cause death in certain animals. Though dogs are more resistant to persin than some other animals, like birds, it’s still not worth the risk for them to consume. If you want to feed your dog plain avocado, you should contact your vet first.
In addition to avocado, most guacamoles are made with onion, which is very toxic to dogs, as well as spices, which are generally not good for dogs to consume. Guacamole is also usually made with a fair bit of salt that your pup can do without.
What should I do if my dog ate guacamole?
If your dog ate guacamole containing onions and other spices, you should contact your vet for guidance. If your dog ate plain mashed avocado, they will most likely be fine. They may have some gastrointestinal upset, but the main concern with dogs eating avocados is if they somehow eat the pit or the peel, which are high in persin levels.
If the guacamole your dog ate had onions or garlic as an ingredient, you should call your vet. Neither of these vegetables is not good for dogs and can cause death in the worst circumstances. As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
