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Avocado | Is it toxic for Pets?
vocados have the reputation of being dangerous to pets, because of their content of Persina, a known Toxic substance. Let’s see how far we should be cautious with this green delicacy and to what extent we unveil if it is a myth.
Avocados are an extremely popular fruit today. More and more studies show that avocados can benefit people’s health. But does the same happen with pets? Can they get the same benefits by consuming avocado as a prize?
Can dogs eat avocado?
It is believed that avocado could be dangerous for dogs, a belief supported by some organizations, such as the AKC of great international prestige. But where did this myth begin?
In the 1990s, a study published in a prestigious US scientific journal on avocado and animals was conducted. avocado trees contain persine, a poisonous substance found in the skin (peel), stems and leaves of the plant. Persin is also found in the pulp in small quantities.
This study contributed to the belief that avocados are bad for dogs, a myth that is being denied because of the benefits seen when animals consume it.
Fruit, which contains a lot of healthy fats (21 grams for a Hass avocado), is a good nutritional supplement. It even increases the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) found in other foods. Avocados can also benefit your pet’s intestinal bacteria.
Apart from healthy fats, a Hass avocado, weighing about 136 grams, contains a variety of vitamins and minerals:
- Magnesium: 39 milligrams
- Calcium: 73 milligrams
- Potassium: 690 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 8.8 milligrams
- Folate: 89 milligrams
- Vitamin E: 2.68 milligrams
Are avocados bad for dogs?
Avocados aren’t bad for dogs. In fact, it is quite the opposite, as they can benefit them. A 2012 study denied the idea that they are bad, after showing that beagles dogs that consumed avocado extract did not show any adverse effects. However, it is important to be careful about the part they consume, which is where many people are wrong.
Dogs should only consume pulp, which is the same part that people eat. Be careful to remove the skin and bone from the avocado so as not to poison your dog with the persin found in those parts of the fruit.
In case your pet consumes other parts of the fruit, you should know the signs of toxicity so that you can help him right away:
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Breathing difficulty
- Congestion
Can cats eat avocado?
Research published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology noted that cats cannot eat avocado because of the possibility of consuming persin. However, as with dogs, there is not enough evidence to support this claim.
Many people give small amounts of avocado to their pets. The natural fats found in this fruit can disrupt the stomach of pets when consumed in very high quantities, so it is recommended to give them little amount. Most cats, will not choose to eat this fruit as they are carnivores.
Beware of avocado stems, leaves and bones
It is important that pets do not consume the stems, leaves or bones of this fruit. If you have avocado plants, it is important that your pets do not consume the stems, leaves, or bark of the tree (although this is very unlikely to happen).
It is also important to remember that pets should only consume avocado pulp as a prize and in small quantities. Prizes must represent only 10% of your pet’s daily caloric consumption, so avocado should only represent a small percentage of the awards in general.
Consult a holistic or integrative veterinarian to calculate your pet’s daily consumption and help you decide the best way to give it. Avocados can be a delicious prize for your pet, as long as you give him the right portions.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is avocado toxic to cats?
A: Avocado can be potentially toxic to cats in case of eating other parts of the fruit, such as skin (peel) and bone. They should only consume the pulp. But, keep in mind that most cats do not eat avocado.
Q: Is avocado toxic to dogs?
A: Avocado can be toxic to dogs if they eat other parts of the fruit, such as skin, bone and leaves. They should only eat the pulp to minimize the risk of persin poisoning.
Q: Can pets consume avocado oil?
A: Yes, you can use avocado oil to lightly cook your pet’s food.
Q: Can dogs eat the bones (seeds) of avocado?
A: Dogs should not eat avocado bone because it contains persin, a toxin that can cause health complications.
Written by Raul of Team Barki
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Dr. Becker
Bazzano LA. Background Paper of the Joint FAO/WHO
medicalnewstoday.com
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