Can Dogs Have Avocado Oil?

Many dog parents safely share vegetables, fruits and some oils with their dogs to boost skin and coat health or help ease allergies. Unfortunately, avocados aren’t one of those safe foods for pets. Avocados contain a compound called persin, which is toxic to dogs when ingested in large amounts. The highest concentration of this compound is found in the avocado peel, leaves and pit, but persin is also present in small quantities in avocado flesh. Additionally, avocados are calorie-dense and can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis in some dogs, especially those with genetic predispositions to the condition.

While some experts are still determining how much avocado can be toxic to dogs, most agree that consuming even a small amount of the avocado fruit or oil could be harmful. Avocados are a source of monounsaturated fat, which has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health for dogs with heart disease. They are also high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can help ease the symptoms of certain types of skin conditions like dermatitis and hot spots.

The fatty acids in avocado are also beneficial for reducing inflammation and supporting the health of your dog’s joints. The avocado’s high-fat content can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits for dogs with joint issues and inflammation, according to Sabrina Kong, DVM, a veterinarian and veterinary consultant at We Love Doodles. However, while the oil does not contain any toxins or allergens, it is not recommended to feed this supplement to dogs with low-fat diets or gastrointestinal issues.

While avocado oil does not contain any persin, it is still important to take caution with how much of this food you give your dog. Just like a whole avocado, avocado oil is high in calories and can lead to weight gain and pancreatitis if overfed. Additionally, if your dog consumes the avocado’s pit or any of its other parts, these can be choking hazards and may cause life-threatening digestive blockages.

If you do decide to introduce Can dogs eat olives avocado oil into your pup’s diet, it is best to use a small amount such as 1/4 cup per day. If your dog seems to tolerate the avocado oil well, you can gradually increase the dosage. It is also important to store the oil in a cool, dark place and discard of it once it starts to turn rancid. Additionally, if you choose to purchase avocado oil, make sure it is labeled with the date of harvest or production. A recent study by UC Davis researchers found that 82 percent of avocado oil samples tested were either stale before the “best by” date or mixed with other oils. The study found that only two brands of avocado oil were pure and nonoxidized. Chosen Foods and Marianne’s Avocado Oil, both of which are produced in Mexico.