can dogs eat guacamole?

Can Dogs Eat Guacamole? Is Guacamole Safe For Dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Guacamole? Is Guacamole Safe For Dogs?

Dog owners are aware of how excited dogs can be about eating human food. Guacamole is one of the foods that your dog might like to sample. If you plan to feed your dog any human food, you need first determine whether it is safe for dogs. Guacamole is a dip made from mashed up avocados and several other ingredients. So, can dogs eat guacamole? Is guacamole safe for dogs?

In short, no, dogs should not be given guacamole. Guacamole can be made in a variety of ways. If it is made with onion or garlic, do not give guacamole to your dog. Onion and garlic are both highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. If it is a plain guacamole without any toxic ingredients, your dog should be fine if he eats a small amount.

freshly made guacamole in a bowl

Is Guacamole Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Guacamole typically incorporates avocados, onions, salt, garlic, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, and spices like cumin , depending on the recipe. Let's look at each of those ingredients and see whether your dog can safely consume them.

Avocado

It might come as a surprise, but dogs should avoid eating avocados as they contain a toxic chemical called persin. The amount of persin in an avocado varies depending on where in the fruit it is found. A modest amount of guacamole shouldn't hurt dogs because persin normally doesn't have a negative impact on them, but this will also depend on each dog's sensitivity to persin.

Ripe avocados have less persin than unripe ones, hence they are typically the only ones used to make the best guacamole. Still, you might still feel that the risk is too great to allow your dog to eat avocado.

Onions & Garlic

Both onion and garlic are hazardous to dogs - most guacamole contains these ingredients. Both of them are members of the Allium plant family, which also includes leeks and chives. Onion and garlic contain a toxic substance known as thiosulphate that dogs cannot process readily. Red blood cell destruction caused by thiosulphate in a dog's bloodstream can result in anemia and blood loss.

dog with a sombrero looking for guacamole to eat


Salt

Salt is another component that gives guacamole its delicious flavor to us humans but has no beneficial effects for your dog. Guacamole shouldn't contain much salt, but as a responsible dog owner, you should still refrain from giving your dog any salt-containing human foods. Dogs can be poisoned by salt in high concentrations.

Lime Juice

Lime juice it is added to guacamole to stop it from browning. Lime juice has no health risks to people. However, it can be harmful to your furry friend. Lime juice contains the phototoxic compound psoralens as well as the essential oils limonene and linalool.

In contrast to onions and garlic, it may not be harmful if consumed in very little amounts, but big doses might produce nausea, diarrhea, depression, or lethargy.

Cilantro

Cilantro is loaded with vitamins and minerals and also supports healthy digestion in dogs. If your dog likes the taste of cilantro, you can even sprinkle it over their regular food to give it an extra kick of flavor.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Guacamole?

Your dog will probably be alright if they consumed plain, mashed avocado. The primary issue with dogs eating avocados is if they consume the peel or pit, which contain high quantities of persin and may cause some gastrointestinal distress. If your dog eats guacamole, keep an eye on him for the following signs & symptoms:
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset Stomach
  • Itching
  • Pacing

You should contact your veterinarian if onions or garlic were components of the guacamole your dog consumed. Both of these veggies are poisonous to dogs and, in the worst cases, can even be fatal. It's always wiser to err on the side of caution.

guacamole and chips

Review: Can Dogs Eat Guacamole?

Like many other human meals, dogs may find guacamole to be tasty, and they might beg for a bite even though it is not safe for them. Even if your dog seems to like the taste, after carefully analyzing each of the guacamole's components, you shouldn't encourage your dog to eat it.

Guacamole can contain a wide range of different ingredients, so it is hard to know exactly what is included in a particular guacamole. It is best to avoid giving your dog guacamole due to the presence of toxic ingredients that can harm your dog. If your dog ate guacamole and is not feeling well, consult your veterinarian.

Find the perfect gift for your dog