Can Dogs Eat Guacamole?

No, dogs should not eat guacamole. Guacamole has been touted as one of the best foods for humans. But even if it’s incredibly healthy for people, it’s actually toxic to dogs.

There are many different recipes for guacamole but the basic ingredients will always include avocados, salt, onions, and garlic.

Avocados

The Merck Veterinary Manual lists avocados as among the human foods that are hazardous for dogs.

This is because it contains a compound called Persin, which is toxic to dogs. While the highest concentration of persin is in the plant leaves, the entire fruit (skin, flesh, and pit) contains this fungicidal toxin as well.

In most mammals, avocados can cause mastitis, heart damage, lethargy, and inflammation. In dogs specifically, there is an added danger of pancreatitis because of its high-fat content.

Salt

A small portion of salt is required in a healthy canine diet. However, salt in excess could be dangerous to your dog.

A dog that has consumed a large amount of salt or frequently consumes salt could suffer from salt toxicity or hypernatremia, a severe electrolyte imbalance that mainly affects the brain.

As such, it causes a host of neurological conditions including lethargy, ataxia, seizures, comas, and death.

Onions

Onions are harmful to dogs because of a compound called N-propyl disulfide. This toxin causes the degradation of red blood cells and, consequently, causes anemia in dogs.

It only takes larger dogs like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers to consume 150 grams (about the size of a large onion) to reach potentially fatal levels.

For smaller breeds like Beagles and Bulldogs, the toxic dose would be around 50 grams (about half of a medium-sized onion). This is true whether in raw, cooked, dried, or powdered form.

Onions can also cause gastroenteritis, which manifests in symptoms like drooling, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Garlic

Belonging to the same Allium family, garlic has the same threats as onions. In dogs, the ingestion of garlic can lead to anemia, which causes distressing symptoms like weakness, lethargy, elevated pulse rate, and difficulty breathing.

Like onions, garlic can also cause gastroenteritis. The same is true for scallions, chives, shallots, and leeks.

Final Thoughts

So can dogs eat guacamole? No, Never give your dog guacamole because its main ingredients are toxic to dogs.

If your dog gets to your guacamole by accident, don’t panic since a small amount may not be fatal. Encourage them to drink lots of water and observe them for symptoms. If you notice any changes, them to the vet immediately.

If you’re looking to know more about what dogs can and can’t eat check out these other articles:

• Can my dog eat ice cream?
• Can my dog eat bacon?
• Can my dog eat fries?
• Can my dog eat shrimp?