Hi All,

So I was wondering if anyone's pup has been incorporated to eat avocados?

I understand the leafs and seed are bad, and understand there is an actual dog food (AvoDerm) made from avocados. I was unable to research for a definite answer on the avocado itself (excluding leaf and seed)

My neighbor has a tree and both my dogs go nuts over them. They take it as the biggest treat in the world.

For the most part when they fall I quickly get it and trash it, however there has now been a couple of times (3 now) where they snatch it and run like hell to a safe spot to eat. I'm fairly fast (ran track), but our yard is fairly big and I don't have the stamina of a dog.

So the question is, can I let them have one on a rare occasion or should I need to talk to the neighbor and have some sort of an agreement about cutting the branches that lean towards my side of the house?

As far as I have read, the toxin found in avocado, Persin, is more toxic to other species than to dogs. The level of toxin, Persin, found in bark, leaves, skin and fruit is debated. If enough is ingested, vomiting and diarrhea, among other symptoms, can occur. That level depends on the dog, not necessarily size of the dog. Obstruction caused by swallowing the seed may also be an issue.

So, with that being said, if your pup does eat a small amount on that rare occasion, I wouldn't worry too much about it unless he/she starts to have diarrhea or vomits, or seem 'off'. If there is going times when you're not home and your pup might get a hold of one or two, you may want to talk to the neighbor about cutting the branches back that falls over your fence.

Phew...was getting mixed messages on the net. I won't worry about it too much then...their still seems firm still.

I'm not on the best terms with the neighbors (constant parties..I don't mind a few but it feels like its once a week, throws stuff here, their dog, etc) but hopefully he warms to the idea if I do the work myself or pay for it.

I should of clarified my initial post, the avocados tend to fall more in the front yard, but my neighbors kids threw them to the backyard. They are not kids per say, 16-24 years old.

Yes, the information you find is mixed, but from what I can tell, in very small quantities, it doesn't sound like it would cause harm. I would still be concerned if there was a chance that he would have a whole avocado at once.

I feed small slices every now and then, sierra loves it but I would worry if they were eating whole ones! Just try to keep an eye on them talk to the neighbor and maybe the kids, they are old enough to understand.