Can dogs eat avocado?
According to ASPCA, Merck and Pet Poison Helpline, avocado is mainly toxic to birds, rabbits, horses and ruminants; dogs are relatively resistant. The pit can cause an intestinal blockage, and the flesh is high in fat (AKC).
Good to know: Chewed or swallowed a pit: contact your vet right away (AKC).
Better choices, for example
Questions
Can cats eat avocado?
Better not. Cornell lists avocado as toxic to cats; ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline see the toxicity mainly in birds, rabbits, horses and ruminants and call avocado non-toxic to cats. The pit can cause an intestinal blockage (Pet Poison Helpline).
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Avocado (Persea spp) Toxicosis in Animals
- Pet Poison Helpline – Avocado
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-toxic Plants – Avocado (listed toxic to horses only)
- AKC – People Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat
- AKC – Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can't Eat
Last checked: October 2026