Your furry friend may have just managed to eat a whole bowl of guacamole. And the question you might have in mind is, can dogs eat guacamole or not?
Guacamole is a highly toxic substance that can cause serious health problems in dogs. It’s worth checking how much your dog swallows. Guacamole, which is high in fat and can contain toxins, can cause serious health issues in dogs. No matter how large the ingested amount, it is safer to call your veterinarian.
Guacamole Facts
Guacamole dates back to the Aztecs of the 16th century and was popular throughout Latin America. Guacamole’s name derives from the Aztec word for “ahuaca-hulli,” which means “avocado-sauce”.
Guacamole’s main ingredient is avocado. These fruits are rich in carotenoids and vitamins as well as minerals and healthy fats.
National Guacamole Day falls on September 16, the same day as Mexican Independence Day.
America consumes 53 million pounds worth of delicious guacamole on Super Bowl Sunday!
Is it Okay to Feed Guacamole to Dogs?
Guacamole can contain avocadoes and onions, depending on the recipe.
Let’s look at each ingredient and see if it’s safe for your dog.
Avocadoes
It might seem surprising, but a small amount of guacamole should not be harmful. However, this will depend on the dog’s tolerance to it.
Ripe avocadoes have a lower persin content, which is why they are often the best for making guacamole. You might decide to allow your dog to eat avocadoes, even though it is less risky.
A large bowl of leftover avocado guacamole can cause pancreatitis, so it is best to keep your dog away from this dish.
To prevent the avocado from turning brown, some people place the pit of an avocado in the middle of the bowl. Dogs could be at risk if they swallow the pit. If this happens, it can cause a blockage in their stomach, throat, or intestines and need immediate medical attention.
Onions Garlic
You may like a lot of onion and garlic to your guacamole. These substances are listed as toxic for dogs by the Pet Poison Helpline.
Both are members of the Allium family, including leeks and chives. The toxic compound thiosulphate, found in garlic, is around five times ampler than that found in other plants.
Thiosulphate may cause damage to the red blood cells in a dog’s bloodstream, which can lead to anemia and even blood loss.
These symptoms may take up to a few days before they become obvious. Thiosulphate poisoning can be more severe in certain breeds of dogs, like Japanese breeds such as the Shiba Inu and Akita.
Salt
Salt is another ingredient that makes guacamole so delicious to humans, but it will not do any good for your dog. Although the salt content in guacamole should not exceed 1%, it is a good idea to keep your dog from eating any salty foods.
Salt can be fatal to dogs if it is in high amounts.
Tomatoes
This is good news! The red tomatoes used in guacamole are not poisonous to dogs.
Lemon Juice
Your dog will not enjoy the acidic taste of lemon and lime juice. These fruits also contain linalool and limonene as well as psoralens, which can cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
The small amounts of lime or lemon juice in guacamole should not cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Parsley and Cilantro
These are two ingredients in a guacamole recipe that are actually good for your dog.
Parsley is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Parsley can keep your dog’s breath fresh and help soothe upset stomachs.
Cilantro is also rich in vitamins and minerals that can help your dog’s digestion system function properly.
Parsley and cilantro can be favorite flavors for dogs. It’s best to sprinkle them on their wet dog food or to give them a small amount as an occasional component.
Spices
Although you might love your guacamole with a kick, the addition of spices can cause problems for your dog’s digestion.
Spices such as cumin and jalapenos can cause diarrhea and vomiting in your dog.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Spicy Food?
What Should I do if my Dog Eats Guacamole?
Stop It From Eating More
Stop your dog from eating guacamole if you see him. Your dog may still have some guac in his mouth, so try to get rid of them. Try to estimate how much they have swallowed.
Next, you will need to take your dog to a safe place while cleaning up the area. Then, transfer the bowl or plates to a location your dog can’t access.
Guacamole dips are not a good idea for dogs. Your dog can still enjoy other healthy treats.
Assess the Risk
You can determine how much your dog has eaten to assess how severely they are affected. Larger breed dogs have greater detoxification capabilities than smaller breed ones.
A small amount of guacamole per day is as dangerous as eating it once in a while. Guacamole that contains too many onions and garlic can be toxic to dogs, causing them more harm.
You can also check for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy.
You will be able to help your vet manage your pet’s health and well-being.
Get in touch with your vet
Even though a small amount of guac will not make your dog sick it is still a bad idea to give it to them.
You should immediately notify your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have eaten large amounts of guacamole. You must act immediately like this is a medical emergency. Do not attempt to incite vomiting or treat your dog yourself.
However, if your vet is not available, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
Although consultations are not free, it is still an enjoyable experience to see your dog happy, healthy, and content.
Simply Say No
Like many other human foods, Guacamole can be tasty to dogs, and they may enjoy a small amount of the dip every now and again.
However, that doesn’t mean they should eat it. Even if your dog enjoys the taste, it is not something you should encourage your dog to try.
Too many ingredients can cause toxicities in dogs. Guacamole is a bad idea for dogs. Instead, treat your dog to a delicious chew or bone and leave the guacamole to the other members of the family.
Last Thoughts: Can Dogs Eat Guacamole
Dogs should avoid guacamole at all costs. Even a small amount can be toxic for dogs, but it can be fatal if consumed in large amounts. It is important to keep your pet safe from food poisoning.
Guacamole consumption can lead to obesity in dogs. The symptoms of poisoning will usually be apparent first.
Guac is not healthier for dogs, even if you have allowed it before. Your dog may become sick if the poisonous effects of guac build up.
All guac recipes may not be the same, as some may contain more dangerous ingredients that pose a greater risk for your dog’s safety.
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