As a dog owner, you often have to decide if human foods that are popular or trendy are actually safe for your furry friend. We all want to share treats with our dogs, but some human foods can be toxic or unhealthy for canines.
Avocados have become a common addition to many diets given their nutritional benefits, they’ve even popped up in desserts. So you may be wondering “Can dogs eat avocado ice cream safely?”
Well, the answer isn’t as cut and dry as a yes or no.
So what are the risks and benefits of our dogs eating this creamy, dreamy treat? Well, hold that thought, as we dive deeper into the pros and cons of feeding avocado ice cream to dogs.
Can dogs eat avocado ice cream safely?
When answering the pressing question “Can dogs eat avocado ice cream safely?” the risks and benefits must be weighed…
Avocados contain a toxin called persin that is harmless to humans but can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs if they eat too much. So can dogs have a little bit of avocado?” Yes, but the definitive word is “little”.
For a doggie ice cream treat, blended up frozen banana makes a creamy, healthier base than just avocado.
Plain yogurt contains probiotics for digestive health. And you can mix in a spoonful of mashed avocado for the benefits without the excess. Fruits like strawberry or blueberry can provide vitamin C and antioxidants too. Making homemade “nice” cream lets you control the ingredients.
You’ll want to limit your dog’s portion of avocado ice cream to just a lick or two. The persin levels are likely low in such a small amount, but each dog’s tolerance varies.
If they seem fine and want more, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not let them overindulge. Just like with humans, too many fatty, sugary treats can lead to obesity and other health issues in dogs.
Avocado benefits for dogs
How is avocado good for dogs? In quite a few ways. Avocados provide some dog-friendly vitamins and minerals. They contain more potassium than bananas, which helps dogs maintain healthy muscles, nerves, and metabolism function. They also have folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
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There are other reported benefits like; better breathing, anti-inflammatory properties, and reduced risk of some cancers. However, there is limited clinical research on these.
The most proven avocado benefits for dogs come from the healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and other vitamins in avocados. While avocados shouldn’t be a dog’s primary food source, a small amount can provide nutritional value. Just be cautious of the fat and toxicity risks.
Persin toxicity in dogs
What are the Avocado side effects for dogs? To understand this we have to look into what makes Avocado (in excess) risky to our canine pals. As we mentioned before, it all comes down to persin. This is a a fungicidal toxin found in avocado skins and pits.
It’s harmless to humans but can be dangerous to dogs depending on the amount ingested. Signs of persin poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, breathing issues, fluid accumulation, and even death. However, the persin is much lower in the ripe pulp of the fruit.
Commercial ice cream only contains avocado pulp, not the other parts of the fruit. So while dogs should only eat small portions, the persin toxicity risk is low.
Tina Wismer, DVM, the senior director of toxicology for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center states:
“Each species of animal has differences in absorption, metabolism, and excretion of compounds,” Wismer continues, “which impacts what they are able to digest properly.”
Look for signs of a reaction after feeding avocado to your dog as a precaution. Avoid letting them eat the peels, pits, plants, or processed leaves which are more toxic. The fleshy part of the fruit is safest.
In Summary
In summary, the answer to “Can dogs eat avocado ice cream safely?” is yes, in moderation. Limit portions to a lick or two and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions. Homemade doggie ice cream with minimal low-fat ingredients is healthier. When feeding any new foods like avocado, better safe than sorry with dogs!
References:
[1] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-avocado/
[2] https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-avocados
[3] https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat