Introduction
Yes, dogs can eat avocado oil. This answer is a big surprise since the actual avocado fruit is toxic to dogs. Luckily, when the oil is extracted from the flesh, it only gets the health-boosting ingredients and not the toxic ones.
Avocado oil is loaded with healthy fats and vitamins. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory features. Therefore, avocado oil makes a great addition to the dog’s menu. However, it must be used cautiously.
Why is Avocado Oil Good for Dogs?
Avocado oil is good for dogs as it contains various beneficial ingredients. Plus, it is readily available, and most dogs like its taste. Here are some of the reasons avocado oil is good for dogs.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (the good type of fats), which have several health benefits and can boost the dog’s overall wellness.
Vitamins and Minerals
Avocado oil is loaded with several vitamins, such as vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin B1 (thiamin), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Avocado oil is also rich in minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium, and calcium.
Helps Vitamin Absorption
Avocado oil helps with the absorption and utilization of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin D, and vitamin E.
Anti-Inflammatory Features
Because of the unique content of vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients, avocado oil has potent anti-inflammatory features. This is helpful for dogs with certain chronic conditions like, for example, arthritis.
Perfect for Topical Use
Avocado oil does wonders for the dog’s skin and coat when applied topically. The oil can be used to manage dry skin, cracked nose, and pads and soothe skin itchiness. Plus, you do not have to worry about your dog licking the topical.
Can Avocado Oil be Bad for Dogs?
Yes, avocado oil can be bad for dogs. This is particularly true if used in large amounts or too often. Namely, avocado oil may be hazardous if used as a regular addition to the dog’s menu.
In such cases, avocado oil can trigger an array of side effects, from stomach upset to pancreatitis to obesity. So, before supplementing your dog, consider the possible risks. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons avocado oil can be bad for dogs.
Stomach Upset
Giving your dog too much avocado oil at once can cause a stomach upset – vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, and lethargy. To prevent this issue, implement the avocado oil gradually.
Skin Irritation
Using avocado oil directly on the dog’s skin in undiluted form can result in skin irritation or even an allergic reaction. Simply dilute the oil before use to skip this side effect.
Pancreatitis
If fed excessively, avocado oil can trigger a pancreatitis bout in your dog. Pancreatitis is a painful and potentially fatal inflammation of the dog’s pancreas. However, this is not a risk when using the oil correctly.
Weight Gain
Being high in fats, avocado oil can contribute to weight gain and obesity. To avoid this issue, you need to calculate the calories in your dog’s daily food intake.
How Much Avocado Oil Can My Dog Eat?
Avocado oil is an occasional supplement to the dog’s diet, meaning it should be served in small amounts and on in infrequent situations. The recommended serving size varies from one teaspoon to one tablespoon.
Obviously, the one teaspoon dose is suited for smaller to medium-sized dogs (like Pekingese dogs and Poodles), while the one tablespoon is for large to giant dogs (like Retrievers and Great Danes).
If you give your dog too much avocado oil, you risk stomach upset. Therefore, it is advisable to start with a smaller dose and work your way up gradually, as the dog gets used to avocado oil.
How to Prepare and Serve Avocado Oil for Your Dog?
Preparing and serving avocado oil to your dog starts with shopping. It is highly advisable to choose an avocado oil product with labels like organic, extra virgin, or cold-pressed.
Once you have the avocado oil at home, you can serve it to your dog – the best way is to add the recommended dosage on top of your dog’s regular food. For topical use, make sure you dilute the avocado oil with water in a 1:3 ratio (one part oil to three parts water).
Keep in mind that storage is important when it comes to oils. Always keep the opened avocado oil bottle in a cool and dark place. This is because heat and light can destroy the ingredients.
Summary
All in all, dogs can eat avocado oil in small amounts and on occasions. In fact, if used adequately, avocado oil is healthy and beneficial to dogs.
This may come as a surprise considering that avocado, in its raw and fresh form, is toxic to dogs. However, the extracted oil form is safe and health-boosting.
To ensure maximum health benefits, stick to the dosing guidelines and always buy organic, extra-virgin, and cold-pressed avocado oil for your dog.
Sources
- Pancreatitis in Dogs, BluePearl Specialists, 2021
- Managing Canine Arthritis, AKC Canine Health Foundation, 2011
- Dry Skin on Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Anna Burke, 2016
- Obesity in Dogs, Dr Callum Turner DVM, 2021
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