Avocado
ToxicVerdict
Avoid — persin in skin and pit is toxic; flesh is risky.
Toxic principle: persin
Source: ASPCA
Verdict
Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin, concentrated in the skin, pit (seed), and leaves. The flesh contains lower levels but still poses risk. In dogs, avocado can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage. The large pit is also a severe choking and obstruction hazard. Birds and livestock are more severely affected, but no amount of avocado is considered safe for dogs.
Symptoms to watch for
- • vomiting
- • diarrhea
- • abdominal discomfort
- • difficulty breathing (rare)
- • fluid accumulation around heart (rare, large doses)
What to do
Avoid feeding avocado in any form. If your dog consumed avocado — especially the pit, skin, or leaves — contact your vet. Monitor for GI distress and respiratory symptoms.
📞 US ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435