Avocado health benefits for dogs and cats - this fruit can be an excellent addition to your pet's diet. Avocado,
also called alligator pear, or butter fruit is botanically classified as a
single seeded berry. The flesh of the avocado is a nutrient-rich dog-safe, and
cat-safe food. The seed (pit) of the avocado is NOT safe for dogs
and cats to consume, it is toxic to dogs and cats. Consuming the skin may cause gastrointestinal upset. When offering your
dog or cat avocado – always remove the skin, and the seed – offer ONLY the
flesh of the avocado.
Avocado
Health Benefits for Dogs and Cats
Avocado is…
A good
source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate; a
source of protein due to the presence of eighteen essential amino acids;
minerals such as calcium, copper,
folate, iron, pantothenic acid, potassium, and magnesium.
An excellent
anti-inflammatory food possessing a unique profile of anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant rich properties. The
majority (85%) of calories from an avocado come from potent anti-inflammatory
fats that support healthy function of the brain, blood vessels, joints, and
more. Avocado is also an anti-carcinogenic
food.
Heart
healthy for your dog and cat when consumed on a regular basis (daily or several
times per week), avocado can contribute to cardiovascular health helping to
lower risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol
(LDL), and reduce oxidative stress within the blood stream.
Excellent
for metabolic health and can help your dog or cat avoid the on-set of metabolic
issues including improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity when
avocado is consumed regularly as part of a well-balanced, species appropriate
diet. This fruit has a low glycemic index– it is not a significant source of
carbohydrates.
Good source
of dietary fiber that helps regulate blood sugar levels, aids digestive and
eliminatory health, and detoxification.
Liver
health supporting. Avocado is excellent for your dog’s and cat’s liver health as
nutrients in avocado support production of the important antioxidant,
glutathione.
Rich
source of carotenoids and the fat required to help the body make full use of
the beneficial carotenoids. If your dog’s and cat’s food or treats contains carotenoid
rich, low fat vegetables and fruit such as kale or spinach, carrot, and tomato
- add a slice of avocado to the meal to help maximize the benefits of the carotenoids.
Good
for your dog’s and cat’s eyes – avocado contains lutein and zeaxanthin two
natural source phytochemicals that are crucial for eye health.
How
to Select Avocado, and Know When Avocado is Ready to Eat
Organic
vs. Non-Organic
While
it is great if you can purchase organic avocado, conventionally grown avocado
is a good choice too. The USDA’s and FDA’s recent (2015) tests indicated that
conventionally raised avocado was the cleanest of all fruit tested for
pesticide residue – only 1% of avocados tested showed any detectable pesticides.
Don’t
purchase mushy avocados. Purchase slightly soft-to-the-touch or firm avocados.
If firm, do not refrigerate – simply place in a bowl on the counter (where your
dog cannot ‘steal’ it) and allow to ripen. If the avocado has ripened to the
point of being mushy throw it in the garbage – do not give over-ripe avocado to
your dog or cat. The flesh of overripe avocado is brown, may have dark spots, and
the flesh may be sunken or have cracks. Overripe avocado is not healthy food
for your do or cat.
Avocado
is ready to eat when the avocado is a little soft (not mushy), and when you
remove the skin the flesh is green with no brown or dark spots.
How
to Serve Avocado to Your Dog and Cat
The
pit of the avocado contains substances that are very toxic to dogs, and cats. The skin can cause a little upset tummy. Make
sure you carefully remove the seed (pit), and skin of the avocado. Your dog and
cat should only consume the flesh of the avocado.
When
removing the skin, be careful to preserve the dark green flesh that is found
just underneath the avocado skin. The dark green flesh is packed with valuable
antioxidants, and carotenoids. I use a knife to nick the avocado, and then draw
the knife from the top tip of the avocado down to the bottom of the avocado on
one side (vertical, not horizontal), and then the other side – do this all
around the avocado and then you can slip a spoon under the skin to carefully
peel away the skin while preserving the integrity of the dark green layer of
flesh attached to the fruit.
You
can then slice the avocado flesh with a knife, or spoon. The fresh, raw piece
of cut avocado flesh can be given as a treat, or mixed in with your dog’s and
cat’s food.
The
nutrients in avocado are degraded by heat and cooking so serve fresh and raw –
do not heat or cook.
If
you are not going to use the entire avocado at one meal you can sprinkle a
little organic apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice on the flesh of the
avocado to prevent oxidation (darkening of the flesh after prolonged exposure
to air).
How
to Introduce Avocado to the Diet
If
your dog or cat has never had avocado before make sure you introduce it to
his/her diet by giving a very small piece as a treat on its own – not with
other foods. After you have tested your dog’s and cat’s tolerance you can add
it to meal’s following the guidelines below.
Daily
Amount – General Guideline
Cat or small size dog – 1 to 2 teaspoons
Medium size dog – ½ to 2 tablespoons
Large size dogs – 2 to 3 tablespoons
X-large dogs (100+ lbs) – 3 to 4 tablespoons
Cautions
Do
not give your dog or cat avocado if any of the following conditions apply…
Your dog or cat has an allergy to latex.
If your dog or cat is pregnant or lactating.
Do
not allow your dog or cat to consume large amounts or unlimited amounts of
avocado.
Always remove
the skin and seed (pit) – both can be toxic to your dog and cat. Some dogs are able to tolerate consuming a little skin without adverse side effects.
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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld
