A buttery and smooth fruit that is sometimes sweet and sometimes bland. Yes, it is an avocado. It is packed with nutrients that are very essential for us! They are now very common and can be found easily in our households. But can our furry and loving companions- Labradors eat avocados? Are they beneficial to Labradors or not?
Can Labradors eat avocado
Avocados are now a part of our daily routine. They are rich in essential nutrients. Now the question generally arrives if Labradors can eat avocado or not. It is a bit of tricky question as the answer can be either yes or no. So, to understand which part of the avocado is safe for Labrador and which is not let us read a description about various parts of the avocado:
- Avocado fresh or pulp– A buttery and smooth-textured edible part of the avocado that is found under the skin. It has monosaturated fats that support heart health, fibres help in bowel movements and support digestion, vitamins like vitamin K reduces blood clots, vitamin C that is an antioxidant, vitamin E that helps in the production of unlimited energy. Minerals are also present like potassium which is present in avocados more than bananas, magnesium, iron in small quantities and calcium which helps in supporting bone health. Avocado pulp is also high in antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin which help in maintaining eye health.
- Avocado skin– A protective layer that surrounds the avocado pulp or flesh is avocado skin. It can be of green or of black colour depending on the ripeness of the avocado. It is generally not eaten and consumed but it still contains some essential nutrients like some minerals and antioxidants. It has green colour due to the presence of chlorophyll and carotenoids. But these chlorophyll and carotenoids are found in greater quantities than essential nutrients it also contains persin which is a fungicidal toxin which can cause serious problems in labs.
- Avocado pit or stone– A large and dense oval- shaped structure present slightly downwards than the centre position which covers a greater area and is surrounded by flesh. Yes, it is the avocados stone. It contains a small amount of fibre, healthy fats, antioxidants and some compounds like flavonoids and phenol. It is also rich in persin which can cause toxicity in almost all the animals. There can be a risk of choking hazard for both humans and animals because of its dense nature, hardness and size and if consumed and ingested, it can lead to the blocking of the digestive track which can need an emergency operation.
- Avocado leaf– Avocado leaves have oval- shaped structure that are pointed at the top which play and vital role in growth and health of the avocado tree. They are great in compounds like flavonoid and phenol and also tannins which act as great antioxidants. They are also packed with essential nutrients like fibres, proteins and minerals like calcium magnesium, and iron, and some amounts of potassium. But they do contain persin in large quantities which can be life threatening for labs.
By comparing all the four parts of the avocado plant, we can surely say that avocado flesh can be eaten by the lab in small amounts as an occasional treat which can be beneficial for him.
Ways to keep avocado away from Labrador
Avocados flesh is good for Labradors but the other parts like skin, leaves and the pit can’t be consumed by the Labrador. So, to keep a Labrador away from these parts, you can try out these methods:
- Keep avocados that high where Labrador can’t reach.
- You can also keep avocados in a sealed or tight container. This can prevent Labrador to eat the parts that are not good and edible.
- Keep avocados in refrigerators which your Labrador can’t open (but some cunning Labradors can open). This can avoid poisoning and this can also keep avocados fresh.
- You should keep dog- proof trash can that will avoid Labradors from poisoning themselves as they can’t open it.
- If your Labrador has a keen interest in exploring that what is inside the trash can, then you should dispose off the garbage regularly.
- If you have planted an avocado tree in your garden or farm, you should always check on fallen leaves and fruits of avocado tree. This can help you to avoid health issues in labs. Or you can fence the tree so to avoid and stop Labrador from eating avocados leaves and fruits.
- Train your Labrador like commands like leave it or drop it. By any chance, if anytime your Labrador bites a big piece of avocado, you can give him the command leave it or drop it.
- Remind your guests that not to feed anything related avocado like avocado mixes, avocado leaves, avocado skin, avocado flesh, avocado stone, and guacamole to Labradors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Avocados are full of nutrients. But never- ever feed or serve your Labrador avocado in large quantities. As mentioned, avocados have persin which can be seen more in its skin, stone (pit), and leaves. The flesh doesn’t contain as much as the fungicidal toxin that is present in the skin, pit or stone, and leaf.
Thank you for reading this article and stay tuned for more!