Avocados for Labradors- doesn’t that sound suspicious and interesting? Yes, avocados (only flesh) are great for Labradors only if they are served in the right amount and the right way. But what is the right way of giving Avocados to Labradors? And also, what is and the right amount and number of Avocados to be given to the Labradors? Let’s find out.
Safe way to feed avocado to Labrador
Avocados should be given in small amounts and if you have chosen to give you Labrador avocados then, here are some few steps which can make avocado easy to digest and beneficial to Labrador. These steps include:
- Serve the flesh only: Make sure you remove the other parts of avocado other than flesh like seed, leaves and skin as they contain persin, a fungicidal toxin which can be harmful for labs if they ingest and digest these parts containing toxins.
- Always see and inspect the flesh: You should always see and inspect the flesh before serving it to Labrador and ensure that there are no pieces of pit or seed, leaves and skin.
- Serve in small quantities: Avocado flesh is higher in fats and if given to Labrador in large quantities then it can result in less time problems like obesity and pancreatitis and worsen. So, always serve in small quantities and start by giving them 1 to 2 small pieces of avocado to watch your lab’s tolerance to avocados.
- Mash or slice the avocado: If you have made up your mind of giving avocados to your Labrador, get them mashed and in small pieces, then give them these mashed avocados in their food or if you have opted for giving them sliced avocados then you can give them in one or two small pieces as an occasional treat.
- Avoid adding seasonings: Avoid adding seasonings like salt, garlic aren’t all those spices which are harmful for Labradors.
- Monitor poisoning symptoms: If your Labrador after eating an avocado shows a sign like vomiting, diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues, then stop giving and feeding the avocado to your Labrador and reach the vet immediately.
- Give avocados as an occasional treat: Always remember to give your avocado to your lab as an occasional treat as it is high in fat which can lead to obesity and lifetime health issues like pancreatitis and worsen.
- Listen to vet if unsure: If you are unsure about giving your Labrador avocado with health problems, then you can opt for vet advice.
How much avocado can I give my Labrador?
You can give avocado flesh in small amounts as it is not harmful but remember to give them occasionally and not as a treat. And also remember not to give your Labrador other parts of the avocado such as leaves, pit and skin as they contain high levels of persin which can be harmful and toxic for labs as it can develop life- threatening problems such as pancreatitis and myocardial damage (also known as heart attack in the terms of humans).
How much avocado is safe for Labrador?
A safe amount that is one or two tablespoons of avocado for an average weighed Labrador (55 to 80 lbs) or you can serve one or two pieces of avocado weighing 10 to 20 grams for an average weighed Labrador is best suited. You should always serve avocados to your Labrador as an occasional treat and if your lab is allergic to avocados, then don’t feed him. And if your Labrador is less than 1 yr, then don’t ever feed him avocados because he has a sensitive stomach.
What are the seasonings harmful for Labradors?
- Garlic and Onion (Powdered, Fresh, or Cooked)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, and Spicy Seasonings
- Cinnamon
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda
- Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Xylitol)
- Paprika
- Herbs High in Essential Oils (e.g., Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary)
- Mustard (Seeds, Powder, or Sauce)
- Cloves and Clove Oil
- Allspice
- Sage
- Bay Leaves
- Asafoetida
- Wasabi and Horseradish
- Star Anise
- Vinegar (White, Apple Cider, or Balsamic)
- Curry Powder and Blended Spices
- Mace
- Coriander (Seeds or Powder)
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Bouillon Cubes or Stock Powders
- Chili Flakes
- Tamarind Paste or Powder
- Soy Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- BBQ seasoning and Marinades
- Pickling Spices
- Fennel Seeds
- Cumin
- Ground Ginger or Fresh Ginger
- Curry Leaves
- Hot Sauce or Spicy Condiments
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Sesame Seeds or Sesame Oil
- Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
- Raw Yeast Dough
- Fish Sauce
- Ketchup
- Miso, Paste
- Saffron
- Turmeric in High Quantities
- Carom Seeds
- Black Salt
- Processed Rubs and Pre-Mixed Seasonings
- Chocolate or Cocoa Powder in Spice Blends
- Tamarind Sauce
- Capers
These seasonings are on “Seasonings not to give” list. But some of them are okay for Labradors if they consume them in small amounts. But some are really harming to Labradors even in small amounts. So, it’s better not to give them any seasoning on the pieces of Avocados to Labradors.
Conclusion
Avocados should be given in small and right amounts to make them easy to digest and beneficial to Labrador. Some steps which will make avocado to Labradors are: Serve the flesh only, always see and inspect the flesh, serve in small quantities, mash or slice the avocado, avoid adding seasonings, monitor poisoning symptoms, give avocados as an occasional treat and listen to vet if unsure. And the right portion is only 10-20 gms of avocado for an average sized Labrador. This is the best portion of avocados for Labradors. And if your Labrador is allergic to avocados, then don’t dare to feed him the avocados as it can cause anaphylaxis, which is the most severe allergic reaction that causes widening of blood vessels, tightening of muscles and difficulty in breathing. This can be fatal if left untreated.
Thank you for reading this article and stay tuned for more!