If you’re scrambling up a plain egg for your dog, you’re probably wondering what you can put in the pan to keep that egg from sticking. If you already use avocado oil in your kitchen, it seems like a no-brainer to add a splash to the skillet before you toss the eggs in. But before you do that, here’s what you need to know about giving your dog foods prepared with oils.
Deep-fried food is unhealthy, no matter what kind of oil is used. Some oils can be a healthy part of a lightly sauteed meal, provided that they’re used sparingly and appropriately. Avocado oil is one of those oils.
Avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and monounsaturated fats. Omega fatty acids are good for the heart and brain. Vitamin E is good for eye health, blood health, reproductive health, and skin health. Monounsaturated fats can help the body maintain an optimal cholesterol balance.
Even though avocado oil does boast some benefits, it isn’t a “health” food. Oils are calorically dense foods. You could just as easily get the same nutrients from lighter sources that also offer protein and vitamins. Fatty fish, like salmon, can provide all the same nutrients as avocado oil in addition to other nutritional benefits.
Persin is a compound that naturally occurs in fruit seeds, leaves, stems, and peels. Persin is highly toxic to dogs. Since avocado oil is made from the fruit of an avocado, and not the seeds or pits, it isn’t toxic to dogs.
Most essential oils contain these toxic persin compounds, so it’s best to avoid using essential oils around your dog or using essential oils as home fragrance. If your dog comes into contact with essential oils in any way, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Although avocado oil isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s probably not a good idea to let them have it. There’s no reason for a dog to have any added cooking oils in their diet. Well-balanced dog food prepared from fresh ingredients is designed to meet your dog’s nutritional needs in their entirety. Your dog doesn’t require the extra fats and vitamin E from avocado oil.
If you do give your dog foods other than dog food, you should abide by the 90/10 rule. This means that 90% of your dog’s nutrition should come from their high-quality dog food, and the other 10% of their nutrition can come from suitable treats. Some of these suitable treats can be foods you would also eat, but oils of any kind should stay off the table.
Giving your dog cooking oil like avocado oil can contribute to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Since oils are calorically dense, they may also cause your dog to gain unnecessary weight, which can lead to other health issues.
If you want to give your dog special treats, there’s no benefit to giving your dog added oils. Instead, try incorporating foods like fresh or plain steamed vegetables for their 10% treat allowance. You can also give your dog a plain scrambled egg, made without oil or butter, in a nonstick pan. Your dog will find these plain but “special” snacks flavorful, satisfying, and far more nutritious.
Dogs don’t necessarily need oils, but some dogs may benefit from high-quality fish oil supplements from time to time to support their skin and coat, and even provide some relief for season allergy symptoms. Before you introduce any additional supplements or oils into your dog’s diet, speak with your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to give you advice specific to your pup.
If your dog is interested in avocado, you’re better off giving them a small piece of the actual fruit, than serving up a spoonful of the oil. A small bite of ripe avocado will have many of the same benefits of avocado oil, but without the caloric density.
Dogs should never have the peel, pit, stems, or leaves of an avocado. These parts of the avocado do contain persin and will be toxic to your dog. These hard to chew items also serve as potential choking hazards and can create life-threatening digestive blockages if ingested.
After you’ve opened and sliced the avocado, make sure to dispose of the scraps properly. Your dog might like the way the avocado smelled or tasted, and may attempt to eat the remnants. Dispose of the avocado’s peel, pit, and stem, or compost them safely.
Things like prepared mashed avocados or guacamole may not be safe for your dog. You should only give your dog fresh avocado you’ve prepared yourself. Avocado dips and spreads are often prepared with onions and garlic. Onions and garlic belong to the allium family of plants — and all alliums are toxic for dogs.
In addition to onions and garlic, you should also avoid letting your dog eat leeks or chives. They’re part of the same plant family. If you’re growing any alliums in your garden or your kitchen windowsill, re-evaluate your garden. Move the plants to an outdoor area your dog doesn’t have access to, or swap them out for dog-friendly plants.
Avocado oil may be beneficial to your dog, just not as a treat. The vitamins and high fat content of avocado oil could help maintain a healthy coat. After the go-ahead from your vet, you could use avocado oil as a way to help hydrate your dog’s skin, topically.
Try massaging a few drops of avocado oil into the affected area. A little bit will go a long way. If you apply an excessive amount, there’s nothing to stop your dog from licking it off and consuming the oil. Note that your dog might also rub it into your furniture, leaving behind an oily residue.
If your pet’s skin is broken or chronically dry, or if your dog is chewing away his fur, see a veterinarian. These health issues aren’t something you should treat at home without a diagnosis. Your dog needs to be adequately checked for recurring skin conditions, fleas, or allergies. Speak with your vet to find the best long-term solution.
If your dog’s skin needs a little extra TLC, VETCBD CBD balm can help support minor skin irritations. The balm is simple to use and easy to apply, and is non-toxic if your pet gets curious and licks some off.
Our American-grown hemp-derived CBD is thoroughly third-party, triple-tested for quality and purity.
Additionally, pairing CBD balm with CBD oil could make a great combination — CBD balm can work to support the skin from the surface, while CBD oil drops work to promote feelings of comfort and relaxation.
Ask your vet if CBD would be a good addition to your dog’s holistic wellness plan, and for more informational articles to help guide you on being the best pet parent you can be, you can explore the VETCBD Hemp blog here.
Sources:
What is unrefined, extra virgin cold-pressed avocado oil? | American Oil Chemists Society
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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