First of all, thank you so much for being here — it means the world to me that you’re taking the time to research what’s best for your pup. I know how deeply we all care for our furry companions, and if you’re anything like me, you’re always double-checking every little thing that goes into their bowls. Today, we’re diving into a question I’ve been asked more than once: Can dogs have avocado oil?
So here’s the short answer right up front — yes, dogs can have avocado oil, and in fact, when given in moderation and in the right form, it can be a healthy addition to their diet! But of course, let’s break it down properly so you know exactly how, when, and how much to serve safely.
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What Is Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil is extracted from the flesh of ripe avocados — not the skin, not the pit, and certainly not the leaves. That’s super important because the parts of the avocado that do contain higher levels of a toxin called persin (which can be harmful to some animals) are not present in the oil we humans (and now dogs!) use.
The oil is known for its high levels of healthy fats, particularly oleic acid — a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It’s also packed with antioxidants like vitamin E and lutein.
Why We Love It (and Why Dogs Can Too!)
Here’s why avocado oil earns a gold star in my book when used carefully:
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Supports Skin and Coat Health – The healthy fats help keep your dog’s coat shiny and their skin moisturized, especially during dry or allergy-prone seasons.
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Rich in Antioxidants – Avocado oil contains vitamin E and lutein, which help fight free radicals and may support long-term health and immune function.
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Anti-inflammatory Properties – That same oleic acid we love in olive oil? It’s in avocado oil too — and can be gentle on aging joints.
Now of course, like any oil or fat, avocado oil is calorie-dense — so balance is everything.
What Does It Taste Like?
Avocado oil has a light, buttery, slightly nutty flavor — nothing too strong or overpowering. Most dogs don’t even notice when a little is drizzled over their food. If your pup is a picky eater, this can actually be a sneaky way to make kibble more appealing without adding too much fat.
Health Benefits for Dogs
Let’s talk specifics. Here’s what avocado oil can help with:
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Dry or itchy skin
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Dull coats
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Digestive support (in small doses!)
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Immune system support
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Age-related inflammation
Again — the key is using it correctly and not overdoing it.
Ingredients and Serving Guidelines
You only need one ingredient here: pure, cold-pressed avocado oil.
How much avocado oil can dogs have?
It depends on your dog’s size. Here’s a basic guide:
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Small dogs (under 20 lbs) – ¼ teaspoon per day
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Medium dogs (20–50 lbs) – ½ teaspoon per day
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Large dogs (50+ lbs) – 1 teaspoon per day
Start with less, especially the first time. Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs than others.
Tools Needed
This isn’t a cooking recipe, but if you plan to integrate avocado oil into your dog’s meals or treats, these might come in handy:
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A teaspoon for precise measuring
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A dropper if you’re adding just a bit to a treat
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An airtight glass bottle to store the oil away from light and heat
Optional Additions & Substitutions
If you’re using avocado oil as a topper or ingredient in homemade dog treats, you can pair it with:
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Plain cooked pumpkin
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Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
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Mashed sweet potato
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Shredded carrots
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Dog-safe peanut butter
Substitutes if you’re out of avocado oil:
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Olive oil (another healthy monounsaturated fat source)
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Coconut oil (great for skin but higher in saturated fat, so use sparingly)
How to Use Avocado Oil for Dogs (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a super simple way to start using avocado oil in your pup’s diet:
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Start Slow – Begin with just a couple of drops on your dog’s food.
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Watch Closely – Monitor for any signs of digestive upset like loose stools or vomiting.
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Adjust as Needed – If your dog tolerates it well, slowly increase to the serving size appropriate for their weight.
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Mix With Meals – Drizzle it over kibble or mix into moist food.
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Bake Into Treats – You can use it in place of other oils in DIY dog treats!
What to Serve It With
Avocado oil goes great with:
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Dry dog food (especially if your dog is losing interest in it)
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Homemade meals and treats
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Plain cooked grains or lean meat
You don’t want to use avocado oil with:
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Spicy, salty, or processed human foods
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Fried foods
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Any foods with garlic or onion
Tips for Making It Work
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Go organic and cold-pressed when possible
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Keep it refrigerated after opening for longer freshness
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Rotate oils every few weeks — variety helps balance nutrition
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Skip if your dog has pancreatitis or is on a low-fat diet
Storage Instructions
Store avocado oil in a cool, dark pantry or refrigerator, tightly sealed. It can go rancid if exposed to heat or light for long periods. Check the “best by” date, and if it smells off, don’t use it — for you or your pup.
General Info at a Glance
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Safe? Yes, in small amounts.
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Toxic parts of avocado? Pit, skin, leaves — not used in the oil.
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Nutritional benefits? Skin, coat, anti-inflammatory, and immune support.
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Calories? Roughly 40 per teaspoon — easy to overdo.
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Vet approval? Always a good idea before introducing new supplements.
FAQs: Can Dogs Have Avocado Oil?
Can dogs eat avocado?
Only in very small amounts and only the flesh. But even then, it’s better to stick to avocado oil — safer, easier to digest, and more nutrient-dense for pets.
Is avocado oil better than olive oil for dogs?
Both are great in moderation! Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, which makes it a good choice for baking dog treats. Olive oil tends to be more common and slightly less expensive.
Can puppies have avocado oil?
It’s best to wait until they’re at least 6 months old, and even then, check with your vet. Puppies have more sensitive stomachs and unique nutritional needs.
Conclusion
To wrap it up: Yes, dogs can have avocado oil, and it might just become your next go-to trick for supporting their skin, coat, and overall health. It’s simple, natural, and when used correctly, incredibly beneficial. Just remember — moderation is everything, and always check with your vet when adding new ingredients to your dog’s diet.
Looking for a homemade treat recipe using avocado oil? Let me know in the comments or shoot me an email — I’m working on one that’s perfect for spring!
Try These Related Recipes and Articles
Nutritional Info (Per 1 tsp Avocado Oil)
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Calories: 40
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Fat: 4.5g (mostly monounsaturated)
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Cholesterol: 0g
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Protein: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 0g
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Vitamin E: ~1.3mg (around 10% of human RDA)