Can Dogs Eat Guacamole?

Guacamole has gained some crazy popularity recently. All credits to the demand for fresh, natural, and minimally processed foods. Guacamole aligns well with it. It is often perceived as a wholesome and clean-label product. This is probably the reason many dog owners feel it must be super healthy for dogs as well. 

But you’re smart to come here and verify it because it really is not. You need to understand that the digestive systems of dogs and humans are very different. A dog's stomach produces roughly 100 times the amount of acid compared to a human’s. An extremely acidic stomach has the ability to kill off pathogens before the stomach contents move onto the intestines. While this is a good thing for them, they are not built for extracting nutrients from fruits and vegetables like humans. They also have a very low tolerance for certain human foods. ⁽⁷⁾

We’ll understand this better below.   

Why Could Guacamole Be Bad for Dogs?

Let’s break down guacamole into its ingredients, and we’ll know if there’s anything that can be harmful to them and if not, can they provide any nutritional value to dogs. 

The main ingredients are mashed avocadoes and lime juice. 

Avocadoes - Avocados contain Persin, a fungicidal toxin. It’s known to result in serious health issues and, in extreme cases, death in larger animals such as cows and horses. While small amounts may not cause any harm to your dog, eating them frequently over a long period can result in severe damage to their bodies. Eating a lot of it in a single sitting can also cause vomiting and/or diarrhea because of the high-fat content. ⁽¹⁾

Lime juice – The high quantity of citric acid in limes can cause lime poisoning in dogs. The essential oils can also disrupt a dog’s digestive system. Plus, dogs are not a fan of the taste or smell of limes as well. 

Apart from these 2 ingredients, there can be other added ingredients as well – 

Salt – Salt, in small amounts, is safe for dogs. It can cause sodium poisoning if consumed in heavy doses, but we don’t think that could be the fear of salt in guac. 

Cilantro – Cilantro is actually good for dogs if eaten occasionally and in moderate amounts. It is high in antioxidants and vitamins A, C and K. It is also a good source of magnesium, calcium, manganese, and potassium. These nutrients support a healthy immune system and healthy skin. ⁽²⁾

Onion – Unfortunately, onions are among the highly toxic human foods for dogs. They contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide that can cause the breakdown and eventual destruction of red blood cells and lead to anaemia. Even garlic is poisonous for dogs. ⁽³⁾

Jalapeño – Again, not great for dogs because of a chemical compound they contain named capsaicin. It can cause digestive issues for dogs. ⁽⁴⁾

Now, there can be other ingredients as well in guacamole, but we guess the above ones are good enough for you to keep it away from your dog. 

Can Dogs Have Sour Cream?

Sour cream is a fermented dairy product that is typically safe for dogs to eat. So, unless your dog is lactose intolerant, eating like a teaspoon of it won’t harm your dog. However, it should only be used as an occasional treat. Eating large amounts of it can cause obesity. Do look for a low-fat variety for your dog. ⁽⁵⁾

What Sauces Are Safe for Dogs?

Here’s a list of sauces that are safe for dogs – ⁽⁶⁾

Do remember that while your dog may crave these when they get tired of dry kibble, do not make it a regular practice to feed them these. 90% of their nutrition requirements should come from dog food. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Having a dog is great, but there will be times when your canine ends up feasting on things they are not supposed to. You may also unknowingly feed them foods that can cause digestive upset and other problems for them. Some may be minor, but others might be severe and may even surgery. At such a time, worrying about your pet would be more important than worrying about all the medical bills. This is where pet health insurance helps. You can save up to 90% of all expenses and much more. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!