Can rabbits eat avocado?
Risks and signs
- Merck describes heart damage in affected mammals, with signs such as lethargy, breathing difficulty, swelling under the skin and coughing. It can be fatal. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Why it is a problem
- The poison in avocado is called persin. Source: Pet Poison Helpline, PDSA
- Merck links the fruit, leaves, stems and seeds to poisoning in animals, and says the leaves are the most toxic part. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Sources
Merck Veterinary Manual: Avocado (Persea spp) Toxicosis in Animals (opens in a new tab)
“Cattle, goats, horses, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats … are susceptible to these conditions after avocado ingestion.”
Pet Poison Helpline: Avocado (opens in a new tab)
“Avocados contain persin which is toxic to birds, rabbits, horses, and ruminants”
PDSA: Poisons and Hazards for your pets (opens in a new tab)
“Avocados contain the chemical persin, which is highly toxic to birds and rabbits, but safe in small amounts for cats and dogs.”
Merck Veterinary Manual: Avocado (Persea spp) Toxicosis in Animals (opens in a new tab)
“Ingestion of avocado fruit, leaves, stems, and seeds has been associated with toxicosis in animals; leaves are the most toxic part.”
Merck Veterinary Manual: Avocado (Persea spp) Toxicosis in Animals (opens in a new tab)
“may develop myocardial insufficiency within 24-48 hours and may exhibit lethargy, respiratory distress, subcutaneous edema, cyanosis, cough, exercise intolerance, and death.”