Can guinea pigs 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
- PDSA also lists avocado among foods that are not safe for guinea pigs. Source: 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.”
RSPCA: What to feed a guinea pig (opens in a new tab)
“Avoid these as they can be harmful or poisonous to Guinea pigs. For example: Iceberg lettuce Potato Garlic Avocado”
PDSA: Your guinea pig's diet (opens in a new tab)
“Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for your guinea pigs to eat – some are poisonous … Avocado”
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.”