Avocado Tomato Salad – a Side Dish that is Dog Safe
#glutenfree #dairyfree #soyfree
- Avocado – I prefer Haas Avocados but you can use Florida instead they just don’t taste as rich and need more seasoning
- Tomato
- Garlic powder (do not use raw or any form of uncooked garlic)
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
- This recipe is one large tomato per Haas avocado. If you are using larger Florida Avocados you could go two tomatoes per Avocado.
- Cut Avocado and Tomato into chunks (leave the skin on while cutting and then remove the cut fruit from the skin with a spoon)
- Drizzle Olive oil over and mix gently. You want it to become shiny but not have oil at the bottom of the bowl.
- Sprinkle Garlic Powder, salt, and pepper to taste and mix gently. Remember this will sit before serving so the flavors will combine a little less is better then too much. You can always add more seasoning before you serve.
- Let sit in fridge for at least a half hour before serving to allow the flavors to combine. The olive oil will keep the avocado from going bad but you will want to cover it with plastic wrap for extra protection.
If you have a dog at home that will be allowed to socialize during your party this is a great addition because there is nothing that is toxic to your dog (or cat) in small quantities in this dish. Just a note in terms of actually serving to your dog. You can put a spoonful on top of their food and mix it in or you can just give them a few pieces as a treat. When I was making this the other day to get ready for the post the second I cut open the avocado the girls came running and sat waiting for theirs. In this case I just gave them a few pieces at a time. One piece of tomato and a piece of avocado together. I think I gave them “treats’ 4 times that night. But if given the chance they would have eaten the entire thing. For small dogs I would not give them more then an 1/8 of a Haas Avocado per day because it is such a dense food. Remember this is something to add to their food not as a substitute for their food.
Avocados are a cholesterol-free, sodium-free, low saturated fat food with only 5.0 grams of fat per serving. Most of the fat found in an avocado is monosaturated. Avocados are “nutrient dense” in that they supply more daily nutrient requirements for fewer calories spent. Avocados are nutrient dense in potassium, folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin and vitamin B6. Avocados are in season in winter and widely available in markets. The flesh of the avocado is perfectly safe for your dog in fact several high grade dog foods include avocado in their ingredient list because it is so goof for their skin and coats. Just be careful to safely remove the seed and skin and dispose of them in a location your dog cannot get to them.
Tomatos are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that are healthy for your dog. They are an excellent amino acid source for your pet. Tomato is a good source of antioxidants for your pet. Tomato contains Lycopene which is thought to be Do not allow them to eat the leaves or stem of the tomato vine. Make sure the tomato is nice and red before feeding it to your pet.
* Many human foods that are extremely healthy appear on do not eat lists for dogs and cats. I am not sure where these lists first started appearing but if you check the ingredient list on many high grade foods you will find that they appear in them. Things like avocado, tomato, garlic, and turkey to name a few. As with anything else the key is moderation ad consideration of the size of your pet. If it is the first time offering a new food take it slowly. Instead of one full serving of avocado tomato salad on top of your pets food give it in tiny bits as a small treat over the course of several hours so you can monitor for stomach upset.
** While finding information about the health benefits of Avocado and Tomato for dogs I came across information that both are sometimes used as an ingredient in cat food as well. I don’t think a cat would necessarily it is in this form but if you opened a can of tuna or salmon and put a small spoon of this salad in it and mixed it up you might have one very excited kitty.
What time is Lunch..I will be right over! Looks great!
Yum, Kolchsk and Felix LOVE. A bite or two of avocado! It’s one of their favourite snacks. I’ve never talked them into eating tomatoes though. Kol likes to pick cherry tomatoes and carry them around, but he never eats them!
A word of caution for those unfamiliar with avocado. If your dog isn’t used to getting rich treats, start slow! Due to the high fat content, it can give many pups an upset tummy – and skip it altogether if your pup struggles with pancreatitis. Oh, and even though it looks like the best ball ever – refrain from tossing around then pit for your dog. It’s got some icky stuff inside that shouldn’t be eaten.
The Lady Of The House wants to eat that for her lunch.
Yummy!!!
Love and licks, Winnie