If you’d love to share your delicious summer fruit with your fur baby and are wondering if dogs can safely eat peaches, the answer is yes, they can; however, there are some things you need to know.
While peaches are a great source of vitamins A, C, and fiber, if you give your dog too much it can result in your pet suffering from gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. The pit of the peach also presents serious problems for your dog – your dog could choke on the pit, or it could cause a number of issues including intestinal blockage. So make sure the pit is removed before offering peach to your dog. We do suggest that, before you share any human food with your dog, you have a talk to your local veterinarian and ask for their advice.
Why Peaches Are Good for Your Dog
Besides being sweet and delicious, peaches are a great source of minerals, fiber, and vitamins A and C, for both humans and dogs. In addition, they are very low in calories. Giving your dog a small serving of peaches can be a lovely treat during the hot summer months. As a source of antioxidants, peaches can help boost your dog’s immune system and ward off cancer – they even help improve liver and kidney function. So that’s a lot of health benefits for your best friend!
Like any human food served to your dog, it must be served correctly and in moderation. Many dog owners state that they use peaches as a reward during training sessions, and this is a great idea. Peaches are delicious, they’re sweet, they’re cold, and in moderation, they promote good health.
Why the Peach Pit is Dangerous for Your Dog
In moderation, the flesh of the peach is a healthy treat for your dog; however, the danger lies in your dog potentially eating the pit of the peach.
- The pit of a peach is very hard, and your dog could easily damage his teeth or jaws when trying to chew on it.
- Swallowing a peach pit presents a serious choking hazard for your dog. A swallowed pit could also create a severe gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Your dog’s mouth or internal organs can be damaged by the serrated edges of the peach pit.
- Peach pits contain a small amount of cyanide compound, and while your dog would need to consume a lot of peach pits before suffering from cyanide poisoning, we believe it’s worth mentioning here as just another reason to ensure your dog does not have access to peach pits. (source)
For your dog’s safety, never expose him to peach pits. If he should swallow a pit, keep an eye open for signs of gastrointestinal distress and immediately take him to your local veterinarian.
Once the pit has been removed from the peach, the flesh is a nutritious treat for your dog. Another word of caution though – unless you know exactly where the fruit has come from, thoroughly wash it before offering it to your pet because it may contain herbicides and pesticides which could adversely affect your dog’s health.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Everything You Need to Know Now
How Often Can My Dog Eat Peaches?
Like everything else you feed your dog, moderation is key when it comes to feeding peaches to your pet. If your dog eats too many peaches he could suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and/or gastrointestinal upset. However, as a special treat and given in moderation, your dog will love you for sharing this sweet, succulent fruit with him.
Can I Give My Dog Canned Peaches?
No, never give your dog canned peaches or peach-flavored foods. The reason is that these foods are typically full of chemicals and sugar, both of which are bad for your dog.
Related: What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? Which Fruit Is Not Safe for Your Dog
Allergy to Peaches
Be aware that there’s always a slight chance your dog could be allergic to peaches. If your dog shows any sign of an allergic reaction, which could include difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, swelling, hives, or any other unusual symptom, your dog may be showing signs of a potentially life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Stop feeding him peaches at this point and immediately consult your veterinarian. This kind of allergic reaction is quite rare, but we do suggest you start small, giving your dog small tastes of peach to start with.
Similar: Can dogs have coconut?
How to Feed Peaches to Your Dog
As mentioned above, before you offer any kind of human food to your dog you should discuss it with your local veterinarian. Besides being able to advise on the amount of peach to serve your dog, your vet will also be able to determine if your dog has a medical condition that could be affected by peaches or other foods.
Now that you have your vet’s approval to serve peach to your dog, you can go ahead and prepare fresh fruit that’s free from rot and mold. Wash the fruit thoroughly, remove the pit and any leaves or stems that may be present, and cut the fruit into small manageable pieces. You can blend the peach with other healthy fruits to make a smoothie or fruit salad, use peach pieces as motivation during training, or just give pieces of peach for a nice surprise. Whichever way you go, your fur baby is going to love you! And just a final reminder: please first check with your local veterinarian before you start giving peaches or any other fruit to your dog.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Everything You Need to Know About Cherries for Your Dog
Conclusion
In conclusion, peaches can be a delightful addition to your dog’s treat repertoire when approached with care. By following guidelines and monitoring for potential risks, you and your canine companion can savor the joy of peaches together.
FAQS
Why can’t dogs eat peaches or plums?
Plum seeds and the seeds of other stone fruits such as peaches, cherries, and apricots contain the chemical amygdalin, which converts into hydrogen cyanide when chewed and is extremely toxic to dogs. Amygdalin is in the nucleus, the actual seed is in the middle of the nucleus.
How much peach can a dog eat?
Serve only two or three slices.
Dogs should only eat peaches in moderation. A whole peach contains too much sugar, which leads to stomach upset and ultimately obesity. Instead, offer small pieces. This is how you cut a peach.
