Can Dogs Eat Peaches?

Sweet, juicy, and aromatic peaches are a classic summer treat for humans, so it’s only natural that you want to share a bite with your pup if they’re curious. However, are peaches safe for dogs?

The answer is yes, with a few caveats.

Even though peaches are loaded with healthy nutrients that can benefit your pooch, the peach pit, stem, leaves, and skin are not safe and can lead to trouble if your pup consumes them. So, tossing your pup a peach as if it’s a tennis ball isn’t a good idea.

Let’s dive into all the details about these delicious stone fruits.

Health benefits of peaches for dogs

Peaches are among the many fruits dogs can eat safely and are packed with beneficial nutrients. 

Peaches are a good source of fiber, which helps ensure healthy digestion.

Peaches contain vitamins A, C, E, and K, which support the immune system, brain, eyes, blood clotting, and skin and coat health. Vitamin C is especially important, as it assists with inflammation reduction, helps your pup fight disease, and reduces cognitive aging.

Peaches also contain trace amounts of important minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, which support essential functions like bone health and ligament support. 

Before offering your dog any new foods, particularly human foods, check in with your veterinarian to get their approval. Every dog has their own unique needs and health history, and while this article offers general information for pet parents, it’s always a good idea to get the all-clear from your vet.

Risks of feeding peaches to dogs

When it comes to sharing human food with your pup, it’s always wise to be fully aware of the risks before offering up a first bite. And there are some risks your pup could face from eating peaches:

Gastrointestinal upset

Peaches are generally fine for most dogs, but some dogs’ systems may not tolerate peaches well. 

The high fiber and sugar content in peaches can lead to gastrointestinal upset including symptoms like:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Excessive gas

Further, the natural sugars and carbohydrates in peaches can be harmful to overweight or diabetic dogs. These dogs should avoid eating this fruit.

Cyanide poisoning

Cyanide toxicity is a serious consideration for dogs. When chewed or cracked, peach pits release amygdalin, which converts into hydrogen cyanide in the small intestines. This is very toxic to dogs (and humans) and can cause a medical emergency.

Cyanide is also present in the leaves and stems of the peach. If you have a peach tree, don’t let your dog roam freely around it. Doing so runs the risk of your dog possibly ingesting leaves, stems, or seeds from the tree or fallen peaches. (Also beware of apple seeds, which also pose a cyanide risk.)

Signs of cyanide poisoning can come 15 to 20 minutes after ingestion. Symptoms to watch for are: 

• Panting
• Hyperventilation
• Convulsions
• Seizures
• Collapsing
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing

If you suspect your dog accidentally ate a peach pit, or you recognize any of the above symptoms, contact your vet immediately or head to your emergency vet clinic.

You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 for immediate help.

Pesticides

Conventional peaches consistently land on the Dirty Dozen list, which designates fruits and veggies that are most likely to be contaminated by pesticides. That means the skin of the peach can hold pesticides that may be harmful to your dog. If possible, choose organic peaches for your dog. With conventional peaches, wash them thoroughly before feeding them to your pup. 

Choking hazard 

Peach skin and pits can be a choking hazard to dogs if given in large pieces. Be sure to cut the peach into bite-size chunks, especially for small dogs.

Peach allergies

Just like any human food we give to dogs, there is a risk of allergic reactions. Peach fuzz is a potential trigger of mild, oral allergic reactions, so be aware if you are feeding your dog peaches for the first time.

Signs of an allergy or intolerance to peaches include:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Swelling/irritation around the mouth or face
• Breathing difficulties

Can puppies eat peaches? 

Puppies are more vulnerable to stomach or digestive upset, and their immune systems are still developing. Before you offer your puppy a new food, they should be fully weaned and well established on a balanced diet of commercial puppy food. Then, offer only tiny bites and watch for any signs of intolerance to see how they handle it.

What about other types of peaches and peach products?

Peaches are safe, but what about other stone fruits? And can you share your peach cobbler with your pup?

• White peaches are less acidic and slightly sweeter than yellow peaches, making them perfect for dogs. 
• Dried peaches are also fine, as long as there aren’t added sugars, flavorings, or colors. 
• Nectarines are okay for dogs to eat as long as you follow the same precautions as regular peaches.

The following types of peaches and peach products should be avoided:

• Canned peaches usually contain high amounts of sugar, which is harmful for dogs and can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
• Store-bought peach yogurt is loaded with added sugar, additives, preservatives, and sometimes even food coloring — all things dogs do not need. 
• Peach syrups, peach jam, and peach-flavored products aren’t healthy because they are highly processed and contain too much sugar and preservatives.

How to prepare peaches for dogs

Start by washing your peaches thoroughly to remove any residual dirt and pesticides on the skin. Cut the peach in half to remove the pit. Then, remove the skin and cut the peach into bite-sized pieces.

Once safely prepped, you can hand feed them to your pup, or you can share peaches with them by:

• Adding chopped or crushed fresh peaches to your dog’s meals
• Stuffing peaches into your dog’s KONG toy
• Freezing peaches for a treat on a hot day
• Blending peaches with bananas, blueberries, and plain Greek yogurt into a smoothie

If peaches aren’t the right fruit for your dog, fruits such as apples, blueberries, and watermelon can also be excellent additions to a dog’s diet.

How much peach can dogs eat? 

Whenever you offer your dog a snack, remember the 90/10 rule: Nutritionally balanced dog food should make up 90% of your dog’s daily diet or calorie intake. Treats should not comprise more than 10% of their diet, so depending on your dog’s particular food intake, just a little bit of peach goes a long way. 

Peaches: safe, healthy, and delish for dogs 

Whether your dog has a particular taste for peaches or you’d like to offer peaches as an occasional reward, they’re totally fine to share. However, if your dog is diabetic or overweight, opt for other fruits due to the high sugar content.

While allergies and cyanide toxicity are rare, there is always a slight risk with peaches. Whenever sharing human foods, double-check to make sure they’re safe for dogs so you can avoid a costly trip to the veterinarian. When it can’t be avoided, a pet insurance plan can help you and your pup handle future emergency vet visits. Learn more about Pumpkin pet insurance.

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