Dogs are generally primarily carnivorous animals, and their digestive system works differently than ours.
That’s the reason some foods that are good for us aren’t suitable for our four-legged friends.
Dogs don’t specifically need fruits as part of their diet, but occasional fruit and veggie treats generally don’t harm your dogs. In fact, they can be beneficial if served the right way.
So, can dogs eat peaches? If you’re wondering whether dogs can have peach treats from time to time, this article is the right place to be. Let’s look into it.
Are Peaches Good for Dogs?
Peaches can be remarkably healthful for dogs, in addition to tasting great.
These sweet fruits have no cholesterol or sodium content and are low in calories and fats.
The antioxidants and vitamin C present in fresh peaches are help make connective tissues in canines and prevent free-radical damage. They also help in enhancing the infection-resistance capability of your dogs
Rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, peaches help prevent vision impairment and maintain the health of mucus membranes, as well.
They have plenty of necessary minerals too, such as potassium and iron which regulate heart rate and produce red blood cells in dogs.
All these qualities make them a health-boosting treat for your dogs, but there are some concerns you should be aware of, which we’ll discuss next.
Can Peaches Harm Dogs?
When we say peaches are great for dogs, we don’t mean that the entire fruit is.
The pit of a peach (also called the peach stone), is hard, and harsh in texture.
Chewing it might damage your dogs’ teeth and gums. Swallowing it might pose a choking hazard or cause a painful gastrointestinal blockage.
Furthermore, the jagged edges of a peach pit can hurt the insides of your dogs’ mouth and internal organs.
Letting your dogs have peach pits isn’t a good idea, even if you feed them just a few.
Another issue is that peach pits contain small amounts of a toxic cyanide compound called amygdalin. To experience the adverse effects of it, your dogs would have to eat a lot of peach pits, which is unlikely but worth mentioning.
Removing the pit, peaches are usually fine to give to your dogs in chunks that are sized small enough to effortlessly swallow.
How Can I Safely Feed Peaches to Dogs?
To feed peaches to your dogs safely, we recommend these steps:
1. Wash the peach thoroughly to remove any chemicals or pesticides on the surface of its skin.
2. Remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut the peach into slices of about 2 centimeters in width, and remove the peach pit.
4. Depending on your dog’s size, you can feed the slices directly, or cut them further into smaller chunks and then let your pets have it. You can also freeze the peach slices which make for a refreshing treat that your dogs will love, especially on summer days.
5. Lastly, closely monitor your dog’s reaction/behavior after they try any new food item to decide whether or not to give it to them in the future.
Can Dogs Have Too Many Peaches?
If it may be possible your dog ate too many peaches, watch carefully for any symptoms of stomach issues.
Symptoms could include fatigue, reduced appetite, apparent discomfort, vomiting and/or diarrhea, decreased water consumption, and/or increased licking of lips, objects, or the air.
Contact your veterinarian if you observe these symptoms.
Learn more helpful tips for mastering dog care at The Dog’s Avenue.
Editor’s Note
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not to be used as a replacement for veterinary advice. Factors like a dog’s age, health, and diet can impact the safety of a food, activity, or product for the dog.
You should regularly consult with your dog’s veterinarian to learn how you can provide the best care for your dog. Always ask your dog’s veterinarian before giving your dog a new food or trying out a new activity or product.
