If you’re thinking of sharing a tasty peach with your dog, or if they’ve managed to munch away on a stray slice of peach that you’ve been eating yourself, then you may be wondering whether it’s safe for your dog to eat this sweet and juicy fruit.
In this guide, we’re going to answer the main question of whether a dog can eat peaches, and we’ll also cover a few of the key things you’ll need to know about the fruit and sharing it with your dog. With this in mind, let’s get straight to it.
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
The quick answer is yes, a dog can eat peaches in moderation, but there are a few caveats to keep in mind.
Of course, while peaches certainly aren’t an essential part of a dog’s diet, they can still be quite appealing to some dogs who like the sweetness offered by this fruit. But seeing as dogs are carnivores, it shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet too often.
The Health Benefits Of Peaches
There are many useful vitamins in peaches that can be beneficial to dogs. In particular, they contain vitamin A and C, along with plenty of dietary fiber. There’s also some potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and calcium. Furthermore, the fruit is generally quite low in calories as well.
The Risks
Peaches don’t have too many risks to your dog, apart from the pit. However, it’s important to only serve peaches to your dog in moderation, as the high levels of fiber can cause some degree of stomach upset or diarrhea. The high sugar content can also be a problem, especially if they eat peaches too frequently.
Is It Safe?
While peaches themselves are safe in moderation, the biggest danger to your dog is posed by the pit within the peach. Not only can the pit be a real choking hazard, but they also contain something known as “amygdalin”, which contains trace amounts of cyanide, and several peach pits could ultimately prove to be toxic to your pooch.
It’s worth noting that some dogs may be inclined to chew on the pit if you leave it within their reach, so it’s wise to make sure your dog doesn’t get ahold of it. Chewing a pit can also hurt your dog’s teeth and gums, while swallowing could lead to stomach obstruction issues.
Can Puppies Eat Peaches?
While puppies can technically eat peaches without incurring any harm, it’s important not to mess with your puppy’s diet too much, as they’ll need to be eating the appropriate nutrition while they’re growing, particularly in the early stages. Too many peaches are likely to cause stomach upsets.
What About Canned Peaches?
Most canned peach products come with added sugar and artificial sweeteners, thus making them unsuitable for your dog, and far worse than a fresh peach would be by itself.
How About Peach-Flavored Products?
In general, the answer is no. Peach flavored treats that have been created for human consumption will usually contain other ingredients such as sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that aren’t healthy for your dog.
How To Serve Peaches
The best way to serve peach for your dog is to give them a few small slices, making sure there’s no pit being served along with it. However, it’s wise to stick to just one or two slices, especially at first, to see how your dog handles it.
