Can Dogs Have Peaches? – ThePets

Is there anything better than enjoying some summertime sunshine with a juicy peach? This tasty treat is best enjoyed when shared on a hot day, which leaves many pet parents wondering, “Can dogs eat peaches?” Like many other human foods, peaches are a nuanced treat that can be enjoyed by your pup when properly presented, but can also be dangerous if improperly shared. ^{[1] [2]}

In today’s article, the most important points for sharing peaches with your pup will be covered. This way you can both enjoy this summertime delicacy safely!

Are Peaches Good for Dogs?

Dogs may be omnivores, but a dog’s digestive system is different from our own. They can derive valuable benefits from dog-safe fruits, like peaches, but excessive quantities and improper preparation can be detrimental.

When you feed your dog peaches in a safe way they can be a good treat that benefits your dog’s health. Not only are peaches a delicious treat that adds some novelty to your dog’s diet, but they are also a good source of antioxidants, vitamins that support the immune system, and fiber. [1] ^[2] On a hot day, they can also be a refreshing treat or be mixed into your dog’s meal to encourage them to eat other food.

Peaches have their benefits, but like many human foods, they still pose some risks so we can’t consider them to be entirely good for our canine companions. Like any new food, peaches also have a risk of causing an allergic reaction or upset stomach. If you do allow your dog to eat some properly prepared peaches for the first time, start with a small amount and keep an eye on them to see how they react. ^[2]

Why Are Peaches Bad for Dogs?

If dogs can eat peaches, then what makes peaches bad for dogs? Well, there are a few reasons why peaches can be problematic for dogs, but the good news is they can be avoided if you know about the possible risks!

The first problem with peaches is peach stones, or peach pits as they are more commonly called. This is the seed of a peach, and if you have ever eaten one before, you know they are quite large and rough on the outside. When dogs eat peaches, they are not necessarily aware of the pit and may accidentally consume it. This poses a serious choking hazard, and even if a dog manages to swallow the pit, it can cause an intestinal blockage or damage the intestinal tract as it passes through. [1] ^[2]

A peach pit also poses a second threat. The pit, leaves, and stem of peaches contain trace amounts of a sugar cyanide compound. If dogs consume enough of this compound they can end up with cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include an upset stomach, difficulty breathing, and death if not treated quickly. ^[3]

Cyanide toxicity and choking are major health threats that require you to see a veterinarian immediately, but peaches can also have less severe impacts on your pet’s health. Peaches, especially preserved peaches, have a high sugar content compared to most foods dogs eat. When sugar is consumed in excess, it draws an excess of water into a dog’s digestive system. The result is an abnormal electrolyte balance, diarrhea, upset stomach, and possibly vomiting. ^[4]

It is also worth noting that these risks are all relative to size, so the amount of sugar or cyanide required to affect a small dog is much less than that of a 70-pound dog.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog Peaches

So how can you make peaches into a healthy treat with all of the health benefits and none of the risks? It might be easier than you think.

Let’s start with picking out the right peaches. Fresh peaches are best, and bonus points if they are grown without pesticides. Choosing fresh peaches helps you prevent your pet from consuming the excess sugar or the xylitol that may be hidden in canned or frozen equivalents. [1] If you can’t get pesticide-free peaches, be sure to clean them well before cutting them, since pets and people can have negative reactions to pesticides. ^[2]

The next priority is removing all choking hazards. The peach pit is the most obvious choking hazard and should be removed first. Stems and leaves are less likely to cause a choking hazard than peach pits, but they do contain some natural cyanide and should be carefully removed as well.

With the peach pits out of the way, it’s time to determine how many peaches are too many peaches to feed your dog. The general recommendation is a 10/90 rule, suggesting that 10% of your dog’s diet can be treats while the other 90% should remain their normal kibble. [2] This helps dogs eat a balanced diet but still allows you to feed your dog the occasional healthy treat.

After considering how much of a peach constitutes 10% or less of your dog’s normal diet, cut it into slices or cubes. Peach slices may be easy for big dogs to consume, but you may have to serve peaches as smaller slices or cubes for little dogs. If this is your pet’s first time eating peaches, extra caution is always recommended since no amount of preparation can guarantee they won’t have an upset stomach or allergic reaction to new foods.

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