Can Dogs Eat Peaches - DogFoodLord

Do you love peaches? How about treating your dog with some delicious peach slices?

Peaches are not only delicious fruits but are also proven to have multiple health benefits thanks to the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients and components they contain.

If you want to know can dogs eat peaches, what the health benefits are, and what the risk of peaches can be for some pups, then read on.

Peaches for dogs – what are the health benefits?

Peaches (Prunus Persica) are small and fleshy fruits with fuzzy peels and multiple health benefits.

They contain Vitamins A, C, E, K, and Niacin, as well as essential minerals like Potassium, Copper, and Manganese, along with healthy fiber and antioxidants.

These nutrients help boost the immune system, thus preventing inflammations and cancer, and help improve the functioning of the kidneys and liver of pups.

As long as you serve your dog with peaches that are properly prepared and given in moderation as occasional treats, these fruits are excellent healthy treats and snacks for dogs of all breeds.

When can peaches be dangerous for dogs?

Eating too many peaches can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, but they can also be a choking hazard or cause blockage of the intestines in some dogs.

The main danger of giving peaches to dogs comes from the pits of these fruits. The pit is large and hard and can damage the dog’s teeth if it starts chewing on them. Plus, it can cause choking and obstruction of the intestines, both of which are serious and often life-threatening conditions for dogs.

The pits of the peaches are serrated and have sharp edges, which poses another potential danger for the dog if it gets hold of a pit.

If your pup happens to swallow a peach pit by accident, make sure that you keep it under close observation for any worrying signs and contact your veterinarian for advice immediately.

Some other risks of feeding your dog peaches come from the fact that the pits of the fruits can contain a small amount of cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs when eaten in large enough quantities.

So, whenever you decide to treat your pup with peaches, make sure you remove the pit and keep it away from the dog.

Once the pit is removed, then it is safe to give your dog some peach slices or cubes as a treat or addition to its dog food.

Remember to wash the peaches thoroughly so that you remove any insecticides and pesticides with which they have been treated.

Plus, you should avoid giving your pup any canned peaches or other peach-flavored foods. This is because they are highly likely to contain added sugar or sweeteners, which are bad and in some cases toxic for dogs, and can contain other harmful ingredients which are ok for humans but can be dangerous for dogs.

You should always speak to your vet before adding new human foods, including fruits and veggies, to your dog’s diet. And remember to start by feeding it a small amount first and watch it for any sensitivities or allergic reactions.

Further Reading: How much should I feed my dog? Factors to consider

Some mild to severe allergic reactions in dogs include swelling, coughing, sneezing, hives, problems breathing, and others. The most severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis is relatively rare but should be considered an emergency.

If your pup shows signs of such reactions, you should stop feeding it peaches immediately and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate?

What is the proper and safe way to feed peaches to your pup?

Speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any new human food, especially if your pet has underlying health problems. In some cases, the condition of the dog can be worsened by eating peaches or other plant-based foods.

Your vet will tell you whether it is ok to add some peaches to your dog’s diet plan and how many peaches are safe for your dog.

It is best to choose fresh peaches, which are free of rot or mold, and wash them thoroughly before serving them to your pup as a snack or treat. This will help remove any potentially toxic pesticides and other chemicals which have been used on the fruit.

After you are done, remove the pit completely as well as the stem of the fruit. You can cut it into small slices, cubes, or other pieces, depending on the size of your pup.

If you are worried about the dog choking on the large pieces, you can blend or mash the peaches and add them as a topper to the dog food or in plain unsweetened yogurt.

Another way to serve peaches to your dog is in the form of a smoothie. You can make the smoothie by combining some peach with other healthy fruits for dogs, such as blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, apples, bananas, and others.

Keep in mind that even though peaches are low in fat and calories, the healthy snacks you give to your dog should be no more than 10% of its daily recommended caloric intake.