Yes, Dogs can eat peaches, Peaches are a great source of vitamin A and fiber. In small, cut-up pieces the flesh of a peach is safe for your dog. But, like any food that’s not a regular part of his diet, peaches can cause stomach upset, most commonly temporary diarrhea.
Don’t share canned or preserved peaches with your dog. They contain high amounts of sugar and may also be treated with preservatives or artificial sweeteners that can seriously upset your dog’s digestive system.
Most commercial fruit is treated with pesticides that can be toxic. Make sure you wash peaches before your dog (or you) eat them.
The most significant danger is the peach pit, or stone, as it’s called. Peach stones contain a sugar-cyanide compound called amygdalin. Although a dog would have to consume several peach pits to be affected, why take a chance with anything toxic?
There are a few other dangers with the pit. If your dog tries to eat it whole, it can get lodged in his throat. And, as anyone who has ever pitted a peach knows, the pit has a rough, serrated surface that can be abrasive and irritate the small intestine.
Can dogs eat peaches safely?
The answer is yes and no.
The peach flesh is totally fine for your dog to eat, but you do need to be careful about the other parts of the peach like the fuzz, leaves, stem, and especially the pit.
To figure out the safest way to feed your pup peaches, you need to know why certain parts of the fruit are good and why others are bad.
Are Peaches Good for Dogs?
Peaches have some health benefits, but you want to make sure you don’t overdo it.
“Peaches can be a rich source of dietary fiber that supports gut health,” says Delaney, whose website builds safe, complete recipes for veterinary clients. “Fruits like peaches also provide natural antioxidants that likely fight oxidative damage, which is believed to be a leading cause of aging.”
Some dogs, however, respond to too much or too little fiber in their diet with stomach upset and diarrhea, so don’t go crazy with raw peaches or other fruits.
Also, some dogs may have conditions like diabetes that require sugar moderation. It’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian first before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet.
But does dietary advice change when you prepare peaches for your dog in different ways? Let’s take a look.
Can Peaches Be Bad for Dogs?
There are a few potential downsides to giving dogs peaches as a snack. They do have a high sugar content, and ingesting too much sugar over time can lead to health problems like diabetes and obesity, which can lead to hip and joint problems.
Puppies also have more sensitive stomachs than adult dogs, so they might not react well to eating new, sugary food.
Another concern is the pit. The pit or stone in a peach is quite large. Always remove it, because it could become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.
The pit also contains a sugar-cyanide compound that is toxic to dogs. Signs of cyanide toxicity are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Red gums
- Excessive panting
- Gagging or regurgitation
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures
- Collapse
If your dog accidentally eats the peach pit, or you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian and take your dog to the vet clinic immediately.
What About Peach Pit Poisoning?
The risk of poisoning is low, but there is still cause for worry. If your dog eats an entire peach with the pit (also called a “stone”), there’s a slight chance he could be poisoned by cyanide, so call your veterinarian if you see signs of poisoning.
The bigger issue is that peach pits can cause choking, obstructions in the intestines, and irritation to your dog’s throat and digestive system as they pass. “For that reason, I would try to avoid giving dogs access to the pit,” Schmid says.
If your dog does manage to eat a peach pit, call your veterinarian if you don’t see the pit appear in your dog’s poop on schedule.
Can Dogs Eat Peach Yogurt?
Although peaches are healthy and safe for dogs, store-bought peach yogurt isn’t a great idea. Flavored yogurt from the store usually contains a lot of added sugars, preservatives, and sometimes xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
You can make your own peach yogurt by mixing peaches with plain yogurt that has no sugars or artificial sweeteners
Can Dogs Eat Canned Peaches?
Canned peaches are not a great idea for a doggy treat, either. They contain lots of added sugar that is unhealthy for your dog and may give them an upset stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Peaches?
Frozen peaches could be a fun treat, but there are a few concerns to watch out for. If they are store-bought frozen peaches, they may have extra sugar and preservatives added.
And store-bought frozen peaches usually come in large chunks that could become another choking hazard for your dog. The best option is to cut up small pieces of fresh peaches and freeze them.
How Many Peaches Can a Dog Eat?
To maintain your dog’s weight, they should consume 25 – 30 calories for every pound they weigh. For example, a 40 lb.
A dog requires approximately 1,100 calories daily, and 90% of them should come from a well-balanced diet via the 90/10 rule.3 That leaves 110 calories, or 10% of their daily caloric intake, to be fed as treats.
An average-sized peach contains only 60 calories.4 However, your dog’s entire 10% treat allotment shouldn’t come from peaches since their high fiber and sugar can cause diarrhea, weight gain, and diabetes. Most dogs can safely consume 1 – 3 slices of peach as an occasional treat in addition to their favorite doggie biscuit.
Like any food, there’s always that chance that your pup could be allergic to peaches, so start off with a small bite and then work up to a full slice.
Should you notice any coughing, sneezing, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or any other atypical behavior with your dog, stop feeding them peaches and consult your veterinarian at once.
How to Safely Serve Peaches for Dogs
It’s easy to serve peaches to your dog and avoid the above hazards. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new food to get their recommendation on serving size.
Start by washing the peach to remove any pesticides or other chemicals on the skin. Then remove the stem and any leaves. Slice the peach and remove all traces of the stone.
You can then feed your dog the fresh peach in slices or smaller chunks, depending on his size and preference. Frozen peaches also make a refreshing and tasty treat, especially on a hot day. Always watch your pup after eating a new food for upset stomach, diarrhea or other adverse reactions.
How To Prepare Peaches For A Dog?
Can dogs have peaches whole or sliced up is a good question that pet parents ask. It’s totally safe to share a slice or two of juicy peach with your pup.
Just remember that before introducing any human food that is safe for dogs, always speak to your veterinarian first about how much and how often is ok for your dog to have it. Peaches or any fruit included!
Most experts recommend only giving a dog one or two slices of peach occasionally. To make peaches safe for dogs to enjoy, follow these easy steps of preparation.
- Take off the stem.
- Remove all leaves.
- Wash the outside of the fruit well.
- Cut the peach in half.
- Dig the pit or stone in the center out, and trash it.
- Cut the halves into 1-inch diameter slices or small chunks.
- Freeze to serve later or share a fresh slice or two with your pup.
- Alternatively, add a couple of chunks to his food at mealtime as a treat.
- Always keep an eye on your dog’s behavior after he has tried new foods as it can cause an upset stomach.
Can peaches kill dogs?
Peaches themselves do not kill dogs, but rather their toxic components do if the dog eats enough of them. The exact dose of poison in a peach would vary depending on the size of the dog and the ripeness of the peach.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning could include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty breathing, and cardiac arrest. The dog might also show signs of excitement or aggression and muscle tremors and seizures.
As a general rule, if your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea and you’re not sure why, it’s a good idea to rule out the possibility that he might have eaten something toxic.
