In general, dogs get their required nutrients from dog food and don’t need any added fruits and vegetables in their diets. That being said, dogs can eat peaches as part of a whole food diet to supplement their normal nutrition. In fact, in addition to being OK and safe to have, peaches are actually good for dogs to enjoy on occasion. Owners just need to be careful with the peach pit, which can be toxic and bad for your puppy’s health! Below, we will discuss the benefits of peaches, why peach pits are poisonous to dogs and what to do if your dog has eaten one.
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Why Peaches Are Good For Dogs
As long as you are not feeding your dogs peaches on a daily basis, they can be used as a tasty reward or treat. Peaches are rich in vitamin A and are an excellent source of dietary fiber that dogs need for their digestive systems.
Peaches also contain plenty of vitamin C, along with many other important minerals and antioxidants. They are known for being strong immune system boosters and can help prevent skin infections in dogs. Similarly, peaches are good for liver and kidney function and help to detoxify your dog’s systems.
Finally, because a whole, large peach only has about 70 calories, this fruit makes for a healthy treat for dogs at risk of obesity. Other fruits we’d recommend researching include kiwis, cherries, watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and oranges.
Peach Pits Are Harmful to Dogs
Although peaches themselves are safe for dogs, peach pits, leaves, and stems contain a compound called amygdalin, which can be toxic. For those interested, amygdalin is a sugar-cyanide compound, making it poisonous for pets.
The peach pit also poses a serious choking hazard as they may be swallowed on accident.
Lastly, owners should always make sure to wash peaches (and any other fruit that you give to your dogs) thoroughly to remove any dangerous residual pesticides.
Canned and Preserved Peaches
Canned and preserved peaches tend to contain lots of sugar and preservatives which are bad for dogs. They should not be given to dogs that are already at risk of becoming overweight or developing diabetes, heart problems, etc.
Canned peaches may also contain artificial sweeteners which can actually be toxic to dogs. Therefore, you should always give your dogs fresh peaches and not something preserved or out of a can that has been overly processed.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Peaches in Moderation
If you are looking for a healthy, tasty treat to give to your dogs, peaches can be an excellent choice. However, be sure that its given to them in moderation. A few bites from a peach can be a great treat on a hot summer day (especially if you keep them frozen) that will also provide your dogs with added nutrients and antioxidants.
