Can Dogs Eat Peaches

Do you know why seasonal fruits rule the season they are reaped in? It’s because they have all the nutrients the human body needs in that particular season. Think about melons- juicy, watery, and rich in vitamins. Perhaps one of the tastiest ways to hydrate in summers. Them of course, there’s the taste factor like in the case of mangoes- the most loved fruit of them all. It’s also found in the summer season.

Much like that, a lot of people wait for the summer season to arrive to taste the most delicious peaches. Juicy, meaty, and stuffed with nutrients, peaches are a healthy alternative to sugary cold drinks, ice cream, and such processed food. The sweet, fuzzy, and succulent peaches taste heavenly when eaten cold.

Not to forget the long list of health benefits. They are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber that are so crucial to the human body. Naturally, dogs also feel the heat in the summer season. So they would also need food that beats the heat in the summers. That makes many of us wonder if we can feed our dogs with peaches and transfer the numerous health benefits.

Can dogs eat peaches?

Researching whether your dog can eat peaches becomes important because dogs are carnivores. Their digestive system is different from human beings. So are their nutrient requirements. Animal protein can fulfill most of their daily nutrient needs. 

Moreover, their digestive system doesn’t welcome plant nutrients as well as humans do. Dogs don’t actually need fruits in their diet. Whatever little requirement they have of vitamins is fulfilled by the balanced dog food. Some fruits can even be allergic to dogs.

Fortunately, peaches aren’t one of those and it’s safe to eat for dogs. While they may not provide the same health benefits to your dogs as they do to you, they’re not toxic and particularly bad to their health. But you should be wary of feeding your dog too much peach. 

This is because peach has sugar and fiber content. Feeding too much of it can also cause stomach upset, commonly temporary diarrhea. But more on that later. The gist here is that you can feed your dog peaches but only in moderate amounts. But one wonders if it has any health benefits for dogs.

Health benefits of peaches for dogs

Peaches are healthy for dogs but some decisive conditions apply here. It’s a high sugar fruit and as is the case with such fruits, they are not the best everyday snack for dogs. There is a balance between the nutritional value and empty calories of sugar. But first, let’s talk about the benefits it can provide your furry pet.

Peaches contain the following nutrients:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Potassium
  • Minerals
  • Antioxidants
  • Carbohydrate – 87%
  • Fat – 5%
  • Proteins – 8%
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Fluoride 
  • Phosphorous

Well, that’s a fairly long list of nutrients for fruit. That’s why peaches have extensive use in cosmetic products too. Their fragrance is intoxicating too. Peaches are abundant in carbohydrates. They contain a host of vitamins and minerals just like other summer fruits.

Can Dogs Eat Peaches

They are particularly rich in Vitamin C that acts as a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants help repair damaged tissues and replenish the skin nutrients. Research has recently proven that natural antioxidants are much more beneficial than synthetic ones. Artificial antioxidants can even be dangerous for dogs.

Every animal’s body goes through a lot of chemical reactions every day. The chemical reactions in your dog’s body produce substances called free radicals which collide and damage other cells in the body. Antioxidants help fight these free radicals and significantly slow down the pace of collisions. 

The antioxidants also reduce the chances of oral cancer by fighting off the cancer cells and boosting immunity. Vitamin A, iron, potassium, and other minerals in peaches help pups keep their calorie count low. They also improve kidney and liver health and eliminate toxins from the dog’s body.

The rich amount of dietary fiber improves digestion making it a good snack for an occasional treat. Vitamin C boosts the dog’s skin health and protects him from skin infections. Well, that’s a lot of health benefits, isn’t it? But there’s a catch here. These benefits are coupled with some risks too. Read on to find out.

How should you feed peaches to your dog?

If you have decided to feed your dog with some peaches, it’s good to know the right way to do that. Feeding him the stone can make him severely ill as it contains cyanide which can be toxic for dogs. But it’s safe to feed a slice or two of fresh peach flesh to your dog.

Health benefits of peaches for dogs

It’s safe to consult your vet before feeding him something he hasn’t eaten before. Discuss the amount adequate for your dog and what are the risks involved. The vet will give you a better idea of how often you can treat him with peaches. That’s applicable to all fruits.

If you are just introducing your dog to peaches, start with a small amount. A slice would be enough for a small dog. The sudden introduction of a large amount of a new fruit can cause stomach upset, gastrointestinal upset, and diarrhea to your dog. 

Most vets suggest feeding not more than a slice or two to even a large dog. Follow the below steps to make it easier for your dog to digest and enjoy:

  • Pluck out the stem
  • Remove all the leaves
  • Wash the fruit thoroughly with running water
  • Cut it into two halves
  • Dig out the stone in the center of the peach and throw it away in the trash
  • Cut the two halves into thin slices or mini chunks
  • Pop up a slice or a few chunks in your dog’s food bowl and let him enjoy
  • You can also free it and serve later
  • Alternatively, you can add a piece or two in any of his meals
  • Observe your dog’s health for a few hours after feeding him. An upset stomach or vomiting can be a sign of an allergy. Consult the vet and discontinue feeding him in such a case.

How many peaches can dogs eat?

Use the 10% rule to decide how many peaches your dog should feed. If you have a 30-pound dog that requires 500 calories per day, a maximum of 10% should come from fruits and veggies. Dogs fulfill most of their nutrient requirements through animal meat.

Premium dog foods contain complete nutrients to keep a dog healthy which means they also contain Vitamin C, A, and other nutrients from Peaches. Moreover, dogs require all these in a very small amount. Peach is particularly high in fiber and sugar which can cause stomach upset, obesity, diabetes, and such severe health issues if overeaten.

Now some peaches have as high as 8% sugar content. Typically, a cup of a sliced fresh peach contains around 13g sugar which is equal to 60 calories. So your adult 30-pound dog should eat less than a cup of sliced peach only if he isn’t eating any other fruits or vegetables throughout the day. It’s safe to say you should feed them about half a cup of peach once in a few days as too much sugar can be harmful.

A cup of peach also contains 2.5 grams of dietary fiber. This makes it a good sometimes treat. Here is a quick recipe made with peaches for your dog.

Two-Ingredient Dog Treat

This is a great recipe for introducing peach to your dog. You can use frozen or dehydrated peach for the recipe but a jar of peach baby food would be the best. You can easily get large 4-ounce baby food jars on sale every now and then. That will help you make quick doggo treats for whenever he obeys you.

Ingredients

  • 4-ounce jar of peach baby food
  • Flour – 1 cup

Method

Set the oven to 350° and Preheat

  • Mix a cup of flour with baby food in a large bowl and stir well
  • Add water and make it into a dough by constantly kneading it
  • Sprinkle some flour and roll the dough on the shelf a. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the snacks
  • Place it in the oven and cook for around 24 minutes. Remove it once your cookies are starting to get brown

Let them cool inside the oven for a few minutes to make the cookies extra crispy. It helps remove any moisture and ensures a cracking bite.

When are peaches bad for dogs?

The major danger in feeding dogs peaches is that of the pit. Pits are excessively hard and your dog might break his teeth or damage his gums while trying to chew on it. Always dispose of the seeds properly so that your curious dog doesn’t try to bite on it as he does with everything thrown on the floor. 

If he does manage to swallow the pit directly, it might choke his throat or cause blockage in the intestinal tract. Peach pits have serrated edges that can severely damage the vital organs and the mouth of your dog. So, keep it away from your dog. If your dog has eaten one, look for gastrointestinal issues, and immediately contact the vet, the condition might be critical.

Also, there is the small issue of pits containing small amounts of cyanide. Now while cyanide in large amounts can be toxic, a single peach pit doesn’t contain enough. In rare cases, eating a lot of peach pits can result in poisoning.

Peach is fine to eat for dogs after removing the pit. The skins can contain harmful pesticides, so never forget to wash them thoroughly before feeding your dog or eating it yourself. Like in the case of other fruits, you should avoid feeding your dog canned peaches. They contain a lot of sugar and preservatives that are detrimental to a dog’s health.

Now, whenever you feed peaches, give it in a small amount. Too much of peaches can cause stomach issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset. Moreover, the high amount of sugar content can aggravate heart issues and diabetes if your dog already has them. Avoid feeding your diabetic dog sugary fruits.

Lastly, some dogs might also be allergic to peaches. In rare cases, it can lead to a potentially fatal health condition called anaphylaxis. After feeding your dog a small number of peach slices for the first time, look for any allergic symptoms. This may include sneezing, vomiting, difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, etc. If you see one or more of these, discontinue feeding and contact your vet ASAP.

Can dogs eat peaches yogurt?

While the easiest way to feed your peaches is by slicing fresh pieces, you can surely puree peaches with yogurt. Yogurt doesn’t contain lactose and is one of the few dairy products your lactose intolerant pet can have. It contains calcium and probiotics that are good for dogs.

Can dogs eat peaches yogurt

But if you are looking to feed peach flavored yogurt, think twice about it. It contains artificial sweeteners and flavors of peach which can be unhealthy to dogs. Always read the ingredients to know whether it contains Xylitol that is toxic to dogs. 

Can dogs eat canned peaches?

Canned fruits are a straight no-no for dogs. To eliminate the problem of peach pits, some people suggest feeding dogs canned peaches as they are free of pits. But it is never a good idea as canned food is very unhealthy for dogs. 

They typically have a high amount of sweeteners and artificial preservatives. The chemical preservatives can immediately react and make your dog severely ill. Canned peaches are literally swimming in sugar syrup. Your dog by no means can take so much junk.

The natural sugar content of peaches is already enough to cause stomach upset if fed in large amounts. Surely you can’t add more, so avoid canned peaches or any other fruit. Stick the fresh ones and they are the most beneficial and the least harmful.

Can dogs eat peaches without the pit?

Yes, peaches without the pit are completely safe to eat for dogs. But make sure you chunk them into small cubes. The smaller your dog, the smaller pieces you should cut to avoid choking. Some dogs have the habit of just taking a bite and swallowing it down and you can’t do anything about it.

Can dogs eat white peaches

So make sure the pieces you are feeding him are small enough to swallow in one go. Also, don’t incorporate any fruit in their daily snack. Peach particularly should be avoided because of its extremely high sugar content.

Can dogs eat white peaches?

While white peaches taste sweeter than the yellow peaches to some people, you won’t know what it is like for dogs. But it tastes sweeter because of the low acidic content. Both these peaches don’t have any major differences in the quantity of sugar. 

So it will have no adverse effect different from yellow peaches on your dog. You can feed either of them. Perhaps, you can feed whichever one you’re eating, only plucking out the seeds and feeding in a measured amount matters.

Can dogs eat peaches and nectarines?

Nectarines are a part of the Rosaceae family that contains its more celebrated siblings peaches and plums. They are equally delicious, juicy and a treat for the hot summer days. They are a smooth skin mutation of the peaches we eat. You will be hard done finding the difference between the two. The only major difference you will find is the soft skin of nectarine as compared to the fuzzy skin of a peach.

Yes, you can feed your dog both peaches and nectarines in a small amount. Always slice them into thin pieces and remove the pits. You just have to abide by the precautions discussed above and can feed your dog all varieties of the peach family.

Feeding your dog what you eat is not a bad thing but only as a treat. A dog’s body should derive most of its nutrients from dog food and animal protein. Fruits should be an occasional treat that you can feed your dog for a change. 

Source:

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-nutrition/can-dogs-eat-peaches/