Can My Dog Eat Peaches?
Summer is not complete without peaches. It is the sweet and juicy treat we are all waiting for every year. They're not only filled with different vitamins and minerals but also antioxidants. In addition to that, peaches provide many other health benefits, making them more irresistible.
You are probably wondering if you can share this amazing treat with your dog and enjoy its fantastic taste and health benefits together. So, you keep asking yourself the question, "Can my dog eat peaches?"
Quick Answer:
Yes, but you need to know how to serve them properly.
Can My Dog Eat Peaches?
Dogs can have peaches. In fact, your dog can benefit from them since peaches provide necessary vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, copper, potassium, and magnesium. Plus, they are also high in fiber and low in calories. Peaches are sweet and juicy - a new taste that your dog can enjoy. However, it would be best to serve peaches properly to them, and the rest of the article will be your guide to do that.
Do Peaches Have Bad Effects on Dogs?
Peaches contain an abundance of fiber and sugar, which can be bad for your dog's stomach, so moderation is essential. However, the fruit is not toxic for them, so a little juicy treat wouldn't hurt them. But, a peach's pit, stems, and leaves can. Peach pit, or peach stone, is a rough and hard seed in the center of a peach.
Your dog can choke on it and die from strangulation or swallow it and suffer a gastrointestinal blockage. Aside from that, the peach pit, its stems, and leaves contain traces of amygdalin cyanide, a toxic substance that can lead to Peach Pit Poisoning. In your dog's body, amygdalin slows down the enzymes necessary for transporting oxygen in their blood.
Therefore, if your dog eats plenty of them, it can be dangerous and even deadly. Here are some Peach Pit Poisoning symptoms in dogs:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Skin irritation
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Anorexia
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen
If you see those signs, it would be best to consult a veterinarian immediately. To prevent this condition, keep peach pits, stems, and leaves away from your dog. Moreover, some dogs can be allergic to peaches, so it is always best to consult your veterinarian when your dog is trying out new food.
What Are the Benefits of Peaches to Dogs?
Peaches contain plenty of necessary nutrients that your dog needs. They contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants that can help boost your dog's immune system and fight some illnesses. The fruit also contains Vitamin E, fiber, and various necessary minerals like magnesium and copper. These nutrients can help prevent skin infections and improve your dog's kidney and liver functions.
Peaches are beneficial for dogs as long as you serve them properly and moderately.
How to Feed Your Dog Peaches Safely
As mentioned, peach pits, stems, and leaves are toxic for your dog, so remove them before serving. Also, only give your dog fresh and organic peaches, as other types can have pesticides on them, which is also toxic not only for your dog but also for you. In that case, wash the peaches thoroughly before serving them (or eating them yourself).
Also, as mentioned earlier, peaches have a high amount of sugar, so only serve it in small amounts so as not to upset your dog's stomach. Don't give your dogs any canned peaches or peach preserves, such as peach jams, as they contain more sugar than regular peaches. If your dog is diabetic, it would be best if you don't give them any peaches at all.
Be Creative with These Peach Dog Treat Recipes
Plain fresh peaches are delicious on their own. However, don’t hesitate to be creative when it comes to serving them to your dog. Here are some recipes that you may want to check out.
Create grab-and-go peach popsicles. Slice a tiny amount of fresh peach, blend it with Greek yogurt, put it in an ice cube tray, and chill it in the freezer. You may also skip the yogurt and simply put separate peach slices in the freezer. It’s perfect during the hot summer when your dog wants a frozen snack.
Make peach dog cookies. Boil a peach for 60 seconds. Make a peach puree and then extract the meat carefully with a slotted spoon. Let it cool. Peel the skin and pit once cooled, and mix the peach until smooth. Mix ¼ cup of the puree with one teaspoon of honey, one dash of cinnamon, one cup of wheat flour, and whisk it until the dough sets.
Roll the dough out and slice it into pleasing shapes, then bake it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees, or until the cookies are thoroughly cooked.
How Many Peaches Can My Dog Eat?
Dogs don't need fruits to have a balanced diet, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't love some treats. However, if you want to treat them to a healthy peach snack, it would be best to follow the 10% rule. It is a guideline recommended by veterinarians which states that treats, including vegetables and fruits, can only make up to 10% of your dog's diet.
The remaining 90% will come from their regular dog food. Ask your veterinarian to get an idea of how many treats your dog should consume. They can then recommend the right portion based on your dog's weight, preferences, and general health. However, since peaches are high in sugar, it's best to make them as an occasional treat since too much can upset their stomach.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, your dog can eat peaches, but you need to remove its pit, stem, and leaves, which can be dangerous and toxic. You can also only feed your dog fresh organic peaches as some other peaches have pesticides that can also be toxic to them. It's best to wash the peaches thoroughly before serving them.
In addition, since peaches already have a lot of sugar, you cannot feed your dog peach preservatives and canned peaches because they may have additional sugar, which is not good for your dog. Peaches can only be an occasional treat for your dogs. Too much sugar is not good for them. Overall, peaches are healthy for your dogs, and they will surely love a sweet, juicy treat from time to time.
References:
- Peter, A.“10 Surprising Health Benefits and Uses of Peaches”. Healthline, 2019
- Wag!.“Peach Pits Poisoning”. Wag Walking
- Sanderson, S.L. “Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals”. Meck Manual Veterinary Manual, 2013