Peaches are the ultimate summer fruit. Plump, juicy, and sweet, they’re perfect for picnics, barbecues, and just enjoying a lazy summer day. And if you’re lucky enough to have a peach tree in your backyard (or just buy a lot of peaches), you might be thinking about giving your dog a bite.
The answer is yes, it’s okay for dogs to eat peaches, but not before you take a few precautions. Let’s take a closer look at how to safely feed peaches to your pup.
Why Peach Pits Are Dangerous to Dogs
While peach flesh is safe for dogs to eat, the pit (aka stone) is not. Here’s why:
- The pits contain traces of cyanide.
The pits of stone fruits like peaches, plums, and cherries contain a compound called amygdalin. Crushing or chewing the pit releases amygdalin, which then breaks down into cyanide. Cyanide is poisonous to dogs (and humans) and can cause serious health problems.
In small amounts, cyanide can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. In larger amounts, it can cause more severe problems like breathing difficulties, panting, dizziness, weakness, convulsions, and even death.
While the level of cyanide in peach pits is low, you don’t want to take any chances, especially if you have a small dog.
- Peach pits are a choking hazard.
Even if the cyanide content wasn’t an issue, giving your dog a peach pit to chew on is still not a good idea. That’s because they’re extremely hard, which means they can easily choke your dog if they accidentally swallow it.
The sharp edges of the pit can also scrape and tear the lining of your dog’s throat and stomach, causing pain and irritation.
- Biting into a peach pit can also damage or break your dog’s teeth.
Finally, one wrong bite and your dog can fracture a tooth. Aside from being painful, this can also lead to infection.
How to Safely Feed Peaches to Your Dog
While peach pits can be dangerous, the good news is that peach flesh is safe for dogs to eat. In fact, it can even be good for them as it’s a good source of nutrients such as vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind when feeding peaches to your pup:
Wash and peel the peach first.
Before giving your dog a peach, make sure you wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. It’s also a good idea to peel the skin off as it can be hard for your dog to digest.
Remove the pit.
This should be obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Make sure to remove the pit before giving your dog any peach slices. Never give your dog a whole peach.
Cut the peach into small pieces.
Peach slices that are too big can be a choking hazard, so it’s important to cut them into smaller pieces before giving them to your dog.
Give them a small amount at first.
When introducing new food to your dog’s diet, it’s always best to start with a small amount. This will help you see how they react to the peach and give their digestive system time to adjust.
Watch for signs of an allergic reaction.
Some dogs are allergic to peaches (or other fruits), so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of an allergic reaction. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, stop feeding your dog peaches and call your veterinarian.
Only give them fresh peaches.
Avoid giving your dog canned peaches, peach pie, or anything else that contains sugar or other additives. These can be unhealthy for your dog and may even cause stomach problems.
Don’t feed your dog windfall peaches.
Windfall peaches are those that have fallen from the tree and may be bruised or otherwise damaged. Some of them may already be starting to rot. These peaches can contain harmful bacteria that can make your dog sick, so it’s best to avoid them.
Check the peach for signs of mold.
Some peaches look good on the outside, but they may be starting to mold on the inside. Check both the pit and the inner flesh of the peach for any signs of mold before giving it to your dog. If you see any, toss them out.
Give them fresh peaches in moderation.
While peaches are safe for dogs to eat, they should only be given in moderation. Peaches are high in sugar and can be quite acidic, so too much can give your dog a tummy ache and cause other digestive problems.
Frozen peach slices are fine, too.
If you have some ripe peaches that you need to use up, consider freezing them. Frozen peach slices make a refreshing treat on a hot day, and they’re just as safe (and healthy) for your dog to eat as fresh peaches.
Are peaches healthy for dogs?
Yes, peaches offer health benefits to dogs. Like most fruits, peaches are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. They can also help boost your dog’s immune system and keep their skin and coat healthy.
5 Creative Ways to Serve Peaches to Your Dog
Your dog is going to love plain peaches, but why not get a little creative and mix things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Make peach pupsicles.
Who says only humans can enjoy popsicles? Treat your dog to a cold, refreshing peach pupsicle on a hot day. Simply blend some peeled and pitted peaches with a little water, yogurt, or chicken broth. Then pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or popsicle mold and freeze.
- Add peach puree to their kibble.
Got a picky eater on your hands? Mix things up at mealtime by adding a little peach puree to their kibble. The sweetness of the peaches will make their food more appealing and they’ll get a boost of nutrients, too.
- Stuff a Kong with peach slices.
A Kong stuffed with peach slices is a fun and challenging way to keep your dog entertained. Just stuff the Kong with some sliced peaches and a little peanut butter, yogurt, or whatever else they enjoy. Then freeze it for a few hours before giving it to your dog.
- Make homemade peach dog treats.
There are plenty of recipes online for homemade dog treats that contain peaches. For example, you could try these frozen dog treats made with banana, yogurt, and peach slices. Or this recipe for healthy homemade dog biscuits that contain oatmeal, peanut butter, and diced peaches.
- Dehydrate peach slices for a sweet and chewy snack.
Dehydrating peach slices turns them into a healthy, chewy snack that’s perfect for dogs. And it’s so easy to do at home! You can use your oven, air fryer, or food dehydrator if you have one. Just slice the peaches as thinly as you can and lay them out on a baking sheet.
Then bake or dehydrate them at a low temperature until they’re dried out but still pliable. Store the dried peach slices in an airtight container and give them to your dog as an occasional treat. Feel free to sneak a few bites yourself, too!
Wrapping It Up
Dogs can safely eat fresh, frozen, or dried peaches as treats to spice up their regular diet. Just be sure to remove the pit and any other parts of the peach that could be harmful to your dog. Serve them in moderation, and enjoy sharing this delicious fruit with your furry friend!