Think twice before you feed that peach to your dog!
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
Peaches are safe and nutritious for our canine companions to enjoy.
However, those pretty peaches must be fed to your dog in moderation. If not, your dog could become ill.
Benefits of Peaches For Dogs
Dogs are by nature carnivores and do not require fruits or vegetables.
The digestive system of a dog is primarily designed to consume meats.
However, they too can enjoy the nutritional benefits of other foods as long as caution and balance are followed.
Some Nutritional Benefits in Peaches:
- Low Calorie
- Heart Healthy – contains antioxidants that increase blood flow and circulation.
- Vitamins A, B, E, K – promotes a healthy shiny coat
- Intestinal Health – keeps intestinal parasites at bay in both the intestines and digestive tract.
- Vitamins and MInerals – inhibits cancer.
“Peach-Teach’n”
If you follow some necessary steps when giving your dog the succulent treat of a peach, your dog can safely enjoy the tasty fruit.
Peach Pits
Dogs love to chew on things, and if given a peach pit, he will go to town gnawing on it. There are some dogs who have an infinity for wood.
Chewing on twigs and pieces of wood gives them satisfaction for some strange reason.
These dogs will be more apt to get hold of a peach pit because of the wood-like texture.
If given a chance to get his teeth into a peach pit, the danger lurking within the pit can prove to be detrimental and possibly fatal for your dog.
There is a possibility of swallowing a peach pit whole or it becoming lodged down in the throat or digestive tract.
A peach pit resembles a serrated knife with sharp pointed ends that acts as a snare in the soft tissue of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and intestine.
If caught in the intestines, inflammation known as enteritis can develop.
Peach pits contain a cyanide compound called amygdalin.
This dangerous toxin is found not only in peach pits but in the leaves and stems of a peach tree.
Again, for those who have a dog that loves chewing on tree twigs and branches, your dog can easily get sick taking a nip or two into your peach tree limbs, twigs and leaves.
Hidden Dangers in Peaches
If you choose to feed peaches to your dog, fresh is best! Canned peaches from the store are riddled with preservatives and sugar that is harmful to your dog.
Canned peaches that are “low in sugar” will most likely contain artificial sweeteners which are toxic to dogs.
Related: Can Dogs Have Nectarines?
Fresh peaches should be thoroughly washed and cleaned due to pesticide residue that is found on the peach skin.
Never feed your dog peach skin. Your dog should only consume the flesh or meat of a peach.
Moderation
Your dog should only have a limited amount of peaches. If overfed, peaches can cause upset to the digestive system causing diarrhea.
In some dogs, peaches trigger diarrhea regardless of the amount they consume.
Access to Peaches
If you have a peach tree or an orchard, make sure your dog does not have access to the rotted fruit that falls on the ground.
The sweet smell of peaches laying on the ground presents a treat for your curious dog.
Peach pits are intact within the rotted peaches posing a danger to your dog if consumed.
Rotted peaches also contains bacteria and toxins that are dangerous when consumed.
It is best to rake up the rotted fruit laying on the ground or prevent your dog from having access to that area.
As with all good things, moderation is essential for both humans and our furry pals.
Do your research on what your dog can and can’t have. We only want the best for the furry member of our family!