Are Peaches Bad For Dogs?

Peaches, yum! They are a juicy fruit that makes delicious smoothies and are an excellent summertime snack. Is it safe to allow your dog in on this peachy goodness? Well yes, and no.

Some parts of the peach should not be given to dogs such as the fuzz, leaves, stem, and pit, however, the flesh is perfectly fine. Let’s learn more:

Benefits of peaches

The flesh of the peach is full of canine-friendly nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, and K. They also contain nutrients such as niacin, folate, iron, copper, manganese, choline, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Dangers

You should never feed your dog the pits of any fruit, including peaches. Along with cherries, plums, nectarines, and mangoes, the pits or seeds contain a natural form of cyanide. The pit of a peach contains more cyanide than cherries and is released when chewed. The stems and leaves of peaches also contain cyanide.

Some signs of cyanide poisoning include vomiting, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, and coma. The pits of peaches can also act as a choking hazard and can lead to intestinal blockage which can be fatal

It may take a few days to notice if your dog accidentally swallowed a peach pit. If you suspect it, pay attention to signs such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite.

The peach fuzz can result in an oral allergic reaction. Signs include excessive salivation, smacking sounds, lack of appetite, and rubbing at the face.

Safety measures

When feeding your dog peaches, be sure to remove the pit and the fuzz. Slice it into bite-sized pieces and serve as-is, or frozen. Do not give your dog canned or preserved peaches as they are likely to be high in sugar and can contain toxic substances such as xylitol.