Peaches, especially when they are fresh and juicy, are one of the great joys of summer. The answer to the question of whether or not you may give your dog this delightful treat is yes, with a few stipulations thrown in for good measure. Dogs, after all, are carnivores who do not need fruit as a component of their nutritional requirements. Dogs have a digestive system that differs from that of humans, and certain things that are safe for us are not safe for them.
Peaches are an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber, and they are also low in calories. The pulp of a peach is okay for your dog if it is cut into little pieces. Although peaches are generally considered to be a healthy meal, they might produce an upset stomach and brief diarrhea if they are consumed in large quantities.
Don’t give your dog canned or preserved peaches or any other fruits. In addition to containing large levels of sugar, they may also include preservatives or artificial sweeteners, which may cause major stomach problems in your dog’s digestive tract.
Pesticides are used to treat the majority of commercial fruit, and these pesticides may be harmful. Make care to wash the peaches well before feeding them to your dog (or yourself).
The peach pit, or bone, as it is often known, is the most dangerous part of the fruit. Amygdalin, a sugar and cyanide combination found in peach stones, is responsible for their color. It would take many peach pits for a dog to be impacted, but why take a risk on something that may be harmful? There are also additional hazards associated with the well. If your dog attempts to swallow it whole, it may get lodged in his throat. Furthermore, as anybody who has probed a peach pit knows, the pit has a rough, jagged surface that may be abrasive and irritate the small intestine if eaten in large quantities.
Finally, whether you plant your own peach trees or harvest peaches from a farmer’s market or orchard, you should be aware that even the stems and leaves contain cyanide, so be cautious while handling them.
Also see: Can Dogs Eat Pasta?