Table of Contents
It’s not uncommon for pet parents to treat their dogs with human foods from time to time.
To many dog owners, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sharing table scraps or their favorite delicacies with their dogs. The usual argument is that if it’s safe for us to eat, then it’s probably safe for our canine friends too.
However, this reasoning isn’t always tenable. It’s undeniably true that dogs can safely consume many people treats. But certain food products deemed healthy and beneficial for humans may prove harmful to dogs.
Where does this leave peaches? Can dogs eat peaches?
Read on to find out.
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat peaches.
Peaches are high in many nutrients that dogs require in their diets. Notable mentions include vitamins A, E, C, and K, and the minerals potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
Peaches also boast moderate amounts of dietary fiber and plant proteins, both of which could be useful to your dog. Not to mention its abundance in water.
But as you might have guessed, there are several precautions to take before serving peaches to your dog.
Note that dogs may not enjoy peaches the same way as humans. And depending on how they’re prepared and served, these yummy fruits may turn out to be downright dangerous for your furry friend.
More About Peaches
Peaches are one of the varieties of edible, juicy fruits that grow on the peach tree.
The peach tree, scientifically known as Prunus persica, is a deciduous tree originally native to the Zhejiang province of Eastern China and Persia (present-day Iran). The tree is now cultivated in various regions worldwide, mainly for its yummy and nutritious fruits.
Peach trees belong in the genus Prunus. That’s the same genus that produces almonds, cherries, plums, and apricots.
Besides peaches, the peach tree also produces a fruit category called nectarines. Nectarines are glossy-skinned, non-fuzzy peach varieties.
What Nutrients Do Peaches Provide?
Raw peaches constitute 89% water, 10% carbohydrates, and 1% protein. Like most fruits in the Prunus genus, the peach is remarkably low in fat.
Peaches abound in many other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
A 150-gram serving (5.4 ounces) of raw peach provides 17% of the recommended daily value (RDV) of vitamin C, 10% of the RDV of vitamin A, 6% of the RDV of vitamin B3/niacin, and 5% of the RDV of vitamins E and K. The same serving amount provides substantial quantities of potassium, copper, and manganese.
What Are The Benefits Of Serving Peaches To Dogs?
1. Peaches May Relieve Constipation
Peaches contain moderate amounts of fiber and up to 89% water content. Fiber can relieve constipation by inducing stool-bulking effects while water achieves the same purpose by softening stools.
2. Peaches May Combat Dehydration
With up to 89% water content, peaches are among the healthy moisture-rich foods that you can share with your pooch. Of course, the fruit will combat dehydration only if used in conjunction with other regular moisture-rich dog foods.
3. Peaches May Fight Unhealthy Weight Gain
Increased food intake is the leading cause of unhealthy weight gain in humans and canines alike. Therefore, any product that helps manage appetite might consequently address unintentional weight gain. Fortunately, this is another area where your dog may benefit immensely by consuming peach-based diets.
Peaches are high in water and moderately high in fiber and protein. The three nutrients are known to create feelings of fullness for longer after meals. Ultimately, they may help manage weight problems resulting from overeating.
4. Peaches May Support Your Dog’s Vision
Peaches contain decent concentrations of vitamin A and its equivalents like lutein and zeaxanthins. These compounds may improve your dog’s vision by slowing down age-related macular degeneration.
5. Peaches May Rejuvenate Your Dog’s Skin
Vitamin C is another incredibly useful vitamin in peaches. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is probably most famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the vitamin may also have positive effects on your dog’s coat and fur by blocking markers of premature skin aging.
6. Peaches May Protect Your Dog From Many Other Chronic Conditions
It would be unfair to avoid recognizing peach’s antioxidant properties. As with most fruits, peaches provide a substantial supply of antioxidants, compounds that may protect your dog from a wide spectrum of chronic conditions. The fruits are especially rich in phenolic antioxidants. Examples include chlorogenic acid, catechins and epicatechins.
What Are The Potential Risks Of Peaches To Dogs?
The biggest problem with serving peaches to dogs is the pit. Peach pits are hard enough to cause asphyxiation in dogs. If swallowed, the pits may also cause intestinal blockages, necessitating emergency surgeries.
There’s also the problem of cyanide poisoning to beware of. Certain peach varieties, especially red-fleshed peaches, are rich in the anthocyanins cyanidin glucosides. When consumed, these compounds may decompose into hydrogen cyanide gas and cause toxicity.
The toxic anthocyanins in peach are more concentrated in the fruit’s seeds and pit. That’s all the more reason to avoid sharing the pit with your dog.
Summary
Peaches are generally safe for dogs. These fruits also contain numerous essential nutrients that your four-legged companion may find useful.
However, it’s important to only give your dog pitted peach. The pit may present choking hazards in addition to predisposing your pooch to cyanide poisoning.
It’s also prudent to feed peaches to your dog in small portions and only as an occasional snack. The fruit should NEVER replace your dog’s staple diet.