Can My Dog Eat That? Peaches

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat peaches?” Read on!

Yes! Dogs can eat peaches safely, as long as you only give them the fleshy part of the fruit. Just make sure that peaches are only an occasional treat and make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie amount. Too many peaches can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea. And neither your dog or you want that!

Are Peaches Good For Dogs?

Just like pineapple, cranberries and other fruits and vegetables, peaches contain beneficial nutrients, including vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as antioxidants that support the immune system and skin health. Peaches are also high in fiber which helps support a healthy digestive system. However, if your dog is eating a complete and balanced commercial dog food, your dog’s diet is already providing all of the nutrients they need, so the nutrients from peaches aren’t required.

Are Peach Pits Poisonous?

Yes, the peach pits, also called stones, are poisonous for dogs. They contain trace amounts of a sugar-cyanide compound that is toxic. A dog would need to eat multiple peach pits to be affected by cyanide poisoning; however, there are other reasons not to let them eat the pits.

Peach pits are rough and risk damaging the esophagus or intestine as they pass through. Just like avocado pits, they pose a choking hazard and could cause an intestinal blockage. All good reasons for your dog to avoid peach pits!

Can Dogs Eat Canned Peaches?

No, canned peaches are not a good idea for dogs as they usually have a bunch of added sugar and preservatives. Too much sugar on a regular basis can contribute to diabetes or obesity. Canned peaches may also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol which is toxic to dogs. It’s best to stick with fresh peaches as a tasty snack for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Peach Yogurt?

Similar to canned peaches, store-bought peach yogurt may contain added sugars, preservatives or xylitol which aren’t healthy for dogs. Again, it’s better to share just fresh peaches as treats instead of peach yogurt.

Can Dogs Eat Peach Skin?

As long as you wash the skin thoroughly, dogs can eat peach skin. The parts of the peach to avoid include the pit, the stem and the leaves as these all contain the sugar-cyanide compound. That’s why dog owners should stick to the peach flesh when giving their dog peaches.

Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?

Dogs can also eat the flesh of nectarines safely. But, as with all stone fruits, the nectarine pits should be avoided to prevent choking or intestinal blockage. You should limit the amount of nectarines your dog eats to avoid an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Peaches Safely?

Yes, you can feed your dog peaches in moderation as long as they are washed and the pits are removed. How many peaches your dog can eat depends on your dog’s size. If your dog accidentally eats a peach pit, contact your veterinarian for advice.