Peaches come with enormous health benefits as they are rich in dietary fiber which supports gut health.
With the arrival of summer season, comes the peak of juicy and refreshing peach season. The fiber rich fruit shows up at grocery stores and roadside stands. While you are picking the fruits, you might stop to wonder if your pet can eat peaches too. The answer is yes, however, there are some important caveats. Dogs can enjoy peaches as long as you avoid giving them the pit, stem and leaves. Moderation is the key as too many peaches can cause problems for your furry companion.
Peaches come with enormous health benefits as they are a rich source of dietary fiber which supports gut health. They also offer natural antioxidants that help in fighting oxidative damage which has a link to aging. However, too much fiber from fruits can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to diarrhea. Moreover, dogs with diabetes need to watch their sugar intake. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to the dog’s diet. It is advisable to start with small portions of peach to judge how your dog reacts.
How to Share Peaches with Your Dog?
Raw Peaches
Be sure to wash peaches before sharing them with your dog in order to remove any pesticide residues. Peaches contain cyanide but the risk is minimal. Peach pits can pose a risk of intestinal obstruction, hence, in order to keep your dog safe, always remove the pit, cut the peach into small pieces.
Canned Peaches
Canned peaches can be a problem due to their extra calories and added sugar. In order to prevent canine obesity, peaches should make up to about 5-10 percent of your dog’s total daily calorie count. It is best to stick to fresh peaches to keep your pet’s diet balanced and healthy.
Grilled Peaches
Try grilling the peaches with some honey to add a twist to the flavor. They are safe for your dog’s once they have cooled down. However, if you have added more flavors like butter, offer just a small portion rather than a full serving.
Peach Yogurt or Sorbet
The only problem with processed peach products is the presence of xylitol, a sweetener that is dangerously toxic to the dogs. Just a little bit of xylitol can lead to a sudden drop in your dog’s blood sugar and even lead to severe liver damage. To create a peach treat, freeze small peach pieces and offer those to your furry dogs.
Other fruits which your dogs can enjoy are apple, banana, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, mango, orange, pineapple, strawberries, watermelon and tangerine.