Can dogs eat peaches?

Updated 29/04/2024

Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber and of course that deliciously sweet juice, peaches certainly are the ultimate summertime snack. And with all of those (yummy) health benefits, we wouldn't be surprised if pet parents wonder - can dogs eat peaches, or are they a strictly human snack? Well luckily for your fruit-loving furry friend, peaches are safe for dogs, along with a whole host of other fruits we humans eat all year round. And like with many other 'people foods', there are a few things to be careful of when feeding dogs peaches, so take a look below for advice on sharing the fruit with your furry pack.

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Are peaches poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat peaches here, there and everywhere? Are peaches safe for dogs or can they be toxic to dogs for any reason? Generally speaking, the flesh of the fruit is perfectly safe for our furry friends when served in moderation. But like with any new food, there's a slim chance your pooch could be intolerant to peaches, so always feed a small amount to start with and keep a close eye afterwards, just in case any reactions occur (like an upset stomach, itchiness or hives). 

As for the rest of the fruit, you'll need to be a little more careful. The stem, leaves and pit aren't good news for our furry friends. So if you were wondering - are peach pits poisonous to dogs - we'd say technically, yes. The pits (otherwise known as stones), leaves and stems contain cyanide, which is toxic to both pups and their humans. Plus, the stones cause a serious choking hazard, and if your dog swallowed a peach pit without choking, contact your vet as it could cause complications (like intestinal blockage) when passing through your dog's body.

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Are peaches good for dogs?

So can dogs eat peaches and reap all the lovely health benefits we humans can? Or is there anything to be careful of when feeding dogs peaches? Well we're happy to let you know that your furry best buddy can enjoy not only the taste of one of the juiciest fruits out there, but also its variety of nutritional benefits - see below for more on these. And as you probably already know, peaches get their irresistible taste partly because they're high in sugar. So, always stick to the 5% rule (making sure your dog's diet is made up of only 5% treats and 95% nutrient-dense dog food) to make sure they're not overdoing it on the sugar front.

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Health benefits of eating peaches for dogs

So, now we know that your furry pal can tuck into a peach slice or two next time you do, let's take a look at the nutritional value of the fruit and some of the benefits your pooch could reap.

• Fiber. Keeps your dog's digestive system in tip-top condition 
• Vitamin A. Supports a healthy immune response, vision and bone growth.
• Vitamin C. Preserves your pup's cognitive function and acts as a powerful antioxidant that fights off free radicals.

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Feeding your dog peaches

So can dogs eat peaches left, right and center? Or do we need to be careful with portion sizes? Well as you might already know, peaches are high in sugar which means they're bad news for dogs if fed in large quantities. That's why (after removing the leaves, stem and stone), you should only feed your pup the odd slice of peach and never let the intake go over 5% of your dog's calories - this will help to make sure they're not overeating, and are getting all the other nutrients their bodies need.

Can dogs eat peaches with skin?

Peach skin is safe for dogs if it's attached to the flesh which has been cut into small, bite-size chunks.

Can dogs eat canned peaches?

Fresh peaches are the best way to go when it comes to feeding dogs the fruit. Canned and other processed peaches often sit in a syrup that's far too sugary for dogs to eat. If wanting to feed tinned peaches, drain and wash them in warm water and then serve them to your dog. 

Other peach products

So, now we know that dogs and peaches are (sort of) a match made in doggy heaven, you might be wondering if dogs can have peaches cooked into your favorite desserts and sweet sauces, or even peach juice. Sadly we'd strongly advise against feeding your dog any peach-flavored products or dishes containing the fruit. Why? Well chances are they're either packed with sugar and additional fat or contain ingredients like xylitol which is toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredient list, and contact a veterinarian for advice if unsure. 

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Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we’ve settled the question - can dogs have peaches - take a look below to explore more foods dogs can eat.

• Fish
• Squash
• Olives