Can dogs or cats eat peaches?

July 21, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat peaches?

Peaches are just peachy for pups!

Not only are they delicious, but they're also a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. Just remember that peaches contain pits, which can cause blockages. So don't let them go grazing under a peach tree! Additionally, some dogs may be allergic to peaches or have difficulty digesting them due to their high sugar content. In these cases, feeding large amounts of peaches could lead to stomach upset or other health issues.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your dog eats peaches (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat peaches?

Can cats have peaches? Yup.

Peaches contain vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining good health in cats. They also have potassium and fiber, which can help with digestion. However, too much peach consumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the presence of natural sugars.

It's important to note that while the flesh of the peach is safe for cats, other parts of the fruit may not be. The pit contains cyanide, which is toxic if ingested in large quantities. Plus, the skin of peaches may contain pesticides or other harmful chemicals used during cultivation, so wash them extremely well.

Finally, remember that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need to get most of their nutrients from meat-based foods. So if you feed your kitty peaches, they should only be an occasional treat, given in moderation.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your cat eats peaches (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet