This week, when I walked into the supermarket, I was greeted by a big pile of fresh peaches. Oh, the smile it brought to my face! This sweet, juicy fruit is one of my all-time favorite summer bites. Do you love them too? Not only are they delicious and refreshing, but they’re also rich in many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. As you bite down and feel the juice run down your arm, have you ever wondered: can Chihuahuas eat peaches too?
Short Answer: Yes! But, there are some things you should know before offering peaches to your precious pup. So, make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post and check out the feeding tips!
A Look At The Nutritional Info
Peaches are a popular fruit that is related to plums, apricots, cherries, and almonds. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one small peach (about 130 g) touts:
- Water – 89%
- Calories – 50.7
- Protein – 1.18 g
- Total lipid – 0.325 g
- Carbohydrates – 12.4 g
- Total Sugars – 10.9 g
- Fiber – 1.95 g
- Calcium – 7.8 mg
- Iron – 0.325 mg
- Magnesium – 11.7 mg
- Phosphorus – 26 mg
- Potassium – 247 mg
- Zinc – 0.221 mg
- Thiamin – 0.031 mg
- Riboflavin – 0.04 mg
- Niacin – 1.05 mg
- Folate – 5.2 µg
- Choline – 7.93 mg
- Lutein + zeaxanthin – 118 µg
- Beta Carotene – 211 µg
- Vitamin A – 20.8 µg
- Vitamin B-6 – 0.033 mg
- Vitamin C – 8.58 mg
- Vitamin E – 0.949 mg
- Vitamin K – 3.38 µg
Benefits of Peaches
- Helps Fido Hydrate – Peaches are 89% water, making them a wonderful thirst-quenching, hydrating treat … perfect for a hot summer day.
- Perfect Treat For Overweight Canine – Peaches are low in calories and virtually fat-free, making them a great snack option for overweight or obese dogs.
- Supports Strong Immune System – Peaches are rich in immune-boosting nutrients — like vitamins A and C, along with other antioxidants.
- Helps Fight Free-Radicals – Peaches offer a high quantity of antioxidants, which can help fight free-radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells. If there are too many free radicals in the body, it can damage your dog’s DNA and lead to chronic disease.
- May Support Healthy Digestion – In small amounts, the fiber and high water content in peaches can help aid digestive health.
- Eye Health – The Beta Carotene in this superfood (which the liver converts to Vitamin A) aids in maintaining and improving eye health. Eye health benefits in peaches also come from the carotenoids Lutein + zeaxanthin. They’re said to protect a dog’s retina — the light-sensitive inner wall of the eye — from oxidative damage.
- Healthy Skin & Coat – Vitamin A and C, both key nutrients in peaches, are important for skin and hair/coat health.
Feeding Tips
First things first, let’s go over the things to watch for:
1. Pits
Peach pits are made up of a compound called amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when eaten and is toxic to dogs. Some other concerns over pits for dogs: They can cause choking, intestinal blockages, and even damage teeth.
2. Pesticides
Peaches make the Dirty Dozen list, which means they’re ranked one of the most pesticide-laden foods on the shelf. So, when feeding peaches to your dog, opt for organic when possible. Plus, make sure to wash them thoroughly. Dogs can safely eat peach skin when fed in small bites.
3. Avoid Canned
Don’t share canned or preserved peaches with your dog. They contain high amounts of sugar and may also be treated with sweeteners/preservatives that can seriously upset your dog’s digestive system.
4. Don’t Overfeed
Feed peaches to your pooch in moderation — a few bites here and there are perfect. Overfeeding this fruit, which contains natural sugars, can lead to tummy upset.
Some ideas to incorporate peaches into your dog’s diet:
- Slice fresh peaches into small chunks and offer them straight
- If your dog enjoys frozen treats then dice up a fresh peach and freeze
- Puree peaches and mix with a little plain yogurt or coconut oil and freeze in cute dog-themed silicone molds to create fun popsicles
- Puree a ripe peach and use the fresh juice as the liquid in homemade biscuits
Source: prouddogmom
