Peaches are sweet and succulent fruits that are easily some of humans’ favorites. Dogs also have a unique taste for sweet fruits, and peaches are one of them. so, can dogs eat peaches? The good news is that dogs can eat peaches, and they can reap a bunch of benefits by so doing.
Peaches are summer fruits that are juicy and sweet, but more importantly, they work to improve the physiological functions of your dog’s body when they are consumed on a regular. So, in what ways is you dog likely to benefit?
How Does Your Dog Benefit From Peaches?
As earlier mentioned, peaches pack quite the nutritional punch, making them an ideal addition in your dog’s diet. Below are some of the ways your dog is likely to benefit from them.
1. Vitamin and Minerals
Like most other fruits, peaches have a good deal of vitamins and minerals that are ideal from supporting multiple physiological functions as well as improving immunity. Below are some of the most significant.
- Vitamin A – Works to support proper vision as well as keep away certain types of cancer. It is also great for bone health and for supporting healthy skin and coat.
- Vitamin C – Works to enhance the growth and development of body tissues as well as the repair of those that are worn out. It is also ideal for absorption of iron, collagen absorption, boosting immunity as well as development and maintenance of cartilage and bones.
- Vitamin E – It is an anti-allergen and anti-inflammatory which also works to aid in the regeneration of cells. It is also quite good for healthy skin.
- Potassium – Great for endocrine system health as well as fluid balance. It also prevents strokes and also maintains optimal blood pressure.
- Iron – Essential in energy production as well as supporting good immunity. It is also used in regulating body temperature.
Aside from these, your dog will gain access to such nutrients as manganese, copper, niacin, phosphorus and magnesium. Each of these plays a role in the overall physiological efficiency of your dog’s body.
2. Better digestion
As one of the main compounds, peaches contain a good amount of fiber. Soluble fiber is largely credited for aiding in digestive functions, especially in dogs that have a history of sensitive stomachs. This is because it acts as food for the good bacteria that in turn multiplies in the gut. This increased population supports better and seamless digestion, allowing for better nutrient absorption and smoother passage of stool
3. Cardiovascular health
As with any other fruits, peaches bear the capacity to support optimal heart health. Research has actually shown that peaches have the tendency to bind themselves to certain bile acids which are produced from the dog’s liver. These are often attached to bad cholesterol, and since they are excreted through the feces, they help in a way to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Keep in mind, however, that dogs have a much higher tolerance for cholesterol than humans do, and they are unlikely to experience as much negative effects as we experience from the same.
4. May protect against certain types of cancer
Just like huma beings, dogs prove susceptible to cancer. Seeing as peaches have a high concentration of anti-oxidants, they help in a big way to reduce that chances that your canine would suffer certain types of cancer.
In addition, peaches contain polyphenols which bear the capacity to kill and rid the body of cancer cells without necessarily harming healthy ones.
5. Great anti-allergen
Research has shown that peaches have the ability to prevent the production of histamines as a reaction to an allergic trigger. They also have strong anti-inflammatory properties that protect against inflammation after an allergic reaction.
6. Increased immunity
Seeing as peaches come with a decent amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, it is only natural that they assist the body to increase immunity. This gives the body the capacity to deal with potentially harmful microorganisms without needing help from chemical substances such as drugs.
7. Feeding peaches to your dog – What you need to know
As with just about any other edible substance on the surface of the earth, too many peaches can pose a problem to your dog. Aside from containing lots of sugar, a peach’s pit also has trace quantities of cyanide an, therefore, should not be ingested.
The pit is also quite sizeable, and you need to remove it before serving the peach to your dog. This is because it could cause your dog to choke if it is swallowed in a hurry. It can also cause intestinal blockage which can be deadly.
What Other Fruits Can You Give Your Dog in Place of Peaches?
In place of peaches, you can go for fruits such as apples, apricots, bananas, cantaloupes, blueberries and even mango. These have an abundance of vitamins and minerals and can be great replacements. You can also serve these fruits a number of ways including serving them whole, as juices and as frozen treats.
Conclusion
There is a certain misconception that dogs only thrive off of meats and other high protein foods. While there is a degree of truth in this, it is also true that dogs depend on other plant based foods to thrive.
This is because there are certain nutrients that they can only acquire from fruits and vegetables, and peaches happen to be a rich source of a good number of them. It is unlikely that your dog could actually suffer an allergic reaction to peaches, but moderation is advised.