Peaches?

What to watch out for

Fresh peaches are the ideal option, and a few small cubes of flesh make an occasional sweet treat.

The danger is the pit. Peach pits contain a form of cyanide and a sugar compound called amygdalin, which can prove fatal at certain doses. The pit can also lead to an intestinal blockage if swallowed and is a choking hazard. This is why a whole peach left on the counter or a fallen peach in the garden is a real risk, especially for medium and large dogs that swallow things whole.

Peaches also contain a lot of sugar, which can contribute to obesity and stomach irritation, so keep portions small. Canned or dehydrated peaches often contain excess sugar and other ingredients that are not recommended, so offer only plain fresh or plain frozen fruit with the stem and pit removed.

What to give instead

Wash the peach, cut the flesh away from the pit, discard the pit in a trash can your dog cannot reach, and cut the flesh into small cubes. Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories.

• Small dogs: one or two small pieces
• Medium dogs: a few pieces
• Large dogs: a few more pieces, occasionally

Skip canned peaches and dehydrated peaches with added sugar.

If your dog already ate it

If your dog ate a bit of flesh, nothing special is needed beyond watching for stomach upset. If your dog swallowed or chewed a pit, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away, even if your dog seems fine. Watch for vomiting, belly pain, no appetite, and straining or no stools, which can signal a blockage.

In the US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, your local emergency vet. Do not induce vomiting at home.