Is Peach Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Prunus persica
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), concentrated in seeds/pits and wilting leaves |
| Onset of symptoms | Within an hour for large ingestions of pits/wilted leaves |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting
- Seizures with large ingestion
Symptoms in cats
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting
Advertisement
What to do
The flesh of the fruit is not a concern in small amounts; contact a vet if pits were chewed/cracked open or if a dog has been chewing on wilting/damaged branches, since wilted leaves release more cyanide than fresh ones.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Peach is cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin), concentrated in seeds/pits and wilting leaves.
Part-specific risk: Ripe fruit flesh is safe in moderation; the danger is concentrated in seeds/pits and wilting foliage.
What makes this plant different
Peach pits are notably large and hard, making accidental whole-pit swallowing a choking/obstruction risk in its own right, separate from and in addition to the cyanogenic content if the pit is cracked open.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Prunus persica
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Also known as
- Peach, Similar plants: Plum, Apricot, Cherry
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Apple
Malus sylvestrus
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Cherry
Prunus spp.
Choke Cherry
Prunus virginiana
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control