Can Dogs Eat Nectarines? Benefits And Risks Of These Sweet Treats

Nectarines are a common summer fruit often considered the cousins of peaches. They are sometimes even considered the same specifies even though the agricultural grouping may be different. The question for pet parents, however, is: can dogs eat nectarines?

Some fruits are not dog friendly, but nectarines get the official pass. They are rich in fiber, fleshy, and various vitamins that are good for your dog.

However, they are stone fruits, which means a pit that can be a choking hazard for your dog. There are a few things to watch out for as well, but we’ll talk about that later. Most dogs appreciate juicy sweet fleshy fruits, and nectarines are a great option to have around as a fruity snack.

Health Benefits of Nectarines

Nectarines have high levels of vitamin C, A, and dietary fiber. Vitamin A is great for dogs’ muscle functioning, nerves, and tooth health, and nectarines do not have too much of it. They also contain magnesium which is a multifunctional mineral that is good for cellular energy and an addition to bone density.

High potassium levels from nectarines are also a plus as it adds to the nerves, enzymes, and muscles so they can work at the right efficiency. Aside from the minerals and vitamins, the fiber from nectarines is suitable for your dog’s digestive system as it staves off constipation. However, young dogs are different, so give only the best dog food for puppies at this stage.

Risks of Nectarines for Dogs

The first problem with feeding your dog nectarines is the large seeds. Nectarines are part of the stone fruit family so they are choking hazards for your pet [1]. They can create a blockage in the throat or further down the digestive tract.

The pits also have small levels of cyanide which is still enough to make your dog really sick. So these are a definite no-no for your animal. If you believe your dog could be suffering from eating a nectarine pit, look for cyanide poisoning symptoms like dilated pupils and vomiting.

Nectarines are sweet, so naturally, they have high sugar levels. Too much sugar would not produce good effects in dogs with diabetes, meaning the amount to feed them depends on the animals and sugar sensitivity.

Finally, because nectarines are fleshy and sugary, they spoil quickly. There is a risk of feeding your dog rotting fruit, leading to various stomach problems. Mycotoxin poisoning can occur because of the mold that grows on decomposing fruits. Spoiled fruits also produce ethanol as they ferment, which is toxic for dogs.

The Best Way to Prepare Nectarines for Your Dog

Dogs often enjoy sweet-tasting treats, and fruits are an excellent way to satisfy these cravings in a healthy way. Safety is the first priority, of course, so you need to make sure it is fresh fruit and wash it. That removes the preservatives and pesticides before setting it up for your furry friend. If there are any iffy parts on the fruit, just cut them off or get a different one.

The second thing is to keep the portions small so that your dog does not choke and remove the nectarine pit. You may offer the treat by itself or mix it up with the food. Frozen puree is another alternative, especially on hot days. These can be served with other fruits or vegetables.

How Many Nectarines Should Your Dog Have?

The nectarine levels to give to your pup depend very much on the animal’s size. A Great Dane, for example, has a larger capacity as compared to a Chihuahua. If you give the dog too much, it could result in stomach problems and diarrhea.

How to tell is your pup will be lying on the floor or not acting like their playful self. It will not last forever, but it is hard to watch them suffer. The prescribed amount is two to three pieces, and that is on an occasional basis. So it is not advisable to feed the dog nectarines every day.

If your dog has enjoyed having peaches, they will enjoy nectarine. Through you need to start small. Even if your dog seems to like the first pieces, go slow and give it a few hours. That is to determine if there are any allergies. Do not worry, though, as any allergies are sure to pass, but you will need to have it checked with the vet.

FAQs

Can dogs eat nectarines?

Nectarines are safe for dogs to eat as they have a lot of nutrients and fiber. However, they should be given in small quantities and with the pits removed.

What do you do if your dog swallows a pit?

Look for signs of cyanide poisoning like excess drooling, heavy breathing, and dilated pupils.

Can dogs eat canned nectarines?

Avoid canned nectarines as they come with many artificial sweeteners and preservatives, which are not suitable for dogs.

Can dogs eat nectarines with the skin?

Nectarine skin is safe for dogs to eat as well as the flesh. In fact, the skin has a lot of the fruit’s antioxidants, which is healthy for the dog, provided it is not a choking hazard [2].

Can dogs eat nectarines and apricots?

Nectarines and apricots are safe for dogs to eat. They are members of the ‘prunus’ family, which also has nectarines. The plant itself is toxic to dogs, but the fruit at times is safe for dogs to eat.