Juicy and delicious, we enjoy these tasty fruits as a light snack but can we share them with our dog? After all, there are so many fruits and vegetables that they can eat, could nectarines be one of the ones that they should avoid?
Dogs can eat nectarines, which is great news if you’re looking to share with them. They are great for canine digestion thanks to the rich dietary fibres and are a brilliant source of vitamins and minerals. However, they should only be fed in moderation.
Want to know more about the risks and benefits of nectarines for dogs? You’re in the right place, so make sure you stay and check it out.
Are Nectarines Safe for Dogs?
Nectarines are definitely safe for dogs, providing them with a treat that is nice and sweet and also full of good nutrients. However, their high sugar content means that you do have to be careful how much you give them.
Since they are rich in dietary fibres, too much is likely to lead to an upset stomach. Make sure you are ONLY feeding them fresh nectarines as well. Canned ones have way more sugar as well as artificial ingredients that will lead to hyperactivity, weight gain, and even diabetes.
Can Eating Nectarines Benefit Dogs?
Definitely, there are some great benefits for your dog when munching on nectarines. They are rich in vitamins A and C as well as magnesium, potassium, and dietary fibre. The vitamins are great for their immune system, coat, and boosting their overall health.
Dogs don’t really need extra vitamin C as they produce the amount they need naturally, but vitamin A is great for their eyes and skin – making nectarines a handy little extra to their diet.
The dietary fibre found in nectarines can help to alleviate constipation as well as keep diarrhoea away thanks to the fact it firms up stools in the intestine. The potassium is great for the muscles and nervous system, keeping them in smooth working order.
Magnesium is essential for strong and healthy bones, as well as for keeping joints moving. It is also responsible for helping the body absorb vitamins – making it one of the most important nutrients in your dog’s diet.
Read Here: Best Vegan Dog Food
How Many Nectarines Can My Dog Eat?
Your dog should only be fed a couple of slices of nectarines. For small dogs, one or two, and for larger ones you can increase this to three or four. This is due to the high sugar content in nectarines as you don’t want them to become unwell from having too much.
Furthermore, it is important to remember the classic 10% rule I am always reminding you of. No more than 10% of your dog’s diet should be treats – nectarines included. The fruit should also be given as an occasional treat, certainly not an everyday thing.
Read Here: What Fruits is Bad for Dogs
The Dangers of Nectarines for Dogs
Nectarines are not toxic to dogs, but they do contain a lot of natural sugars. This is why it is NOT recommended that diabetic dogs eat them as it can lead to a blood sugar spike. It can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea in healthy dogs that eat way too many of them.
You also need to watch out for rotten nectarines as your dog should not try to eat these. This is because they produce a toxin known as ethanol that will make your dog very sick if they eat it. In very severe cases, you may even need to take them to the vet.
The pit of a nectarine should always be removed before you feed them the fruit. It not only contains trace amounts of cyanide, but it can also cause choking or intestinal blockage – both of which are a high risk to your dog’s life.
If you are worried that your dog might have an intestinal blockage after swallowing the pit of a nectarine (or even a peach) these are the signs to look out for:
- Excessive panting
- Stomach upsets/distress
- Unsteadiness
Remember that you should always consult your vet before offering your dog new foods, and once you have the all-clear give them small amounts at a time to start to watch for any negative reactions and to try and avoid an upset stomach.
Check out our guide all about whether it is safe for dogs to eat apples even with the skin on.
Final Thoughts
While nectarines aren’t toxic to dogs and certainly have some benefits, it’s important to keep the pit away and also ensure they don’t have too many if you want to avoid stomach upsets. It’s the same with any food, keep it in moderation and always call your vet if you feel concerned.
If you found this chapter of our canine care series interesting, you should check out the rest of our guides. Whether you want to learn more about doggy health and diet or you are more interested in training and grooming kits, we are here to help you become the best dog owner.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.