In this article
Dogs and Nectarines
Nectarines are bright-colored fruits that will catch your eye even if you’re standing at the other end of the farmer’s market. Not only are these fruits healthy, but they are also extremely tasty. Hidden inside the crimson peel is a tangy and sweet peachy flesh that teases your taste buds and rejuvenates your energy and spirit.
Nectarines are loaded with nutritious elements, including magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber – all of which are beneficial for humans and dogs. However, can dogs have nectarines? Are nectarines safe for dogs? How many nectarines can I feed my dog?
These are just a few of many questions that pop up in a dog owner’s mind. Well, while the nutrients in nectarines can supply plenty of benefits to your four-legged friend, there are some drawbacks to indulging them in this delight.
Can Dogs Have Nectarines?
Yes, indeed, dogs can eat nectarines but can only do so in moderation. Since nectarines are rich in fibers, minerals, and vitamins, they can be quite nutritious for pups. However, while their fiber content is pretty useful for canines as it helps with their bowel movement, ingesting it in excess can be counterproductive, leading to stomach problems such as diarrhea.
Moreover, while nectarines are sweet to taste, they have a fairly high sugar content that can be detrimental to dogs as they upset their stomach and increase the chances of obesity. Besides the squishy fruit itself, you also need to be careful of feeding your dog nectarine pits since they contain cyanide.
Are Nectarines Safe for Dogs?
Fruits such as grapes aren’t the friendliest food for your dog’s sensitive tummy. Nectarines, however, are a pretty pleasant fruit to offer them. However, there are a few caveats to the rule, specifically the fact that you must exercise portion control.
You must keep the portion size of the fruit extremely small when feeding it to your pup. If your pup is a small breed, it can have no more than one or two slices, while a larger dog can have four to five slices, but not more than that.
Also, only fresh nectarines are safe for dogs, specifically organic ones, since others contain pesticides that can be harmful to your pup.
Can Eating Nectarines Benefit Dogs?
When offered in limited amounts, nectarines can have a beneficial impact on your dog’s health. Here are some benefits of nectarines for your pup:
Digestive Health
As mentioned before, nectarines are a good source of dietary fiber, which gets your dog’s bowel movement going, preventing diarrhea and constipation, and overall enhancing its digestive health.
Nutrition
Nectarines are packed with vitamin C and also contain vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. Since dogs’ bodies already produce the vitamin C they need, it isn’t entirely necessary to offer fruits such as nectarines. However, the other vitamins and minerals can offer some nutrition to your dogs.
Eye Health
The vitamin A content of nectarines can help boost a dog’s eye health and improve the quality of their fur and skin.
Muscle Movement and Bone Health
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for pups since it helps the body in the absorption of vitamins. It improves the functioning of many essential enzymes and improves your dog’s bone health. Potassium, another element of nectarines, helps balance your dog’s bodily fluids and enables their nerves and muscles to work properly.
Hydration
Nectarines contain 87% water content, making them a fantastic summer street that will keep your dog hydrated all day. This juicy fruit is especially beneficial for pups with high exercise requirements and intensive physical routines. In such cases, a few slices of nectarine can give your dog a hydration boost and balance their pH levels.
Immune System
Beta-carotene is the antioxidant that gives nectarines their beautiful peachy shade. This antioxidant can prevent some serious issues and benefit your canine. The beta-carotene turns into vitamin A in your dog’s body, improving its organ functioning and immune system.
Can Nectarines Cause Health Problems in Dogs?
As long as they are fed sparingly, nectarines are quite safe and healthy for dogs. They should only occasionally be given to pup in small quantities as a treat. If fed carelessly or in excess, this juicy fruit can make your dog sick.
Here are a few health risks of nectarines for dogs:
Diarrhea
As mentioned above, nectarines are packed with dietary fibers that improve digestion and bowel movement in dogs. However, an excess of dietary fibers can lead to the development of stomach problems in dogs, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Obesity
Nectarines contain high sugar content. So, as long as you feed your dog a few slices occasionally, they’re going to be okay. However, if you feed your dog excessive amounts of this fruit frequently, it may lead to an increased risk of diabetes and obesity.
Cyanide Poisoning
Nectarines themselves aren’t poisonous for dogs, but their pits contain a life-threatening compound known as cyanide, which can be deadly for a dog when consumed in a large amount. This cyanide can bind with the oxygen in a dog’s blood and lead to death.
*Note: In this section, I talked about fresh and organic nectarines. Don’t even think about giving your dog rotten ones. Rotten nectarines produce a substance called ethanol, which can be toxic to them.
Signs of Cyanide Poisoning
Here are some symptoms of cyanide poisoning in dogs:
- Drooling
- Panting
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How Many Nectarines Can a Dog Eat?
By now, you know that nectarines should be offered in small amounts, but how small is small? Well, for small dog breeds, one or two slices should suffice. As for large dog breeds, maybe four or five slices will do. Remember: Moderation is key!
How to Feed Nectarine to Your Dogs
Now, we move on to another important aspect, how to feed your pup nectarines. Well, you can feed it to them just like you feed them other fruits.
- Wash the nectarines thoroughly to get rid of pesticides, dust, and parasites.
- Peel off their skin (this isn’t necessary since nectarine peels are quite safe for dogs).
- Get rid of the pit since it can be poisonous to canines.
- Slice up the flesh into medium slices or chunks and feed them to your dog one at a time.
Can Dogs Have Canned Nectarines?
No, dogs cannot have canned nectarines because they contain artificial sugars, preservatives, and flavor enhancers, making your dog susceptible to stomach issues and diabetes. It’s best to stick to fresh organic nectarines.
Can Dogs Have Nectarine Juice?
Dogs can drink homemade nectarine juice that is free of extra sweeteners. However, they cannot have packed or tinned nectarine juice.
Can Dogs Have Nectarines Yogurt?
Since most dogs are lactose intolerant, you should avoid mixing nectarines with yogurt or other dairy products. If your dog isn’t, you can feed it nectarine yogurt minus the extra salts, sugars, and dressings.
