At A Glance
Can dogs eat nectarines? Yes, they can! Nectarines are great for both humans and dogs because they are rich in nutrients. They are great sources of vitamin C and antioxidants. However, they are also rich in sugar and fiber. With that said, you need to give your dogs a small amount of nectarine because too much could lead to the following risks:
Last Updated on: September 12, 2023
Nectarines are sweet, juicy, succulent, and an overall amazing fruit. It is a descendant of the peaches after all. In fact, some people may often mistake one for the other. It’s important to note that while they are related and they closely resemble each other, nectarines have a smooth exterior and a hint of tanginess in them. Both are also extremely healthy.
But one of the questions pet owners would like to know is this: So, nectarines are healthy, but can dogs eat nectarines? Or better yet, can dogs eat peaches and nectarines? The good news is that these are two of the best fruits that dogs can eat. Peaches and nectarines are not toxic to dogs and they are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. And just like with any type of food, give your dogs peaches and nectarines in moderation.
Let’s get into the details.
There are many food items that are healthy for people but are toxic to dogs. Nectarine isn’t one of them. So, yes, nectarine is safe for dogs to eat. Not only that, it is healthy too. Just like humans, we want our dogs to have a healthy diet to stay fit and prevent diseases.
What nutrients can be found in nectarines?
So, for those asking, can dogs eat nectarines and peaches? It’s a resounding yes! Both fruits share almost the same nutritional value and appearance, only differentiated by the fuzzy exterior of the peaches.
Relatedly, can dogs eat white nectarines? Can dogs eat yellow nectarines? Nectarines have two major varieties, the white-fleshed and yellow-fleshed fruits. The white ones have higher sugar, which is why they taste sweeter, while the yellow ones are more acidic and therefore more tangy. Dogs can have either white or yellow nectarines but in small amounts since either sugar or acid is not great for them.
Can dogs eat peaches or nectarines? They can! And while nectarines are not toxic to dogs, you still want to limit their nectarine intake and be more careful with feeding them the juicy fruit for the following reasons:
It’s ideal to add nectarines to a dog’s diet but you have to make sure you slice them in small pieces while also removing the pit. The nectarine pit is small but it is a choking hazard to your pooch.
The nectarine itself has to be sliced into small pieces for easy consumption.
As previously mentioned, nectarines have high sugar content. In small doses, the fruit is great for dogs, but too much may cause digestive issues. Your dog may experience stomach aches, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Rotten nectarines are actually toxic to dogs. Any rotten fruit is just as bad for dogs as they are for humans. If they are not fit for human consumption, then they are not good for your dog either. Rotten nectarines produce ethanol that may cause food poisoning in dogs. They will have an upset stomach and experience vomiting and diarrhea.
The nectarine pit is also poisonous to dogs, aside from being a choking hazard. It contains small amounts of cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs.
There are many health benefits when you feed nectarines to your dog, including the following:
Why are nectarines good for dogs? Mainly it’s because the delicious fruit is nutrient-rich. It is packed with vitamins and minerals that will keep your dog healthy, fit, and energetic.
It is also rich in antioxidants, which are known to keep diseases at bay. Plus, nectarines are said to lower both human and dog’s risk of cancer.
All dogs need dietary fiber to have positive overall digestive health. Nectarines can fulfill that for them. So, when people ask, can dogs eat nectarine slices? The answer is always yes for good digestive health.
Nectarines are among the most hydrating fruits around. So, when dogs eat fresh nectarines, they are not just getting nutrients but good hydration as well. Hydration is vital because it allows easy distribution of nutrients in the body while also regulating a dog’s temperature and ensuring joints are lubricated.
Nectarines or nectarine are great snack items for dogs especially when training during hot days.
There are a lot of reasons why dogs can eat and should eat nectarines. There are also a few risks to it. So, when you consider, can dogs eat natural nectarines? The most important thing to note is the amount. Give your dog a small amount of nectarines to enjoy their amazing benefit.
What is considered a small amount? Two slices of nectarines should be good for small dogs but the bigger breeds could have as much as four to five slices. Make sure you wash the nectarines first and then remove the nectarine pit to ensure dogs eat nectarines safely.
While fresh nectarines are great, you could also diversify your dog’s diet by adding some homemade dog treats. Some nectarine frozen treats should be great.
Making frozen treats for your fur baby is very easy. It is also a good way to entice them to eat the healthy fruit, which is already delicious as it is, but a popsicle (minus the stick) is just more exciting.
Here are the steps:
Can dogs eat nectarines without the pit? Absolutely! And you can even turn that pitless nectarine into an ice cream treat for your dog. But one thing you need to remember is that dogs may be lactose intolerant, so it’s better to use yogurt. Unsweetened or Greek yogurt is best because the sweetened ones may contain xylitol, which are artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
Here are the steps to making nectarine-flavored ice cream:
Those are just some of the ways you can make nectarines safe for dogs to enjoy.
Can dogs eat nectarines, oranges, peaches, and plums? Yes, yes, yes, and yes! Here are the other most commonly asked questions about nectarines for dogs.
No, nectarines are not toxic to dogs. Nectarines should be part of a dog’s diet because of their nutrient-rich characteristics. Nectarines are a good source of vitamins and minerals and will provide great hydration too.
However, make sure you don’t wait until the nectarines are overripe to feed them to your dogs. Rotten nectarines produce ethanol that could lead to food poisoning of your dog.
Yes, dogs can eat nectarines with skin. The pit is the only thing that the dog should not eat. In fact, another common question raised is, can dogs eat plums and nectarines with skin? And it’s a yes for both cases. Their skin is easy to bite through and digest.
Yes, dogs can eat nectarines and peaches without any issues. Both are basically the same with nectarines considered to be the smooth-skinned peach because their exterior lacks the fuzz. They are both healthy, sweet, and juicy, which dogs will enjoy.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
