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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.

Can Dogs Eat Nectarine? Is It Safe?
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?
- Copper – a mineral that is essential in producing energy, making red blood cells, and keeping your immune system healthy.
- Fiber – dietary fiber is necessary for a healthy bowel movement. When it comes to dogs, the consumption of fiber has to be regulated because it may cause stomach aches and other digestive problems.
- Lutein – a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory properties, Lutein is vital in preventing vision loss due to aging.
- Niacin – also known as B3, is important because it helps keep the digestive system, nervous system, and skin healthy. In the case of dogs, it helps keep the coat and teeth healthy.
- Potassium – naturally found in many food products, this mineral helps maintain the regular levels of fluids inside the cells of the body.
- Vitamin C – known as one of the most essential vitamins for the body, it helps with the growth and repair of tissues in the body while also strengthening the immune system.
- Zeaxanthin – another carotenoid that helps with better vision and also promotes better cardiovascular health.
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.
Risks of Feeding Nectarines to Dogs

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:
Choking Hazard
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.
Gastrointestinal Issues
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.
Food Poisoning
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.
Benefits of Feeding Nectarines to Dogs

There are many health benefits when you feed nectarines to your dog, including the following:
Rich in Nutrients
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.
Good for Digestive Health
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.
Good Hydration
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.
Guide to Feeding Nectarines: How Much and When

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.
How To Make Nectarine Popsicle (or PUP-sicle?)
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:
- Clean the nectarines, remove their pits, and slice them up.
- Put them in a blender with water and mix until you are satisfied with the consistency.
- Pour the blended mixture into your favorite dog molds.
- Freeze the nectarine popsicles for at least four hours and you can start popping them out for your dog.
- Allow your dog to enjoy the nectarine popsicle, which is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but always remember to do so in moderation.
How To Make Nectarine Ice Cream for Dogs
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:
- Wash the nectarines, remove their pits, and slice them into small pieces.
- In a blender, put in your nectarine and yogurt. Mix them thoroughly.
- Place the mixture in a container and freeze.
- After a few hours, you can feed your dog a small scoop of nectarine-flavored ice cream.
Those are just some of the ways you can make nectarines safe for dogs to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Are Nectarines Toxic to 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.
Can Dogs Eat Nectarines with Skin?
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.
Can Dogs Eat Nectarines or Peaches?
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.