Nectarines are such a fun fruit. We love them, and we’re pretty sure you do, too!
They’re super tasty and healthy, so it’s no surprise the nectarines are enjoyed all over the world. The health benefits they’re giving you are a good enough reason to implement nectarines in your diet.
So, today you bought some nectarines and left them on an end table. You know your pup likes all kinds of food, and you give her pretty much anything she wants, as long as it’s safe.
Now, you saw her eyeing that bowl of nectarines. Sure, some things you just give straight away – like meat or plain veggies. But, what about nectarines?
Are nectarines even safe for dogs? Many people don’t know about this, so don’t beat yourself up about it. Luckily, we know all about this and we’ll help you out.
So, we’ll cover this topic among many others in this article – don’t worry. Read on to find out can dogs eat nectarines, and more!
Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?
The safest thing to do before you give your pet something new is to get the okay from the vet. A medical professional will know exactly if and how much of some food your pet can eat.
Sometimes, you’re not able to consult the vet, especially if your pet is whining right now for nectarines. So, can your pup’s wishes be granted?
Luckily, yes – dogs can eat nectarines. They’re perfectly safe to be eaten by canines from time to time. There are a few things to keep in mind before you do give the dog some nectarines. First, make sure to introduce nectarines to your pet’s diet – and this one is a must.
Dogs can be hypersensitive or even allergic to some food products. Just like humans, they can experience indigestion and everything else – so be careful when you’re giving the pet something new.
Watch the dog closely every time she’s given anything new. If you notice unusual or lethargic behavior, discontinue the use immediately – chances are, your dog doesn’t respond well to nectarines, in this case!
Introducing Nectarines To Your Dog’s Diet
The introduction is key to giving your pet anything new, and for several reasons. Why so? Because dogs can be allergic to foods, this is the ideal way to check that.
Also, dogs can be put off by any food that isn’t meat. Especially, if that food doesn’t look anything like meat – dogs are omnivores by nature, but they need more meat in their diet rather than veggies. Introducing a food item prevents that from happening.
So, how does introducing nectarines work?
Well, you start by giving your pet a tiny quantity of nectarines the first time. If the dog responds well – great. Next time, give them more, and each time you give them some more.
Do this until you reach the full allowed portion. Our advice is to stir nectarines into the pet’s usual meal so the dog isn’t aware of this.
Dosing Nectarines To Your Pet
Dosage is very important when it comes to nectarines. Too much can have a negative effect on your pet’s health, and even give them digestive troubles.
So, what’s the optimal dose?
| Smaller breeds | Medium breeds | Large breeds |
|---|---|---|
| Half a small slice | One small slice | One large slice |
And don’t go overboard! We’ll cover what happens to dogs that eat too many nectarines.
Don’t make it a regular thing – dogs can enjoy nectarines. However, nectarines are not the greatest idea on the regular, but they’re completely fine when eaten in moderation. Too much sugar can even cause obesity in canines – so be careful!
Serving Nectarines To Your Dog
When you want to eat a nectarine, all you have to do is wash it and that’s about it. You can chew directly or cut it up in slices, but it’s up to you.
It’s not that simple when it comes to dogs. When you want to give the dog some nectarines, you should always cut them up in small, tiny pieces.
Dogs can get excited and forget to chew. So, eating nectarines can result in choking, spitting, and even vomiting.
The safest thing to do is to always cut up the nectarines. Preferably, mix it in regular dog food or sprinkle it on top – it’s entirely up to you.
Next important thing to remember – remove the pit. Eating pits can give your pet cyanide poisoning, even if it eats a single pit.
Furthermore, the pit can cause a blockage in the digestive system. Please remember to remove pits from all and any fruit and veggies. It can be very harmful to your pet and even cause the pet to pass away!
Never let your dog eat any pips, seeds, pits, or stones. They can contain cyanide or other toxic compounds – so why risk it?
Can Dogs Eat Canned Nectarines?
To be completely honest, no, dogs cannot eat canned nectarines. It’s never a good idea to feed dogs canned anything, and it’s the same with nectarines.
Canned nectarines contain way too much sugar for your pet. The dog can even overdose on sugar from this food, so it’s best avoided at all times!
Can Nectarines Be A Treat For Your Pup?
This they can! Nectarines can make a good, tasty treat for your pup!
Just remember the 10% rule. Treats should not make over 10% of the daily food ingested by your pup.
Moreover – don’t make it a regular treat. Nectarines aren’t a good idea to be eaten on the regular, but they can make a tasty treat occasionally. For example, once a week or less is completely safe.
Benefits Of Dogs Eating Nectarines
Eating nectarines is healthy for your pet, but only if eaten in moderation. A little goes a long way when the food in question is a nectarine.
Too many nectarines is never a good idea for your pet!
The nectarines are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps your dog maintain a healthy digestive system, and it also keeps constipation and diarrhea at bay.
Vitamin A in nectarines helps your dog maintain healthy vision for years to come. Vitamins A and E keep the fur healthy and shiny.
Magnesium found in nectarines is very important and nutritional for your pet. Magnesium helps the dog absorb various nutrients and vitamins. It also maintains bone health.
Let’s check out the nutritional value of 1 small nectarine:
| Calories | 57 |
| Total fat | 0.4g |
| Potassium | 259mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 14g |
| Dietary fiber | 2.2g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 1.4g |
| Vitamin A | 450IU |
| Vitamin C | 7.7mg |
| Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) | 1.1mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 1.6mg |
| Phosphorus | 43.2mg |
| Magnesium | 12.9mg |
| Iron | 0.4mg |
What Happens To Dogs If They Eat Too Many Nectarines?
Sometimes, life happens and you don’t pay attention to your pet for a while. Don’t beat yourself up about it – it happens. This time, your dog’s prey was nectarines.
You’re not sure, but the dog ate at least one large nectarine. What’s going to happen now?
Well, if you notice the dog acting lethargic or unusual, go to the emergency vet as soon as possible. The vet will know what to do.
On the other hand, if your dog just vomits a little or has some mild diarrhea, don’t worry about it now. If the symptoms persist for more than two days, go to the vet.
In the meantime, give the pet some pumpkin puree to soothe its tummy. And maybe move nectarines somewhere higher, where your pet can’t reach them.
Conclusion
To conclude, dogs can eat nectarines. It’s safe and it can even be beneficial to your pet’s health!
Nectarines will help your dog stay healthy and playful for a long, long time. This yummy fruit preserves bone health and eyesight, too!
Your furry baby will enjoy some nectarines, just make sure to give her an appropriate amount. Don’t go overboard – it can result in some tummy woes. If these problems continue for a few days, please visit the vet!
Nectarines are best eaten in moderation. One slice a few times a month is more than enough – a little goes a long way. They can make a great snack or addition to her regular meal – either way, she will love nectarines!
Learn More: What Can Dogs Eat? A Comprehensive List Of Dog-safe Foods
