Nectarines are so juicy and delicious to us, that it is hard to imagine that any animal would not take well to them. Unfortunately, just because nectarines are a great fruit for humans to eat, the same is not necessarily true for our canine friends. Can dogs eat nectarines? Find out!
Key Takeaways
- Nectarines are a great fruit for dogs to eat, but with caution!
- Nectarines are packed with vitamins and minerals so why not treat your pooch from time to time?
- Pits from nectarines (and all stone fruits) can be dangerous for dogs if swallowed whole.
- They can choke on them or the pit can cause liver damage and even death if ingested.
- Nectarine skin might be harmful to dogs, causing digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting, as well as containing a small amount of cyanide which is dangerous to their health.
- Unripe nectarines are high in persimmon tannins and contain cyanide, both of which can cause stomach problems for your pup.
How Can Nectarines Be Bad for Dogs? Pits, Skin & More
Can dogs eat nectarines? Are nectarines safe for dogs? It is always sensible to be cautious when introducing a new food into your dog’s diet. Here are a few things to turn your attention towards if you want to feed your dog nectarines.
PITS!
Nectarine pits are dangerous for your dog and the same goes for the pits of all stone fruits. Dogs can choke on nectarines by swallowing them whole and having them get stuck in their digestive tract. This, however, is not all. Nectarine pits contain a compound called amygdalin which is harmful for your dog. If ingested, this toxin can cause liver damage and even death in dogs. So, if your dog eats a nectarine, make sure to remove the pit first; never give your dog such fruits without your supervision. Keep your dogs away from PITS!
The Skin
Be careful of nectarine skin. If your dog eats the skin, they might experience digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, there is a small amount of cyanide present in the skin of nectarines. While it would take a lot of cyanide to harm a dog, it is still better not to take the risk, as cyanide is a dangerous toxin that can cause liver damage and even death in dogs.
Unripe Nectarines
Nectarines can be dangerous for dogs is if they are not ripe. Unripe nectarines are high in persimmon tannins, which can cause stomach problems for your pup. As well as this, unripe nectarines also contain high levels of cyanide… so keep yourself and your dog away from them.
Sugar Content
Letting your dog eat nectarines comes with the risk of lifting their sugar content to dangerous levels. Dogs should not eat more than 20 grams of sugar a day, (recommendations vary with dog size and age) but a nectarine can contain up to 17 grams. This means that if your dog eats more than one nectarine, they might be getting way too much sugar by the end of the day. If you’re worried about your pet getting too much sugar in their food, go to safe fruit and veg for dogs.
Editor’s Note
Have you recently noticed your pup feeling a bit itchy and uncomfortable? Dogs can be sensitive to certain food items too – like nectarines, for example! Allergic reactions could mean difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal problems or swelling. The best thing to do if any of these signs show up is lay off the nectarines and call up your veterinarian straight away.
How Can Nectarines Be Good for Dogs?
Can dogs eat nectarines? It may not come to you as a surprise that nectarines are a nutrient bomb for your dog. If it weren’t for the dangers we mentioned in the last section, you would think that nectarines are a super food for your dog. Let’s take a look at the benefits to feeding your dog nectarines.
Vitamins
One medium-sized nectarine provides your dog with more than half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A. This is great news as vitamin A is essential for healthy eyesight and a strong immune system in both dogs and humans. Let’s not forget about the plentiful vitamin C content though; this is another king for your pup’s immune system that, if they could, your dog would be endlessly grateful for. Nectarines are a great source of vitamin C, providing your pup with almost a quarter of their daily recommended intake.
Antioxidants
Hate to put vitamins in the spotlight so much, it feels like bad writing, but check this out. Vitamins are great antioxidants, compounds that scavenge your dog’s bodies for harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage their cells. Nectarines, being rich in antioxidants, can help to protect your dog’s cells from oxidative stress as well as strengthen their immune systems.
Fiber
Dogs need dietary fiber to help keep their digestion system running smoothly. Nectarines are high in fiber, making them the perfect fruit for your pup if they are struggling with constipation or irregular bowel movements. The skins are especially high fiber, but we are not sure whether to recommend you take the risk (see previous section).
Potassium
Nectarines are a good source of potassium, which is an essential mineral for dogs. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and keeps the nervous system functioning properly. As well as this, potassium is also responsible for helping muscles to contract and relax, something that healthy and active dogs all need.
So… Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?
Can dogs eat nectarines? The answer is yes, dogs can eat nectarines, but with some caution. Make sure that your dog does not eat the pit, skin or unripe fruit and watch out for the sugar content. Nectarines are a great source of beneficial nutrients, so go ahead and give your doggie some sliced up nectarines, and they will love you for it!
| BENEFIT | DRAWBACK |
| On the plus side, nectarines are a healthy source of vitamins A and C. They also contain fiber and potassium, which can be beneficial for your dog’s digestion and heart health. | Nectarines may seem like a delicious and healthy treat for your pup, but beware: sorbitol in the fruit’s flesh can cause digestive issues if your dog is prone to them. Moreover, make sure you remove the pit before feeding as it poses an additional choking hazard. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nectarines Good for Dogs to Eat?
As long as they’re ripe and the pit is removed, nectarines are good for dogs to consume. They give your dog a number of healthy nutrients, including potassium, fiber, vitamins C and A, and antioxidants.
Can Dogs Eat Nectarines or Peaches?
Absolutely, nectarines and peaches are safe for dogs to consume as long as the pit is removed. Just be careful to keep an eye out for these fruits’ high sugar content.
Can Dogs Eat Nectarines With the Skin?
Nectarines should have the skin removed before being given to your dog. This can shield them from potentially dangerous toxins that may be present on the skin.
Can Dogs Have Nectarines Without the Pit?
Yes, nectarines without the pit are safe for dogs to eat. Just be sure to prep them by removing the skin and any underripe or rotten components. Carefully watch your dog’s quantities when giving them new foods because they have a tendency to consume too much sugar from fruits like nectarines.
Are Nectarine Stones Bad for Dogs?
Nectarine stones, or pits, are not good for dogs. These may be hazardous to your dog if consumed and can lead to choking. Before giving your dog nectarines or any fruit with a pit, remove it.
