Can Dogs Eat Nectarines and Peaches? How to Feed Them?

From the time dog-specific food has come into the picture, humans have ceased to feed human food to dogs. Am I right? I mean our ancestors used to feed whatever was available. Like leftover fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.

But that’s not the case anymore. There is whole dog food and treats industry now. But you can still feed raw food and certain fresh vegetables and fruits. In that case, can dogs eat nectarines? As far as your pet’s nutrition and health are concerned, asking these questions is very important. And what’s also important is getting the right answers.

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Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?

Luckily enough, dogs can consume nectarine. Fortunately, this particular fruit is a healthy treat. Nectarines come from the fruit family of Rosacea. The same family that contains peaches and plums. No doubt, nectarines too are utterly delicious and sweet. They’re closer, in terms of appearance and taste, to peaches more than plums.

That said, what is the difference between a nectarine and peach? It’s only the color of the flesh and the skin. Peaches are fuzzy. While a nectarine is smooth. Peaches have peach-colored flesh. While nectarines have yellow or white flesh. The yellow kind, by the way, is not as sweet as the white version.

Also, nectarines come from either the wither clingstone or freestone variety. This has a lot to do with the structure of the pit. Along with how tight the flesh is against the pit. In the case of freestone, it allows the pit to come out. While, in clingstone, the pit clings tightly to the flesh.

The Nutritional Value of Nectarines

Every fruit belonging to the family of Rosacea is loaded with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. And all of these are beneficial for the health of both humans and dogs. So here’s what your dog might benefit from if he/she consumes nectarines…

Vitamin A
Dietary fiber
Magnesium
Potassium
Beta-carotene
Low calories

Are Nectarines Harmful in Any Way?

So here’s the actual answer to the question can dogs eat nectarines. Let me bring to your attention that nectarines, peaches, and plums contain a pit. And this pit has got cyanide, which is a poisonous substance. On top of that, it causes choking hazards in dogs.

Here’s what you should look for if your little pooch accidentally eats the nectarine pit…

Stomach ache.
Excess panting.
Unsteadiness in the feet.

The toxicity of a pit takes some time to build up in the dog’s body. Choking is a much greater threat than an intestinal blockage. But if the pit manages to get through, then don’t wait for any negative signs. Take your dog to the vet immediately.

This means not leaving your pet unsupervised if you happen to grow peaches in your yard. The fruit is certainly going to fall to the ground at some point. And that means the chances of your dog eating the nectarine and its pit are pretty high.

Photo credit: Pixabay.com

What is the Proper Way of Feeding Nectarines to Dogs?

So they can eat nectarines but not its pit. And that’s how you feed nectarines to your dog. You avoid giving him or her the whole fruit. Remove the pit without fail. But that’s not it. You have to also keep moderation in mind. When it comes to feeding your dog anything, remember that moderation is key.

Nectarines may be a healthy treat for dogs. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay to feed it in large amounts. Too much of anything, even a healthy fruit or safe treat, can make your dog sick.

Cut up the nectarine into tiny pieces. If this is your dog’s first time, then feed only a small amount. And look for any unusual signs. Sometimes dogs are allergic to certain fruits and vegetables. Or she might just have a very sensitive stomach.

When nothing out of the ordinary takes place, then it’s okay to feed 1 or 2 small pieces. And if your canine companion is a bit larger, then 4 to 5 pieces are good enough. Just don’t overfeed, no matter how much your dog enjoys nectarines. Too much might lead to diarrhea or an upset stomach.

Also, please don’t forget that nectarines have sugar content. Even though it’s very low, sugar is not a good thing for dogs. So avoid feeding too much nectarine. And the same applies to peaches.

What to Do If the Dog Swallows A Nectarine Pit?

What happens if your dog ate nectarine pit? Look for the following warning signs…

Dilated pupils
Excessive drooling
Shock
Dizziness
Heavy breathing

The only thing you can and should do is take her to the vet immediately.

How to Recognize Symptoms of Serious Illness in Dogs

What About Canned Nectarines or Peaches? Can Dogs Eat Those?

Canned fruit is definitely not like fresh fruit. So you cannot expect canned nectarines or peaches to offer the same nutritional value as fresh nectarines or peaches. The canned version is packed with artificial preservatives and sweeteners. And these are certainly not safe for canines to consume.

On top of that, canned nectarines and peaches contain sugar syrup. This might lead to stomach problems.

So the answer is a BIG NO. Go for fresh nectarines or peaches instead. They’re a healthier, safer, and even tastier choice for dogs. Just make sure to get rid of the pit. And feed in small amounts.

Can Dogs Eat Nectarines – The EndNote

So what’s the great news here? That the answer to can dogs eat nectarines is YES. In fact, even peaches are safe for canines to consume. Safe and even healthy, both nectarines and peaches. The fruits here contain dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Plus, there are antioxidants present in them too.

You should also know that nectarines have low sugar content. So you can incorporate this particular fruit as a treat or snack into your dog’s training plan may be. Just don’t forget to remove the pit of the fruit before feeding. The pit has cyanide, which is toxic to both humans and canines.

Also, the pit can get lodged in your dog’s throat and cause choking hazards. And finally, serve in moderation. Start off with just one tiny piece. If your little pooch doesn’t show any unusual signs or behavior. Then it’s okay to feed 1 to 2 pieces to a small breed. And 4 to 5 pieces to a larger dog.