Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?: Are They Safe for My Dog?
Nectarines are a delicious treat for humans.
These fruits belong to the Rosaceae family which also includes plums and peaches.
The fruits are packed with a yummy taste and essential micronutrients that nourish your body.
These sweet and yummy fruit is the perfect treat for a hot summer day.
However, can you share them with your furry friend.
My dog is always interested in the food that I eat and always wants a sniff or a bit of it.
Now, as you may already know, most human foods are unsafe for our doggy friends to consume and can even be toxic.
So, it is always a good practice to look up a human food or medicine before giving it to your doggy friend—after all, his health should be your number one priority, right?
In this article, I will answer the question, “Can dogs eat nectarines?” in as much detail as possible.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right in, shall we?
Let’s start.
A Little About Nectarines
Nectarines are the smooth skin mutation of the peach fruit. The two fruits look quite similar to one another.
However, the only difference they have is nectarines have a smooth skin instead of the fuzzy skin of the peach.
These two fruits are genetically quite similar and have only one variation in their genes.
Nectarines have yellow or white flesh. The fruits of the white flesh are known to be slightly sweeter than the yellow variety.
Nectarines are classified as clingstone or freestone varieties.
The difference between the two fruits is noticeable when you cut into the fruit.
The freestone variety fruit flesh comes off the pit very easily. However, the pit of the fruit clings to the flesh with the clingstone variety.
Several Benefits of Nectarines
Nectarines have several benefits as they are packed with minerals and vitamins.
The fruit contains Vitamin A and beta-carotene which help in maintaining healthy skin, bones, and teeth.
The fruit has a good amount of fiber that helps with digestion and also contains potassium for general wellbeing.
Can Dogs Eat Nectarines? Yes or No
Yes, dogs can eat nectarines without having any major health problems.
However, you should feed your dog only the freestone variety as with clingstone variety, the only way to get the pit off the flesh is by nibbling on it.
Make sure that you take the pit out the fruit before giving it to your furry friend because it can be choking hazard.
Start by giving your dog small amounts of the fruit. In case you see any adverse effects, stop giving it.
It is important to keep in mind that even though nectarines are safe for your dog to consume, it doesn’t mean that your dog isn’t allergic to them.
Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to a lot of things.
So, it is a good idea to start small and observe your furry friend.
After all, prevention is better than cure.
It is also important to run thing by your vet before you give them to your dog.
I know that it may feel unnecessary and bothersome but, something as small as this can save your dog’s life.
If your furry friend does accidentally ingest a nectarine pit, you should take him to the vet immediately if you notice any of the following signs:
- Vomiting
- Unsteadiness
- Painful stomach
- Excessive Panting
In cases such as this, time is of the essence as the pit can compromise your dog’s airway, can obstruct the bowel, etc. which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Final Words: Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?
Yes, dogs can eat this yummy and nutrient-packed fruit without having any medical issues.
However, you should keep in mind to give your dog only freestone variety and take the pit out.
It is the pit that can cause problems such as bowel obstruction in dogs that may lead to further complications.
Always talk to your vet before making any tweaks or adjustments to your dog’s diet.
It is important to note that just because nectarines are safe for your dog to consume, doesn’t mean that your furry friend won’t have an aversive reaction. It is always a good idea to start small and work your way up.
After all, prevention is better than cure.