Can Dogs Eat Nectarines
19.09.2021.
Including fruits and veggies in your diet is important. They are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is no wonder many dog owners decide to give their dogs some fruits and veggies. But how about nectarines? Can dogs eat nectarines? Are they safe for them? Well, if you take all the necessary precautions, your dog can eat nectarines. Here’s what you should know about including them in your dog’s diet.
Are nectarines good?
Nectarines are similar to peaches, and both fruits can offer our dogs and us some health benefits. The best nutrients in nectarines are;
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Fiber
- Magnesium
- Potassium
Plus, nectarines are really sweet. That might sound like a great thing, but you should be careful when feeding them to your dog. This delicious fruit packs more sugar than some treats, so do not overfeed your dog with nectarines.
Can they be bad for dogs?
As we already said, nectarines are packed with sugars. If you want to include them in your dog’s diet, you should control the portions your dog will be consuming. Too many nectarines might end up causing dental issues. It is true what our dentists kept telling us - too much sugar can destroy our teeth, and the same goes for our dogs.
The second potential issue in overfeeding your dog on nectarines is the high fiber content. Fiber might be good for dogs with diarrhea, but too much of it can cause gastrointestinal distress. Fiber is essential in your dog’s diet. Still, if your dog gets their paws on a nectarine bowl, chances are they will end up vomiting, getting diarrhea, or tummy aches. Plus, canned nectarines should be avoided because they can contain preservatives that are unhealthy for dogs.
Vitamin C
One of the best things nectarines can offer us is a punch of vitamin C. However, unlike us, dogs are capable of producing their own vitamin C. That means you shouldn’t give your dog too many foods that are rich in this particular vitamin.
PRO TIP: Fruits rich in vitamin C can be very helpful to dogs if they are recovering from toxicities. If your dog got poisoned by something and is recovering, things like nectarines, oranges, peaches, or apples are a great addition to their diet. They will help your dog recover more quickly.
How to include them safely?
If you are adamant about including nectarines in your dog’s diet, there is a way you can do that safely. Make sure you washed the fruit and remove the pit. The pit presents a choking hazard, and it contains traces of cyanide. If your dog swallows a nectarine pit, call your vet and ask for their advice. Small dog breeds, like the Jack Russell or a Havanese, should eat no more than two nectarine slices. Large breeds like the German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever can eat no more than 4 slices. Keep in mind that the key to feeding nectarines to dogs is portion control.
World Dog Finder team
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