🍊 Can Dogs Eat Nectarines? - Pits Toxic

Which fruit can my dog eat, are nectarines a good choice, we discuss the pros and cons in this article

Summary

Yes! They can absolutely enjoy this fuzzy skinned, delicious fruit as long as they are fed a healthy diet that includes fresh produce with protein. The benefits of eating fruits for your dog include vitamins A, C, E folate, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, dietary fiber (which is great for digestive health) and much, much more.

Are nectarines safe for dogs πŸ€”?

They contain vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyesight. They also have high levels of the antioxidant beta carotene, as well as other antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds help protect against free radical damage that can lead to cancer. In addition, nectarine skins are rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium. All these nutrients support bone health and immune function.

However, it’s important to note that some breeds may be sensitive to certain types of foods. For example, poodles tend to get diarrhea when given too much wheat or barley-based food. If you suspect your dog has an allergy to any particular ingredient, consult with your veterinarian before feeding him/her anything new.

How much fruit should my dog be eating?

The American Heart Association recommends that all adult dogs should consume some vegetables per day. This amount varies depending upon breed size and activity level. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas need less than 1 cup daily while larger breeds like Great Danes require 3-4 cups. It’s best if you feed them raw cooked vegetables so their bodies can easily break down the food and also protects against bacteria. You’ll want to make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercises because he/she will burn calories faster than most people do. Your vet can give you recommendations about how much food overall your pet needs each week based on his weight and age, but fruit makes a nice treat 😊.

Can eating nectarines benefit dogs?

They may not sound like an appealing treat for most people, but they’re packed full of nutrition! They offer vitamin A, B6, folate, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and omega 3 fatty acids.

Vitamin A

Tihs comes from animal products and plant sources in nature. There are two forms of vitamin A – retinal and preretinal. Retinal is found only in animals; preretinal occurs naturally in plants but not in sufficient amounts to meet human requirements. This vitamin plays a tremendous role in eye health for dogs.

Calcium

Citrus fruits are high in calcium, the amount of calcium that a dog needs depends on the size and age of your pet, but it is usually between 100-300 mg per day for adult dogs. The juice contains about 200mg/100ml which would be enough to meet this requirement.

Citric acid

The fruit contain citric acid which helps prevent tooth decay by preventing bacteria from forming plaque. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect

Magnesium

This mineral plays several roles including helping muscles contract properly, regulating blood sugar levels, maintaining normal heart rhythm, supporting nerve conduction, promoting growth and development, and strengthening bones. Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, depression,vomiting, constipation, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and even death. Nectarines provide approximately 20% of the recommended intake of magnesium per serving!

Zinc

It’s necessary for proper skin, hair, and nail formation, wound healing, cell division, protein synthesis, metabolism, reproduction, immunity, and thyroid hormone production. Most commercial diets supply adequate amounts of zinc, however, there are exceptions. Nectarines contain more than twice the RDI of zinc.

B6

Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 aids digestion, promotes healthy immune function, supports nervous system health, maintains healthy red blood cells, and assists with energy utilization. Nectarines have almost double the RDI of pyridoxine compared to other fruit.

Folate

Folic Acid is needed for DNA replication, cellular repair, and maintenance of healthy tissues. Nectarines contain over 50 mcg of folic acid per half-cup.

My dog ate the nectarine pit

It’s not uncommon to discover the hard way that your dog ate something it shouldn’t have and that’s bad for dogs. Peach pits, just like apple pits, contain hydrogen cyanide after amygdalin is broken down, which is toxic. Also, remove all pits from the trash if you have a dog who’s raiding the bin πŸ•.

As mentioned above, peaches aren’t the only thing that can cause trouble when fed to dogs. The same goes for other fruits too. For example, apples also pose a threat because their seeds contain cyanide. Also, grapes and raisins may make your dog sick due to high levels of oxalic acid.

Are canned nectarines ok?

No, don’t give the canned variety to your dog, they are soaked in sugary syrups that will add to the calories and may irritate your dog’s stomach causing an upset stomach, stick to the original. The dangers of nectarines for dogs

As mentioned above, eating too much fiber can cause problems such as diarrhea, and nectarines are high in this type of fiber. While most people don’t think twice about giving their kids applesauce or yogurt, these types of products are not recommended for dogs because they’re loaded with sugars and calories. Instead, opt for low-sugar options.

If you do decide to give your dog some, make sure he/she gets plenty of water throughout the day. If his/her stomach starts looking upset after consuming them, contact your vet. Also keep them away from any other food until they recover completely.

How do I serve peaches? πŸ‘©β€πŸ³

Simply create small slices, then just place them on their food bowl before he/she eats.

Alternative treat ideas

While it may seem obvious that treats should be good tasting, many pet owners forget how important texture is when choosing a treat. For example, rawhide chews tend to break down quickly while freeze-dried kibble lasts longer but doesn’t offer up much flavor. The best option would probably be something made out of natural ingredients like fruits, vegetables, meats, etc.

However, if you want to stick with dry treats, here are some ideas:

Chewy Bones - These are great for training purposes and also work really well at keeping teeth clean. They come in different shapes and sizes so pick one that will fit comfortably in your dog’s mouth. You’ll find them in both beef and chicken flavors.

Treat Sticks - Similar to chew toys, these are usually long sticks covered in peanut butter or another tasty substance. Your dog has fun chewing on them and then lapping up whatever was inside. Other fruits that are good for dogs include bananas, pears, apricots, cherries, mangoes, melons, oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, papaya, guava, figs, persimmons, and more!

Final thoughts

There are lots of reasons why feeding your dog fruit isn’t ideal. First off, it contains sugar which causes digestive issues. Secondly, it could potentially lead to obesity since it provides more energy than needed by an animal. However in moderation, as an occasional treat this is a healthy fruit full of natural goodness, so why not πŸ™‹β€β™€οΈ.

Amanda Brennan
Amanda Brennan

Animal enthusiasts, she works closely with animals that require rehabilitation across the US and writes for several pet websites. Her other interests are photography πŸ“Έ and training to run a marathon πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ.