Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?

Nectarines are one of my partner’s favorite fruits.  Because of that, we often have them in the house.  Even if a food isn’t something I give my dogs to snack on on a regular basis, I like to know whether or not foods are dog safe.  You never know when a pieces of food will get dropped, or fall, onto the floor.  And, as we joke about in our house, if it touches the floor it’s yours no more!  It’s Kitsune’s.  Or, sometimes Fenrir’s.  My partner has never been too happy about the great grape ban.  We both love grapes, but they’re especially easy to drop, and toxic to dogs.  I’m happy to write, though, that we don’t have to institute a nectarine ban.  Nectarines are non-toxic to dogs.

Do Dogs  Like Nectarines?

To answer that question for you, dear readers, I had to go out and buy some nectarines.  I’m sure Kitsune has probably tried some before, but I couldn’t remember a particular time I let him try any.  And I couldn’t remember whether he liked it or not.  I should have know, this is Kitsune we’re talking about after all, that he’d like it.

The nectarines I got weren’t the best specimens, so I was a bit worried that my dogs wouldn’t be interested in them.  But, as you can probably tell from the picture of Kit, he did readily eat the nectarine slice I offered him.  Not only that, but he came back to beg for more, and happily also ate Fenrir’s when Fen left his slice sitting on the floor.  Fenrir, by the way, didn’t seem to be very interested in his nectarine slice.  He took it when I offered it to him, but then left it on the floor and walked away.

Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Dogs Nectarines?

Nectarines contain lots of healthy nutrients, such as Vitamins C, and A, niacin, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber.

Any Down Sides/Dangers?

Say it with me – feed nectarines to dogs in moderation only.  I wouldn’t personally give my own dogs more than a slice or two of this sweet fruit as a treat/snack.  Nectarines are so delicious because they’re high in natural sugar, which isn’t ideal for dogs in large amounts, especially so if they have any health conditions or are overweight.  Feeding too many pieces of nectarines could lead to GI upset in dogs.

If you’re going to offer your dog a piece of a nectarine to try, fresh is best.  Canned fruit prepared for people usually contains sugar additives that are not good for dogs.  Also keep in mind that when the fruit because to rot, it can produce ethanol.  Ethanol is toxic to dogs.

Make sure to keep  the pit of nectarines away from your dog.  The pits of nectarines can damage your dog’s teeth if she/he chews on it, and nectarine pits contain cyanide.  The pits also present other hazards, such as choking or intestinal blockage.  If your dog swallows a nectarine pit, contact your veterinarian.

I don’t think pieces of nectarines will be something I’ll give my two dogs very often, but I’m glad that they’re (besides the pit) non-toxic to dogs.

It means I  don’t have to worry about it if sneaky Mr. Kitsune decides he’s going to swipe a slice of a nectarine when us humans are snacking on them.  Comment below!  What are some of your favorite fruits?  Can/do you share them with your pets?

Looking for more ideas for healthy “human” foods you can share with your dog?  Check out my other blogging from A to Z challenge posts!