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Some fruits can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but others can be dangerous for our canine friends. Are nectarines safe for dogs?
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You should always remove the pit though, as it can present a choking or blockage hazard. Nectarine pits also contain cyanide, which is highly toxic if enough is consumed.
Note: This article isn’t written by a veterinarian and isn’t intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If your dog has eaten nectarines, or any other fruit, and you have concerns about the consequences, seek the guidance of a vet.
Nectarines are a tasty treat for your dog, but they are also a great source of vitamins and minerals. While most nutritional studies are performed on humans, some of the benefits to dogs may include:
Despite these benefits, nectarines should only be given to dogs in moderation. Fruit may be packed with beneficial nutrients, but it’s also high in sugar.
Additionally, the high fibre content may cause gastric upsets if eaten in large quantities.
The general guidance is that safe fruits, including nectarines, shouldn’t make up any more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
It’s important to make sure the pit is removed before giving your dog nectarines. There are a few reasons for this.
While it’s true that nectarine pits contain amygdalin, which the body breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, you don’t need to worry too much about your dog being poisoned from ingesting one stone. They would need to eat multiple to create a major health scare (the exact amount depends on your dog’s size and weight.)
Potential symptoms of cyanide poisoning include vomiting, rapid respiration rate, red gums, drooling, loss of bladder or bowel control, lack of coordination and collapse. You should get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if your dog is experiencing these symptoms
The bigger risk is that pits are a choking hazard and could create a blockage in the digestive tract. Pits are also abrasive, so the rough edges could damage your dog’s throat. If your dog tries to chew it, they could also chip or fracture a tooth.
For these reasons, you should contact a vet if your dog has eaten a nectarine pit.
Peaches share much of the same genetic makeup as their nectarine relatives. Essentially, a nectarine is a peach with smooth skin, rather than a velvety surface, and they have most of the same health benefits. This means peaches are also safe for dogs to eat in controlled quantities.
As with nectarines, care must be taken to remove the pit from a peach before allowing your dog to eat it. Peach pits can cause blockages and also contain amygdalin.
There are plenty of other fruits that are safe for dogs to eat – in moderation! Here are a few that you could let them try.
Not all fruits are safe for dogs. Some examples of toxic fruits include:
Nectarines, and their peach relatives, are safe for your dog to eat in small quantities. They contain a variety of nutrients, so can be a healthy snack to add to your dog’s diet.
Just make sure you remove the pit, as these can present a choking or blockage hazard. Eating multiple pits could also cause cyanide poisoning.
Gemma is a freelance writer and official dog nut. With 15 years of experience in the pet industry, she is a passionate animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ran her own specialist dog shop for ten years, has volunteered for her local rescue shelter, and is studying towards completing an Advanced Diploma in Canine Behaviour. Gemma is currently travelling around Europe with her wonderful rescue dog, Annie.