Can Dogs Eat Nectarines?
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Nectarines are a delicious fruit packed with vitamins and fiber. Bite into one raw or slice it up as a sweet addition to your yogurt or salad and you’ve got the perfect summer snack. But what about our canine companions—can dogs have nectarines, or should they be avoided?
Similar to other stone fruit like peaches, plums, and cherries, nectarines are safe for dogs to eat as long as the pit is removed. But you should only share a small portion of nectarine with your dog, since the fiber and sugar content in nectarines can cause diarrhea if your dog has too much.
Here’s what you should know about safely sharing nectarines with your dog.
Are Nectarines Good for Dogs?
Nectarines are not toxic to dogs (though the pit of the fruit is poisonous and should always be removed before eating). Nectarines are a nutritional fruit that offers several vitamins and minerals that dogs need in their diet, including magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
However, because your dog can only eat very small portions of nectarines safely, they are unlikely to reap any of these nutritional benefits.
Can Nectarines Be Bad for Dogs?
As with any “people food,” there are some risks when offering your dog nectarine. For one, the nectarine pit is toxic, a choking hazard, and could cause an intestinal blockage. Always remove the pit before eating or offering nectarine to your pooch.
Nectarines are also high in sugar. Because of this, dogs with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, may want to avoid nectarines altogether. Even healthy dogs can get diarrhea or an upset stomach if they eat too many nectarines, thanks to the fruit’s high fiber content.
How Many Nectarines Can Dogs Eat?
While a few bites of nectarine are OK to share with a healthy adult dog as an occasional treat, be careful not to overfeed, especially if your pooch hasn’t had nectarines before. Keep the 10% rule in mind: treats (including nectarine) should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The rest should come from a well-balanced dog food.
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Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) = up to 1 teaspoon of nectarine
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Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
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Small dog (21–30 pounds) = up to 2 teaspoons of nectarine
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Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature American Shepherds
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Medium dog (31–50 pounds) = up to 1 tablespoon of nectarine
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Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs
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Large dog (51–90 pounds) = up to 2 tablespoons of nectarine
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Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
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Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = up to 3 tablespoons of nectarine
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Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees
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How To Safely Feed Your Dog Nectarines
Moderation is key! While nectarines are not toxic to dogs, too many can cause upset stomach or diarrhea. If your dog has health issues or is sensitive to new foods, this might not be the best option for them.
To share a nectarine with your dog:
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Wash the fruit: Rinse the nectarine to remove any pesticides or chemicals from the growing and shipping process.
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Remove the pit: Make sure to throw away the hard pit from inside the nectarine.
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Cut into bite-sized pieces: Cut the nectarine into small, manageable pieces suitable for your dog's size.
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Offer a small bite as a treat. You could also add to your dog’s food bowl for some variety, but if you’re looking for healthy food toppers, a low-sugar veggie might be a better way to incorporate more fiber and vitamins into their diet.
Only share a few small bites of fresh, washed nectarine with your dog at a time, and monitor them for any signs of digestive upset before offering more.
What Other Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Generally speaking, the following fruits are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. As with any new food—even the safe, healthy kinds—introduce fruit to your dog’s diet slowly and watch for signs of digestive upset before offering more.
Remember that not all fruit is safe for dogs. Fruit like grapes (or raisins) should be avoided because they are toxic to dogs and can make them very sick.
Many vegetables are also safe to share with dogs; they offer nutritional benefits like fiber and vitamins, but usually with lower sugar content than what’s found in fruit. This includes:
Your vet is a great resource for any health and nutrition questions. It’s a good idea to check with them before introducing new foods to your dog's bowl, as they may have specific guidance for your pet’s health history, age, weight, and breed.
