Nectarines are a smooth-fleshed stone fruit that is close relative to the peach. They tend to be slightly higher in price than peaches but comparable. Nectarines and peaches are nearly the same genetically, but a gene variant between the two causes peaches to have fuzzy skin and nectarines to have smooth skin. 

This is a great snack that benefits your dog’s bone health at the cellular level. Snacks high in dietary fibre are good for your dog’s gut health too.

The antioxidants in nectarines fight harmful free radicals, making them a great way to prevent disease. This occasional treat can also boost your dog’s immune system too. It’s full of vitamin A, C, and potassium (which is fantastic for your dog’s heart health).

Nectarines (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) are a delectably sweet fruit, especially during the summer. They are technically a variety of peach (Prunus persica) but have shiny, rather than fuzzy, skin.

Even though it is known as one of the safe fruits to share with dogs, you should still watch out for signs of an allergic reaction. This can include coughing, sneezing, or itching.

According to the University of Sydney’s Glycemic Index database, nectarines have a glycemic index of 43. Additionally, they have a glycemic load of only 6 

In other words, nectarines only have a minimal impact on blood glucose levels. Therefore, fruit is an acceptable choice for individuals following diets focusing on low-glycemic foods.

Nectarines are also a low-calorie fruit with a decent nutrient profile and a delicious taste, and there are not many downsides to nectarine consumption.

There is a rare risk of allergy to nectarine – any food and any fruit can cause an allergic reaction, including nectarine 

Can Dogs Eat Nectarines/ Nutritional Value Of Nectarine

Here are the nutritional values of nectarines and how they can contribute to a healthy diet:

1. Low in Calories: Nectarines are low in calories, with a medium-sized fruit containing only around 60 calories, this makes it a good fruit for your overweight dogs and even humans trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight 

2. High in Fiber: Nectarines are a good source of dietary fibre and we know that fibre keeps you full for a longer period of time. A medium-sized fruit contains around 2 grams of fibre or about 8% of the recommended daily intake. Fibre also helps you prevent overeating.

3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Nectarines are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health and boost the immune system. They also contain a lot of vitamins which are important for skin and eye health. It also has potassium which Is good for heart health.

4. Low in Fat: Nectarines are naturally low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per medium-sized fruit. We consider a low-fat diet for those who are overweight, those who have gastrointestinal disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or those who are prone to pancreatitis. 

5. Low in Sodium: Sodium is an essential nutrient and part of a complete and balanced diet for dogs. Unfortunately, some dog foods contain more than the recommended amount of sodium, and if you’re feeding your dog high-sodium treats on top of it, you could be making matters worse.

Nectarines are naturally low in sodium, with only around 1 milligram per medium-sized fruit. This makes them a great snack for your dogs to keep their sodium intake in check.

6. High in Antioxidants: Nectarines are high in antioxidants, including vitamin C. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which is caused by an imbalance of unstable molecules called free radicals in the body. Many of the fruits and vegetables highest in antioxidants are safe, wholesome options for dogs, it can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. 

7. Low in Sugar: Nectarines are naturally sweet, but they are also relatively low in sugar compared to other fruits like bananas and grapes. A medium-sized fruit contains around 12 grams of sugar, which is less than half the amount found in a medium-sized banana.

8. Gluten-Free: Nectarines are naturally gluten-free, which makes them a great choice for people who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

9. Hydrating: Nectarines are also a good source of water, which can help keep you hydrated and support healthy digestion. A medium-sized fruit contains around 2 ounces of water or about 10% of the recommended daily intake.

10. Versatile: Finally, nectarines are versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be eaten fresh as

Risk Of Feeding Nectarine To Dogs

Sure, here are some risks of feeding nectarine to dogs:

1. Choking Hazard: Nectarine pits (also known as stones) can pose a choking hazard to dogs, especially small dogs or dogs that like to gulp their food. The pits can also cause intestinal blockages if ingested, which can be life-threatening.

2. Cyanide Poisoning: Nectarine pits contain small amounts of cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. While it would take a large number of pits to cause serious harm, it’s best to avoid feeding nectarine pits to dogs altogether.

3. Digestive Issues: Nectarines are high in fiber, which can be beneficial for dogs in small amounts. However, feeding too much fiber can cause digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach.

4. Allergic Reactions: Some dogs may be allergic to nectarines or other stone fruits, which can cause symptoms like itching, hives, and swelling. If your dog has never eaten nectarines before, it’s best to introduce them slowly and monitor for signs of an allergic reaction.

5. High Sugar Content: Nectarines are relatively high in sugar compared to other fruits like berries and apples. While small amounts of nectarine are unlikely to cause harm, feeding too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

6. Pesticide Residue: Nectarines are often treated with pesticides to protect them from insects and other pests. While most pesticides are safe for humans and dogs in small amounts, it’s best to wash nectarines thoroughly before feeding them to your dog to reduce the risk of exposure.

7. Nutritional Imbalance: While nectarines contain some beneficial vitamins and minerals, they are not nutritionally complete for dogs. Feeding too much nectarine or using it as a substitute for a balanced diet can lead to nutritional imbalances and health problems.

8. Other Health Issues: Some dogs may have underlying health issues that make them more susceptible to the risks associated with feeding nectarines. For example, dogs with kidney disease or diabetes may be more sensitive to the sugar content in nectarines and should avoid them altogether.

Overall, while small amounts of nectarine are unlikely to cause harm to most dogs, it’s best to avoid feeding them to your dog altogether to reduce the risk of choking, cyanide poisoning, digestive issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems. If you’re looking for a healthy treat.

Read More: Can Dogs Eat Peas? Find Out

How To Feed Nectarine To Dogs

Here are some tips on how to safely feed nectarines to your dog:

1. Remove the Pit: As mentioned earlier,  Nectarine pits are choking hazards. The pit or stone poses several risks to your dog’s health, it also contains small amounts of cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs. Always remove the pit before feeding nectarines to your dog.

2. Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces: To reduce the risk of choking, avoid feeding your dogs big sizes of nectarine, cut the nectarine into small, bite-sized pieces before feeding it to your dog. This will help your dog to digest it faster and reduce the risk of digestive issues.

3. Introduce Slowly: especially for the first time of feeding your dogs anything, not just nectarines, it’s best to introduce them slowly to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction or digestive upset. Start with a small piece and monitor your dog for signs of a reaction before feeding more.

4. Avoid Overfeeding: Too much of everything is bad no matter how healthy they are, they should be fed in moderation. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

5. Wash Thoroughly: Nectarines are often treated with pesticides to protect them from insects and other pests. While most pesticides are safe for humans and dogs in small amounts, it’s best to wash nectarines thoroughly before feeding them to your dog to reduce the risk of exposure.

6. Choose Ripe Nectarines: Ripe nectarines are sweeter and easier to digest than unripe ones. Choose nectarines that are soft to the touch and have a strong, sweet aroma.

7. Avoid Canned Nectarines: Canned nectarines are often packed in syrup, which can be high in sugar and preservatives. Stick to fresh nectarines whenever possible.

8. Consider Frozen Nectarines: Frozen nectarines can be a refreshing treat on a hot day. Simply cut the nectarine into small pieces and freeze them for a few hours before feeding them to your dog.

9. Use Nectarines as a Treat: Nectarines should never be used as a substitute for a balanced diet. Instead, use them as a healthy, occasional treat.

10. Monitor for Signs of Digestive Upset: While nectarines are generally safe for dogs, some dogs may be more sensitive to them than others.

Alternatives Of Nectarine For Dogs

If your dog can’t or shouldn’t eat nectarines, there are plenty of other healthy treats you can offer them instead. Here are some alternatives to nectarines for dogs:

1. Apples: Apples are safe for your dog as occasional snacks, but use some caution with larger quantities, as there may be some GI (digestive system) upset . Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, they are also low in calories. Just be sure to remove the core and seeds before feeding them to your dog.

2. Blueberries: Unlike some fruits, blueberries are completely safe for canine consumption. They are not only safe for dogs to eat, but they’re also a low-calorie treat that’s packed with vitamins, minerals and high in fibre making them a great choice for dogs.

3. Carrots: Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, providing a host of nutritional benefits to your dog. Beyond supporting eye health, it is low in calories. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is important for eye health. They’re also high in fibre.

Also, note that carrots have a wall of cellulose that isn’t digestible by dogs, it’s best to cook the carrots to reap the full nutritional benefits for your dog.

4. Green Beans: Green beans can make a healthy treat for dogs, provided they’re plain, as they’re very low in calories. Green beans are a great source of fibre, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They’re also low in calories, which makes them a good choice of treat for your dogs, especially the ones that are overweight.

5. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a great source of fibre and can help regulate your dog’s digestion. It’s also high in beta-carotene and other vitamins and minerals.

6. Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and beta-carotene, making them a great choice for dogs. They’re also low in fat and calories.

7. Watermelon: Watermelon is a great source of hydration and is low in calories. It’s also high in vitamins A and C and antioxidants.

8. Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yoghurt is a great source of probiotics, which can help regulate your dog’s digestion. It’s also high in calcium and protein.

9. Zucchini: Zucchini is low in calories and high in fibre, making it a great choice for dogs. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C.

10. Homemade Treats: If you’re looking for a special treat for your dog, consider making your own. There are plenty of recipes available online that use dog-friendly ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and oats.

Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet, talk to your veterinarian.

Dog Treat Recipes with Fruits And Vegetables

1. Carrot Parsley And Cheese Dog Treats

Ingredients List

• 1 3/4 cups wholewheat flour
• 1 tsp wheat germ
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (I used cheddar)
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup chicken bone broth
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tsp virgin olive oil
• 1/8 tsp pink Himalayan salt

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Line baking tray with silicone baking mat
• Grate cheese and carrot
• Chop parsley (I chop this really fine because I make the treats small)
• Put flour, wheat germ and salt into large bowl and stir well
• Add grated cheese and stir to mix
• Put bone broth, milk and olive oil into small bowl and whisk together
• Slowly add wet ingredients to dry, mixing well after each addition
• Use your hands to form dough
• Turn dough out onto floured wax paper
• Dust rolling pin with flour and roll dough out to 1/4″ thickness
• Cut dough into desired shapes with cookie cutters
• Bake at 350F for 25 minutes
• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely
• Store treats in an airtight container for 7 days in the pantry, or 2 weeks in the refrigerator

2. Almond Cranberry Dog Treats

Ingredients List

• 1 cup natural almond meal (not blanched almond flour)
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup creamy almond butter (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or 1/3 cup dried cranberries*)

*If you use dried cranberries increase the almond milk by about 2 tbsp

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Line baking tray with parchment or silicone baking mat
• Mix almond meal and coconut flour in large bowl
• Put egg, almond butter, almond milk and melted coconut oil into small bowl. Mix together well
• Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients
• Add cranberries to mixture
• Combine well and mix until dough form

Nutrition Facts Per Treat:

Servings: 26 (one treat per serving)

Serving size: 23g

Calories per serving: 45

Total Fat: 4.3g
    Saturated Fat 3.0g

Total Carbohydrates: 1.1g
    Dietary Fiber 0.1g
    Total Sugars 0.9g

Protein: 0.5 g

Vitamin A: 77 IU
Vitamin C: 2.3mg
Vitamin D: 3 IU
Calcium: 7mg
Phosphorous: 11mg
Potassium: 34mg

3. Pumpkin Banana Dog Treat Recipe

Ingredients List:

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries, chopped

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Line baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat
• Mash banana
• Chop blueberries
• Put flour in mid-sized bowl
• Add banana and pumpkin puree to flour. Mix well using wooden spoon
• Add chopped blueberries and stir into to mixture
• Form dough and knead a little until it’s not too crumbly
• Turn dough out onto floured surface (I like to use floured wax paper)
• Use your hands/fingers to flatten dough to about 1/4″ thickness
• Cut dough into desired shapes with cookie cutter (in my opinion this dough just begs for hearts shapes!)
• Bake treats on lined baking tray for 20 minutes
• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely
• Store treats in an airtight container in refrigerator for 5 to 7 days

4. Homemade Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients List

• 2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree 
• 1 tbsp barley malt syrup
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Line baking tray with parchment or silicone baking mat
• Mash banana
• Put banana, pumpkin and barley malt syrup into a large bowl
• Use a fork to mix these ingredients together well
• Add ground flaxseed to flour and stir in
• Add dry ingredients to wet, one cup at a time
• Combine well using a wooden spoon
• Dough should be dry, if it’s too sticky use additional flour until you get the right consistency
• Turn the dough out onto flouthe red the surface
• Use the floured rolling pin to the roll the dough out to 1/4″ thickness
• Cut treats into desired shape using a cookie cutter
• Bake at 350F for 12 minutes
• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely

5. Low-Calorie Pumpkin Spinach Dog Treats

Ingredients List

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp wheat germ
• 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Line a baking tray with parchment or silicone baking mat
• Put flour into small bowl and add salt, stir to mix 
• Finely chop spinach and parsley
• Put spinach, parsley, pumpkin puree and eggs into a large bowl
• Use wooden spoon to mix ingredients together well
• Add wheat germ and stir into mixture
• Add flour, a bit at a time, stirring well to mix between additions
• Once all flour has been incorporated, use your hands to form dough
• Turn dough out onto floured wax paper
• Cover dough with second sheet of wax paper
• Use the rolling pin to roll the dough out to approx. 1/4″ thickness
• Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutter or sharp knife
• Bake at 350F for 30 – 35 minutes
• Remove treats from oven and allow to cool completely 
• Store treats in an airtight container in the pantry for 5 – 7 days, in the refrigerator for up to 10 days

6. Pumpkin Cranberry Dog Treats

Ingredients List

• 1 3/4 cup garbanzo bean flour
• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin (NOT the pie-filling variety)
• 1/2 cup mashed banana
• 1/2 cup *fresh cranberries
• 1/8 cup ground flax seeds
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

* You can replace the 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries with 1/3 cup of dried cranberries if you need/want to. If you do this, add 2 tbsp of milk (dairy or non-dairy) or water to the recipe to replace lost moisture.

Instructions

• Heat oven to 350F
• Line baking tray with silicone baking mat
• Mash banana
• Melt coconut oil
• Put flour, flax seeds and chia seeds into large bowl and stir to mix
• Put mashed banana, pumpkin and coconut oil into separate bowl, use whisk to blend together
• Add cranberries and stir in
• Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ones and mix well
• Use your hands to form dough
• Turn dough out onto a sheet of well floured wax paper
• Use floured hands to press dough to approx. 1/2 ” thickness
• Cut out desired shapes using cookie cutter or sharp knife
• Bake at 350F for approximately 20 minutes
• Remove from oven and allow to cool thoroughly 
• Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week

7. Pumpkin Carrot Pupcake Recipe

Ingredients List

• 2 cups garbanzo bean flour (aka chickpea flour)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup grated carrot
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp chia seeds

Plus 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter for topping (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Place silicone molds on baking tray for stability
• Grate carrot (washed but not peeled)
• Put flour, baking soda and chia seeds into large bowl and stir to mix
• Put pumpkin, eggs, carrot and maple syrup into medium bowl and whisk to combine
• Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ones, stirring well to mix
• Spray silicone molds with oil (I use an olive oil spray)
• Spoon batter into molds filling almost to the top (this batter rises a little, but not a whole lot)
• Bake at 350F for 20 minutes
• Pupcakes should be firm to the touch and a toothpick come out clean when ready
• Remove from oven and allow to cool in molds for 10 minutes
• Pop pupcakes from molds and place on cooling rack to cool completely
• If desired, top with swirl of creamy peanut butter
• Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week

8. Pumpkin Banana Dog Treat Recipe

Ingredients List:

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries, chopped

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Line baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat
• Mash banana
• Chop blueberries
• Put flour in mid-sized bowl
• Add banana and pumpkin puree to flour. Mix well using wooden spoon
• Add chopped blueberries and stir into to mixture
• Form dough and knead a little until it’s not too crumbly
• Turn dough out onto floured surface (I like to use floured wax paper)
• Use your hands/fingers to flatten dough to about 1/4″ thickness
• Cut dough into desired shapes with cookie cutter (in my opinion this dough just begs for hearts shapes!)
• Bake treats on lined baking tray for 20 minutes
• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely
• Store treats in an airtight container in refrigerator for 5 to 7 days

9. Salmon And Parsley Dog Treats

Ingredients List:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup whole grain oat flour
• 1/4 cup brewers yeast
• 1/4 cup canned salmon*
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup parsley (finely chopped)
• 3/4 cup water

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Line baking tray with silicone baking mat
• Finely chop parsley using sharp knife
• Finely grate cheddar cheese
• Mash canned salmon with fork 
• Put whole wheat flour, oat flour and brewer’s yeast into a large bowl and stir well to mix
• In a smaller bowl combine egg, chopped parsley and water
• Stir grated cheese and mashed salmon into the flour mixture and stir to blend
• Make a well in the centre of the flour and add wet ingredients. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a wooden spoon
• Use hands to form dough and turn it out onto lightly floured wax paper
• Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll the dough out to approx. 1/4″ thickness
• Cut out treats to desired shapes using cookie cutters
• Bake at 350F for 20 minutes
• Remove treats from oven and allow to cool completely
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for five to seven days

10. Carrot Zucchini Pupcakes

Ingredients List

• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup virgin olive oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp raw honey
• 1 tsp wheat germ

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Put silicone cupcake moulds onto a baking tray for stability
• Grate cheese, carrot and zucchini
• Put flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and wheat germ into a large bowl. Stir to mix.
• Put applesauce, olive oil, eggs and honey into a small bowl and mix together well
• Add wet ingredients to dry a little at a time, stirring well each time
• Add grated cheese, carrot and zucchini and mix in thoroughly but gently
• Lightly grease silicone moulds with olive oil spray (optional)
• Spoon batter into moulds until they’re 3/4 full
• Bake smaller cupcakes at 350F for 15 – 20 mins, larger ones for 20 – 25 mins. 
• Test for ‘done-ness’ by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the centre of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
• Cool cupcakes in moulds for 10 minutes
• Pop them out and place on a baking rack to cool completely
• Store these carrot zucchini cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many nectarines can a dog eat?

“With any treats added to a dog’s diet, I recommend moderation and only giving 10 per cent of their daily calorie intake, including nectarines,” Dr. Burch said. “I recommend feeding one slice of nectarine once a day to prevent gastrointestinal upset.”

2. Are dogs allowed peaches and nectarines?

Yes. Nectarines are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fibre, which is good for a dog’s digestive system.

3. Can dogs eat oranges or nectarines?

Yes, dogs can eat oranges and other fruits like apples, watermelon, peaches and more. If you’re about to eat an orange and want to share it with your canine friend, here’s what you need to know.

4. How much fruit is too much for a dog?

Moderation is the key to incorporating fruit into your dog’s meals. Excessive ingestion of fruit (even safe fruit) may cause intestinal irritation, diarrhea, or bloating. It is recommended that any food outside your dog’s primary nutrition be less than 10% of their overall calorie intake.

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Conclusion 

In conclusion,  Just like humans, some dogs may react differently to nectarines, so watch out for allergic symptoms when feeding your dog.

You can also consult your vet for more professional input on whether or not you can give your dog breed.

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