When summer comes, one of the popular fruits in the stalls of supermarkets is nectarine. The fruit is juicy and has a delicious taste. Because you enjoy the fruit, you may wonder if it is safe for your dog.
Nectarine is a safe fruit that your dog can eat. It contains numerous health benefits. The fruit is rich in Vitamins A and C, magnesium, dietary fibers, and potassium.
Although nectarine can benefit your pup, there are also potential dangers to feeding too much of it to your dog. Read on to find out how much and under what conditions you can feed your dog nectarine.
Benefits of Nectarines to Dogs
Nectarine is a great source of dietary fibers and vitamins. However, a dog’s body can manufacture Vitamin C; therefore, adding nectarine to your dog’s meal is unnecessary.
The dietary fibers found in nectarine also benefit your pup’s overall digestive health. Potassium helps balance fluids that enable enzymes, nerves, and muscles to function properly. Magnesium is an important component for dogs, as it helps in the absorption of vitamins which contribute to your dog’s bone health.
Below are other ways nectarine is healthy for your dog:
- A good source of antioxidants and minerals.
- Rich in Vitamin A.
- Has properties that fight certain types of cancer.
- Has very low calories making it a perfect treat for your dog.
- Improves the metabolic functions of the liver and kidney by removing toxins from your dog.
- It fights off skin infections.
- It improves your dog’s immune system.
- Great for tissue repair and healing of wounds.
Feeding Nectarine to Your Dog
When introducing human foods to your pet, the portion sizes should always start small. The fruit is fiber-rich, and offering too much of it to a dog can lead to severe stomach issues and diarrhea.
Moreover, avoid canned brands. They might contain preservatives and added sugars which can potentially harm your dog. The preservatives are used to retain the color and flavor of the fruit, but all the extra sugars increase the chances of your dog having weight-related problems and tooth decay.
How Do I Prepare Nectarine for My Dog
To safely feed your pooch nectarine, prepare the fruit following these steps:
1. Wash the Fruit
Thoroughly wash the fruit with running water to remove preservatives and pesticides before preparing it. Only give your dog fresh, ripe fruit and look for any signs of decay that might pose a threat to your dog.
2. Remove the Pits
To prevent choking hazards and digestive tract issues, remove the pits and cut the nectarine into small pieces. The pit in a nectarine may also contain cyanide, a toxic compound to dogs when consumed in large amounts.
3. Offer as a Treat
You can serve small portions of the fruit to your dog or try a frozen puree of nectarine on hot summer days. Mix the nectarine with other fruits and vegetables for additional health benefits, or add it into a wet dog food mix.
How Do I Serve Nectarine?
When served the right way, nectarine can be the perfect treat for your dog. How can you achieve that? It’s a pretty simple process; all you need to do is remove the pit and serve right away. You can add it to their food or serve it as a treat, as we discussed above.
What if My Dog Swallows a Pit?
If your dog swallows a nectarine pit, look out for these signs:
- Extreme drooling.
The chances of your dog developing these symptoms are very slim but not impossible, especially if it is a puppy. If you suspect that your pet has consumed a nectarine pit, take them to a vet as quickly as possible.
Potential Risks of Feeding Nectarine to Dogs
Besides the pit being both a choking hazard and potentially toxic, the nectarine is also high in sugar which can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to tooth decay. Excessive sugars can also cause obesity or diabetes in dogs.
For these reasons, offer nectarine occasionally to avoid any health problems.
You should always get your vet’s approval before feeding your dog foods such as nectarine. If you get the go-ahead, introduce the fruit to your dog in small portions, such as a slice or two. Carefully monitor your dog to ensure they don’t react negatively to the fruit. The fruit is generally safe, offers great nutritional value to your dog, and can be a great supplement to your pet’s diet.
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