Nectarines are sweet, juicy fruits that can be a delicious and nutritious treat for your canine companion. While some fruits may be off-limits due to their high sugar content, diabetic dogs can eat nectarines in moderation.
Read on to learn how to safely feed your diabetic dog nectarines without raising their blood sugar.
Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Nectarines?
Yes, diabetic dogs can eat nectarines because they have a low glycemic index (35) and will not cause drastic spikes in your pup’s blood sugar levels when consumed.
Nectarines are low in carbohydrates, making them an ideal snack for diabetic dogs. Dogs with diabetes must closely monitor their carbohydrate intake because carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels.
Nectarines contain a small amount of natural sugar but not enough to significantly affect glucose concentrations.
Plus, they’re packed full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium which help the body regulate its own glucose production better.
While giving your pup some fresh nectarine slices or canned nectar as an occasional treat is acceptable, be mindful not to feed too much at once as fruit contains natural sugars which could contribute to high glucose over time.
Always monitor your pup’s health and well-being when giving him new foods including fruits; if there are any changes in behavior or energy level after eating nectarine, discontinue its use immediately and consult with your veterinarian for further advice.
| Nectarine Nutrients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 57 |
| Glycemic index | 35 |
| Protein | 1.4 grams |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg |
| Vitamin A | 21.9 IU |
| Sugars | 10.2 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 grams |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.1 g |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Linoleic Acid | 0.14 g |
(See also: Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Pears? (Answered!))
How Many Nectarines Can Diabetic Dogs Eat
Large diabetic dogs can eat up to one nectarine a day while smaller breeds can eat half a nectarine a day.
Nectarines typically have a glycemic index of 38-42, depending on the variety. This measure of carbohydrates broken down and absorbed into your bloodstream helps control diabetes symptoms as well as maintain a healthy weight by slowing glucose spikes after meals.
Nectarines have a relatively low GI (glycaemic index), making them suitable for dogs with diabetes. Furthermore, nectarines contain antioxidants like vitamin C and phenolic compounds which may help protect against chronic diseases by combatting free radicals in the body.
But as with any human foods, diabetic dogs should limit their intake of nectarines to a small amount. The ideal recommendation for diabetic dogs is to limit all fruit, including nectarines, to a small amount.
As a general guideline, one serving of nectarine per day is recommended for dogs. However, the exact amount may differ depending on your pup’s size and weight; thus it’s essential to consult your veterinarian or certified nutritionist before adding anything new to their diet.
If you choose to give nectarines as part of a snack or treat for your dog, make sure to remove the skin and any seeds from the fruit before feeding.
(See also: Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Watermelon? (Answered!))
Health Benefits of Nectarines For Diabetic Dogs
- Great for weight loss
- Boosts the immune system
- High antioxidants content
- Regulates digestion
- Stabilizes blood sugar
Here is a complete list of health benefits of nectarines for diabetic dogs:
1. Promote Weight Loss
Diabetic dogs may struggle to maintain a healthy weight due to their condition, but nectarines are an excellent snack for diabetic dogs because they are low in calories, providing only 25 kcal per 100 g serving. Nectarines also help promote weight loss by providing dietary fiber, which helps slow digestion and keeps your canine feeling full longer.
2. Boosts the Immune System
The vitamin C content of nectarines is great for boosting your pup’s immune system. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps protect your pup from illnesses and diseases by strengthening its natural defenses and promoting tissue health.
3. High in Antioxidants
Nectarines contain beneficial antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants also slow the aging process of cells and reduce inflammation in your pup’s body.
4. Blood Sugar Stabilization
Nectarines contain low amounts of sugar, making them a great snack for diabetic dogs. The fiber content helps slow digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing blood sugar spikes that can be dangerous to diabetics.
5. Regulate Digestion
The dietary fiber found in nectarines helps regulate your pup’s digestion by promoting healthy bowel movements. Fiber also feeds the good bacteria in your pup’s gut, helping maintain its immune system and overall health.
(See also: Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Apples? (Answered!))
How To Prepare Nectarines For Diabetic Dogs
Nectarines are a delicious and healthy snack for both humans and dogs. However, if your dog is diabetic, it’s important to take special care when selecting nectarines for its diet. Here’s a guide on how to prepare nectarines for diabetic dogs.
1. Select ripe nectarines with no bruises or blemishes
Fresh, ripe nectarines are the ideal treat for diabetic dogs as they contain the highest levels of essential nutrients and the lowest sugar content. Make sure you inspect each fruit carefully before purchasing and look for ones free from bruises or blemishes.
2. Cut up the nectarine into small pieces
Once you’ve selected your nectarine, thoroughly wash it to remove dirt or bacteria and cut it into smaller pieces. Doing this helps reduce the risk of choking or digestive issues from large chunks of nectarine.
3. Peel the skin off
Nectarines have higher sugar levels on their skin than their flesh, so it is important to peel away this layer before feeding your dog. You can do this with either a sharp knife or vegetable peeler; either will work perfectly!
4. Remove any pits from the flesh
Nectarines contain hard pits that could cause choking if inhaled by your pup. Be sure to thoroughly remove all pits before giving the nectarine pieces to your furry friend.
5. Serve in moderation
As with any food, it’s essential to serve nectarines in moderation. Too much sugar can lead to an abrupt spike in your pup’s glucose levels, so only give them small portions of this delicious treat from time to time.
Following these steps will help ensure that your diabetic pup enjoys the health benefits of nectarines without putting their health at risk.
(See also: Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Carrots? (Vet Answer!))
In Conclusion
Diabetic dogs can safely consume nectarines due to their low glycemic index. However, as with any human food, nectarines too should be served only in moderation.
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