Imagine you’re on your daily walk and your dog picks a plum pit. You suddenly ask yourself: „Can dogs eat plums?” Don’t panic! I have a dog too, and I know how much you worry about yours. So how concerned should you really be about letting your pup run loose under plum trees? Let’s get back to the question at hand:
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can enjoy the sweet flesh of plums as a treat. ✔️
- The pit and seeds of a plum contain hydrogen cyanide which is toxic to dogs. ❌
- Plum skins are difficult for dogs to digest, and they may contain harmful pesticides. ❌
- If you do choose to feed your dog plums, make sure that he only eats small pieces, and that you remove the pit first. ✔️
- Other fruits, like mangoes, apples, blueberries, oranges and kiwi can also provide your pup with important vitamins and nutrients. ✔️
What’s Wrong With Letting Your Dog Eat a Plum?
The plum is a stone fruit that has been enjoyed for over 2000 years. The ancient Greeks and Romans considered it sacred because of it health benefits. Plums are also packed with:
- potassium;
- vitamin C;
- vitamin K;
- vitamin A;
- other good nutrients; and
- fiber.
So can dogs eat plums? You can give your dog this yummy fruit, just not the pits. The seeds are definitely poisonous to dogs as they contain cyanide (or more precisely, cyanogenic glucosides). Make sure you remove the pit before feeding your pooch any ripe plum. The flesh itself isn’t toxic to dogs, but if it’s unripe, it can cause an upset stomach.
If your dog likes plums and prunes, you can give them a small piece as a treat. However, moderation is key – too much could cause diarrhea or other digestive issues. Plums are high in sugar too! Start slowly by giving just a tiny sliver and see how your dog feels before increasing the serving size.
Which Parts of the Plant Cause Plum Poisoning in Dogs?
Plum Pits
The pits and seeds of a plum can be very dangerous for dogs. If part of the pit gets stuck in their throat or intestine, it could choke them or cause an obstruction that could require surgery. Fruit pits also contain hydrogen cyanide (more precisely, amygdalin that produces it), which can cause neurotoxicity or death if ingested. Allowing dogs to eat plum stones could be dangerous and fatal. Remove the pit!
Plum Skins
Plum skins are difficult for dogs to digest. They might also be covered in pesticides that could harm your dog. It’s best to give your dog small pieces of the peeled fruit rather than an entire plum, even with the pit removed.
Leaves and Stems
Can dogs eat plum plants? No, the leaves and stems are toxic and may cause poisoning in dogs. Never allow your dog to chew on or ingest any part of a plum tree or bush. If you have them in your garden, you can protect your pup by fencing off the entire plant or building a small structure around it.
Roots of a Plum Tree
Don’t let your fur-iend get their paws on plum roots. These are more poisonous than the fruit itself. If you want your dog to enjoy plum, stick with the flesh only! It should always be sliced up into small pieces before being offered as a treat.
How Often Can Pups Eat Dried Plums or Raw Plums?
That depends on your dog. Usually a dog can eat between 1 and 3 slices a day, but you should check with your vet to be sure. If you’re feeding your dog raw plums, make sure they are ripe and ready to eat.
Dried plums are technically safe for dogs to eat, but they’re even higher in sugar, so you should only offer them as a treat in small quantities. Do note that too much sugar can cause weight gain and lead to diabetes, liver disease or pancreatitis.
If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as vomiting or diarrhea after your dog eats plums, call your veterinarian! And if your pup gets into some whole plums and you’re not sure if they ate any pits, you should also call the vet ASAP.
What Fruit Is Safer for Dogs Than Plums?
Although they are a tasty snack, dog owners might feel quite apprehensive about giving plums to their dog. So, perhaps instead of feeding your dog prunes and plums, serve him mangoes. They are a great source of energy and firm up his stool because they contain fiber.
Apples are also good for dogs, as well as blueberries, oranges, and kiwi. They all provide vitamin C. Dogs like bananas too, but calculate the high sugar content into your dog’s daily intake.
Can Dogs Eat Plums? Final Assurance
In conclusion, can dogs eat plums? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Plums can be dangerous if they’re not fed in moderation and the seeds aren’t removed before serving them to your dog.
Make sure you remove the pits. They contain cyanogens – toxic substances that can cause vomiting or diarrhea when consumed. Ideally, you should only feed your pup a small amount of plum every few days, so their stomach doesn’t get upset or bloated. You may want to consider alternative fruit instead of plums, because they have similar nutrients.
