Skip to Content

Can Dogs Safely Eat Black Plums? (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your pup can snack on black plums, it’s important to understand the risks associated with feeding them this fruit. While some parts of a plum are safe for dogs in small quantities, certain components can be dangerous and even deadly, especially if consumed in large amounts or by smaller breeds.

Key Takeaways

can dogs eat black plums
Black plums can be dangerous for dogs due to the presence of cyanide in parts such as pits, leaves, and stems.

  • Plum pits can cause choking and intestinal blockage in dogs, and crushed pits can release cyanide, leading to kidney failure or death.
  • Plum flesh is safe for dogs in moderation but contains a high sugar content that can lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal upset.
  • Other fruits like berries, oranges, kiwi, and bananas are healthier alternatives for dogs.
  • Pumpkin and lean proteins like fish are also good options for dogs’ diets

The Risks of Dogs Eating Black Plums

The Risks of Dogs Eating Black Plums
The risks of dogs eating black plums are very real. Parts of the plum, including its pits, leaves, and stems, contain cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs. Additionally, the pit presents multiple hazards, such as choking and intestinal blockages.

Parts of the Plum Contain Cyanide

You should be aware that parts of the black plum contain cyanide, which can lead to serious health issues or even death. In fact, a single plum pit contains enough cyanide to kill an adult human. Fruity hazards associated with ingestion include choking and intestinal blockage if pits are swallowed whole.

Cyanide intake is also possible from crushed pits and certain parts of the fruit itself, such as roots, leaves, or stems.

The sugar content in plums may contribute to weight gain among pets who eat too much flesh off of them. Therefore, it’s best to keep portions small when feeding this type of fruit. Plum parts like pits are more dangerous than its flesh for pet safety reasons, but even then, consuming too much could cause gastrointestinal upset due to its high sugar content.

To ensure your pet remains healthy and safe, always make sure you remove any seeds before feeding them their portion.

The Pit Presents Multiple Hazards

In addition to cyanide, the pit of a black plum presents multiple hazards for your pet.

A swallowed whole plum pit can block or choke their intestines and stomachs, leading to life-threatening scenarios that may require surgery. The high sugar content in plums is also problematic; it could lead to weight gain and exacerbate preexisting conditions like diabetes or obesity in dogs.

Further, smaller dogs are at greater risk from the dangers of cyanide if they consume crushed pits or certain parts of fruits such as leaves and stems.

Ultimately, there are healthier alternatives out there which provide similar benefits but without risks posed by plum pits: berries, oranges, kiwi, bananas, pumpkin all make great snacks for pups while still providing vital vitamins and minerals necessary for good health!

The Flesh is Typically Considered Safe

Although the pit presents many hazards, it’s typically believed that consuming small amounts of plum flesh without ingesting the pits or seeds is safe for your pet.

To avoid choking and cyanide poisoning, exercise caution when feeding this fruit to small dog breeds.

Plum flesh can be a good source of Vitamin K and digestive fiber; however, its high sugar content should be taken into account.

For nutritional nuances of this fruit with fewer risks attached, consider other dog-friendlier fruits such as berries, oranges, kiwi, or bananas – all are high in fiber yet low in their sugar content!

As always, keep an eye out for any signs like lethargy or stomach pain that could indicate something has gone wrong.

But the High Sugar Content Isn’t Ideal

Though plums may offer some health benefits, their high sugar content means they’re not the ideal snack for your furry friend. A cup of sliced black plum contains 16 grams of sugar, which can lead to weight gain and exacerbate problems like doggy obesity and diabetes.

While small amounts of plum flesh without ingesting the pits or seeds are generally considered safe for dogs, it’s important to keep an eye on their intake.

Health Risks Cyanide Content Intestinal Blockage
High Present Possible
Sugar Levels Safe Snacks Good Source Of Antioxidants
————– ————- ——————————
High Blueberries Yes

Table: Plum Nutritional Information

What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats a Black Plum?

What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats a Black Plum?
If your pet ingests a black plum, it’s important to stay calm and contact your veterinarian immediately.

  • Be aware of the sugar content. Plums contain high amounts of sugar, which can lead to weight gain and exacerbate health problems like obesity and diabetes in dogs.
  • The pit presents multiple hazards for pets. It can be sharp enough to damage the esophagus or stomach, while crushed pits may release cyanide that could prove toxic if ingested by your dog.
  • The flesh itself is generally safe for consumption but only in small quantities. Canned plums may be too sugary for optimal nutrition, so opt instead for fresh versions when possible.
  • If you suspect poisoning, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Helpline at (888) 426 7378 or consult with a medical director who will provide advice on what steps need to be taken next depending on the severity of symptoms exhibited by Fido after consuming some dried version of this fruit with its pit still intact, potentially increasing the risk factor exponentially higher than otherwise without said remnant present within his digestive system/stomach area per se.

To sum up, plum flesh without its pit is typically fine given consumed responsibly within a limited capacity.

Alternatives to Black Plums for Your Dog

Alternatives to Black Plums for Your Dog
For your pet’s safety, consider healthier alternatives to black plums as snacks! Berries, oranges, kiwi, and bananas are all great options that can provide the same nutrients with fewer sugar contents.

Pumpkin is also a good choice for dogs of any size. It contains dietary fiber, which helps digestion and can be served in small pieces.

For pups who have a sweet tooth but need something safer than plums, there is now an abundance of variety when it comes to treats! These include healthy snacks like dehydrated liver cubes or freeze-dried raw meat bites.

Both offer plenty of flavor without causing health risks due to high sugar levels found commonly in fruit-based products.

Even larger breeds should not consume too much plum flesh since they may suffer from gastrointestinal upset afterward. Instead, opt for smaller portions or better yet, look into finding other mealtime options such as low-fat canned dog food specifically designed for large dogs.

Lastly, if you have a smaller pup at home, try incorporating some lean proteins like fish into their diet. This will ensure they get enough nutrition while remaining safe from potential complications caused by eating too much sugary fruit (like dried prunes).

Remember, there are always alternative methods available when looking out for our furry friends’ best interests.

Are Black Plums Safe for Dogs in Small Quantities?

Are Black Plums Safe for Dogs in Small Quantities?
You may be tempted to share your delicious black plums with your beloved pet, but it’s important to remember that this could lead to serious health risks. Before feeding a dog any type of fruit, it is important for owners and guardians alike to assess the risk factors associated with each individual snack choice.

Plums contain pits which can cause choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed whole. Additionally, plum pits release cyanide when crushed – a compound that is toxic for dogs in large doses and can result in kidney failure or death if not treated quickly enough by professionals.

The flesh of the plum itself contains small amounts of vitamin K and potassium as well as antioxidants like Vitamin C making them seem like an attractive option; however, their high sugar content should still remain a concern since it could lead to weight gain-related problems such as doggy obesity or diabetes over time.

It’s also worth noting that plums are not on the list of recommended healthy snacks due to their potential hazards when consumed incorrectly (e.g., swallowing too many seeds). The best alternative would be other fruits such as berries, oranges, kiwi, and bananas – which all contain natural sugars along with vitamins and minerals without having hazardous pits like those found in stone fruits including peaches, apricots, and nectarines, etc.

If you’re looking for something sweeter than fresh fruit, there are now plenty of treats available specifically designed for low-fat canned food options made especially for large breeds to help ensure they get adequate nutrition while staying away from sugary foods altogether! Lastly, don’t forget Nulo Freestyle Duck Recipe Dog Treats containing a hint of Plum flavor and nutrients too!

Why Plum Pits Are More Dangerous for Small Dogs

Why Plum Pits Are More Dangerous for Small Dogs
Due to their smaller size, plum pits can be more hazardous for your pup if ingested. When a dog consumes the pit, it may cause choking or intestinal blockage, which could result in life-threatening conditions and require surgery.

The cyanide effects of crushed pits can also lead to kidney failure or death in dogs if not treated quickly enough by professionals. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of toxicity, such as dilated pupils, dark red gums, difficulty breathing, and unresponsiveness after ingestion of the pit.

Additionally, plums’ high sugar content should remain a concern since this could ultimately lead to weight gain-related problems like doggy obesity and diabetes over time – even when only consuming small amounts! Although there are some vitamins present within plum flesh, such as Vitamin K and potassium, along with antioxidants like Vitamin C, these benefits are often outweighed by potential hazards associated with consumption – particularly when considering large amounts of the flesh or canned varieties due to their higher sugar content still being present regardless!

Furthermore, ingestion of the pit itself has been known to create obstruction within a dog’s intestinal tract, potentially leading to serious health issues, including lethargy/loss of appetite combined with stomach pain and vomiting, etc.

So make sure you remove all seeds before offering fruit snacks whenever possible.

Fortunately, though, there are plenty of other pet-safe options available now too, ranging from berries through oranges and kiwi right up to bananas – all containing natural sugars plus essential vitamins without having hazardous stones inside them like peaches, apricots, nectarines, etc.

If, however, you’re looking for something sweeter than fresh fruits, then low-fat canned food recipes made especially for larger breeds will help ensure your pooch gets adequate nutrition while avoiding sugary treats altogether (and don’t forget Nulo Freestyle Duck Recipe Dog Treats containing a hint of Plum flavor nutrients).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the signs of cyanide poisoning in dogs?

Be cautious! Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in dogs comprise of dilated pupils, dark red gums, breathing difficulties, unresponsiveness, and shock.

Are black plums good sources of vitamins and minerals for dogs?

Black plums contain small amounts of vitamin K, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin C.

What other fruits are safe for dogs to eat?

Berries, oranges, kiwi, bananas, and pumpkin are all safe for dogs to eat. They provide similar benefits as plums but without the risk of cyanide poisoning or choking hazards.

How can I prevent my dog from eating plums?

To prevent your dog from eating plums, keep them out of reach and away from dogs. Provide safer treats that satisfy their sweet tooth without the risks associated with plums.

Are canned plums safe for dogs to eat?

Canned plums may be higher in sugar than fresh, so it’s best to avoid them. Despite containing some vitamins and antioxidants, their pits can release cyanide, which is toxic for dogs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s not recommended for dogs to eat black plums. The pits contain cyanide, which can be deadly, and the flesh contains too much sugar for a healthy diet. While the flesh can be safe in small doses, it’s best to keep this fruit away from your pet.

If your dog does eat a black plum, be sure to contact your veterinarian and seek medical attention. There are many other healthy snacks that you can offer your dog to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.