This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Want to know if Fido can enjoy some of your juicy, purple plums this summer? While the flesh of a properly ripened plum is not toxic to dogs and may provide them with vital vitamins, it’s important that pet parents understand how dangerous the rest of the fruit—including its pit and leaves—can be.
To keep our canine companions safe, we’ve come up with a vet-approved guide on feeding your pup plums.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Purple plums are safe for dogs to eat if the pit is removed.
- The high sugar content in plums can cause weight gain in dogs, so they should only be given in small amounts as treats.
- Plums contain pits, stems, and leaves that contain cyanide, which can be toxic if ingested.
- Signs of cyanide poisoning, such as dilated pupils, should be monitored for if a dog ingests plums.
When Are Plums Bad for Dogs?
You should never let your pet consume purple plums, as their pits contain cyanide which can be toxic, and even the flesh can cause weight gain if fed in large amounts. Plums grown on a plum tree or plant are high in sugar and low in nutrients like Vitamin C.
The health benefits of feeding plums to dogs are small compared to the risks posed by consuming parts that contain cyanide such as stems, leaves, or pits. These items may lead to tremors, vomiting, and even breathing issues or kidney failure.
Even without eating any part containing amygdalin – also known as cyanogen – there is still a risk of choking from swallowing the pit whole! Small dogs are particularly at risk for toxicity due to their size, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
There are safer fruit options available with similar benefits that don’t pose any significant danger when consumed. Berries, bananas, oranges, kiwi, and pumpkin (all seeds removed) make great treats while avoiding all potential hazards associated with eating purple plums! Make sure you monitor closely when giving your pup any type of treat, including fruit-based snacks, because moldy/rotten food should not be given under any circumstances – especially if they have an existing medical condition.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats a Plum Pit?
If ingested, plum pits can be extremely dangerous for your pup and should be treated immediately. Pet parents must understand why plum pits are particularly hazardous to their dogs and take necessary precautions.
- Dog plums with the pit removed are safe for consumption in moderation. However, pet parents should avoid feeding them as a regular treat due to their high sugar content, which can cause weight gain in dogs over time.
- Plum pits contain cyanide, amygdalin, and cyanogen, which, if consumed by your pup, could lead to tremors, vomiting, breathing difficulties, or even kidney failure.
- Pits pose a choking hazard, so it is best not to allow access at all times. Smaller pups may also have an increased risk of toxicity from eating plums compared to larger breeds.
- If signs of cyanide poisoning appear, such as dilated pupils or a rapid heart rate, then contact a veterinarian right away. Intravenous treatment options may be available depending on the severity of the situation.
- Signs that signify ingestion include chewing on leaves or stems associated with fruit trees around the home.
Ultimately, when opting for fruits like purple plums, ensure they’re pitted first before giving them as treats.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Plums
When feeding your pup plums, it’s important to remember that pits and other parts of the fruit can be dangerous. Should you let them indulge in this delicious snack? Flesh from a plum is safe for dogs if the pit has been removed.
Plums are high in sugar, which could cause weight gain, so only small amounts should be given as occasional treats. Nutritious snacks like berries, bananas, or oranges are better choices than plums since they offer similar benefits without risks.
To stay safe when serving up a plum treat, make sure to remove all seeds, stems, and pits beforehand.
Generally speaking, fruits should not account for more than 10% of calories consumed by pups each day, with nutritious treats being preferred instead. Be aware that some conditions can require special dietary considerations too – always consult with your veterinarian before introducing anything new into their diet plan.
Can Dogs Eat Prunes?
When it comes to feeding your pup, you should always be aware of what fruits and vegetables are safe for them to eat. Prunes, which are dried plums typically found in dog chews or treats, can make a great snack but should not replace more nutritious alternatives.
When considering stone fruits like prunes and other plums for your pup’s diet, the most important factor is ensuring that all pits and seeds have been removed before serving as these can pose choking hazards or contain toxins such as cyanide.
Prunes provide many benefits when fed in moderation – one hundred grams of prune contains 6-7g of dietary fiber along with potassium so they may help support digestion health if given occasionally as an occasional treat.
However, due to their high sugar content, it’s best not to give too much; no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake should come from fruit snacks like this! Similarly sized servings (one hundred grams) of watermelon will only contain about 5g sugar making it a safer choice overall, albeit without the same health benefits associated with prunes such as increased fiber intake.
| Dried Plums | Watermelon |
|---|
Calories 97 kcal 30kcal
Total Fat 0 g 0 g
Carbohydrates 23 g 8 g
Protein 1 g 1g
Fiber 7-6 G 01G
Sugar 16G 5 G
Potassium 252 mg 112mg
In conclusion, when looking for healthy options that dogs love, make sure you consider both watermelons and small amounts (up to 10%) of dried plums, provided all stones/pits have been removed first!
Other Fruits Dogs Can Eat
Aside from prunes, there are plenty of other fruits your pup can enjoy – like bananas, oranges, kiwi, and pumpkin!
For example, one pup owner found that their dog loved snacking on fresh orange slices after a long walk. Joanna Pendergrass recommends these dog-friendlier fruits as healthy snack choices since they contain nutritious fiber and small amounts of vitamins, which make it easier to digest than some other kinds of snacks.
Bananas are especially great for dogs since they’re packed with potassium – perfect for rehydrating during the hot summer months. Pumpkins provide tons of vitamins A & C along with a good dose of dietary fiber.
Kiwis also offer an impressive list of health benefits, including vitamin E (which helps keep skin looking youthful), plus antioxidants to help fight cancer cells in older pups.
As always, when introducing any new food or treat into your pet’s diet, it is important to start slowly by first offering only tiny portions and then observing carefully how Fido reacts before continuing further feeding sessions.
This way, you can be sure he is not having any negative reactions from eating something potentially too rich or unfamiliar for his system.
Why Are Plums Bad for Dogs?
Giving plums to your pup can be dangerous, as they contain cyanide and amygdalin, which can cause tremors, vomiting, breathing issues, and kidney failure. The pit has sharp edges that pose a choking hazard if ingested. Plus, the pits have high cyanide content that may lead to poisoning or even death in extreme cases.
Additionally, intestinal blockage is a risk due to plum’s small size, which makes it difficult for dogs’ digestive system to process them correctly.
Furthermore, lethargy could result from eating too much fruit because their bodies are not used to consuming such large quantities on a regular basis.
Fruits to Feed Your Dog Instead of Plums
As an alternative to purple plums, consider feeding your pup safer fruits like berries, bananas, and oranges.
Berries are a good source of antioxidants that help protect the gums from bacteria-induced inflammation.
Bananas provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health while also being low in calories for those pups who need to watch their weight.
Oranges can give your dog vitamin C, which is important for his or her immune system!
All three options contain fiber essential to aid with digestion, as well as potassium, which helps maintain muscle function and heart rate without risking damage to the dog’s digestive tract like pits might do – especially smaller dogs who may have difficulty digesting large pieces of food such as plum flesh or seeds/pits.
Keep in mind that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake, so portion control is key when introducing new foods into their diet!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Plum Should I Feed My Dog?
Feed your pup small amounts of plum flesh after removing the pit. Provide nutritious treats instead for similar benefits without risks. Monitor closely and consult a vet before feeding if they have special conditions.
Are Plums Safe for Puppies?
Plums are generally safe for puppies, as long as you remove the pits. Monitor closely when feeding and keep portions small to avoid weight gain. Avoid stems, leaves, and pits due to the risk of cyanide poisoning – contact your vet immediately if ingested.
Are There Any Other Risks Associated with Feeding Plums?
Yes, other risks are associated with feeding plums to dogs. Cyanide can be found in pits, stems, and leaves; there is also a choking hazard from the pit. Smaller or diabetic dogs may have difficulty digesting the high sugar content of plums.
Monitor your pup closely and consult your vet before offering any fruit as treats.
Are Dried Plums Safe for Dogs?
Dried plums can be fed to dogs, but only in small amounts. As with fresh plums, remove the pits and stems first as they contain cyanide, which is toxic for dogs. Monitor your pup closely when consuming dried fruit to ensure there are no adverse reactions or choking hazards.
Are Plums Safe for Dogs with Diabetes?
Plums are not recommended for diabetic dogs due to their high sugar content. Better choices include berries, bananas, oranges, kiwi, or pumpkin – all without the risks of plum pits and other parts that can cause severe health issues.
Conclusion
When it comes to summer fruits, plums can be a tricky one for our canine friends. Dogs can safely enjoy plums as a sweet treat, but only when the pits are removed to avoid the dangerous cyanide they contain.
If your pup does happen to eat a plum pit, contact your vet immediately and monitor your pup for signs of cyanide poisoning.
Prunes are also not recommended for dogs as they contain a sugar alcohol that can be toxic in large amounts. Instead, provide your pup with healthier fruits like berries, bananas, oranges, kiwi, and pumpkin.
When feeding your pup fruits, always remove any seeds, stems, or pits and make sure the fruit is fresh, not rotten or moldy.
