Can dogs eat plums? The short answer is YES!
How often have you heard this question? A dog owner calls you and says, “My dog found a plum on the ground and ate it, but I don’t know if it’s poisonous to dogs!” Is it OK? What do you say? It depends on the type of plum, of course, but the answer might surprise you! Here’s why some plums are suitable for dogs, while you should avoid others at all costs!
What are Plums?
Plums are fruit close to cherries and peaches, slightly squishy, rubbery feel. These trees grow in association with some shrubs and other trees which belong to the same group of plants, called Prunus, which also includes peaches, apricots, and almonds. Although plum pits are poisonous for dogs, they can eat most types of plums (though overeating may cause them to become sick).
Can Dogs Eat Plums?
Concerning the question, can dogs eat plums? A short answer is yes. However, it’s a matter of complex discussion. For example, the flesh is safe for dogs, but the pits and stems are highly toxic and can cause poisoning. In the meantime, although they can make for a delicious snack, they provide no significant health benefits and have high sugar content. So, if your dog likes to have plums as a snack, make sure to cut them up beforehand so that you don’t give your dog the chance to swallow a large, indigestible piece.
What Happens When You Feed Dogs Plums?
While plums are safe for humans to eat, they can be toxic to dogs. The primary threat with plums for dogs is that they can swallow the pit. That is because plum pits contain high levels of hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous substance that can cause symptoms like vomiting, shaking, and seizures in pets who consume them. It is worth noticing that cyanide poisoning is treatable when identified early enough. If you suspect your dog has eaten a plum pit or plum fruit, seek veterinary care immediately.
Does Your Dog Like Plums?
While most people don’t know if their dog can eat plums, it might surprise you to find out that some dogs like the fruit of the plum. One way to tell that your dog likes the plum fruit is if it tries to eat the pit. However, keep in mind that plum pits contain sugar and cyanide, which can be harmful to dogs.
Five Reasons Plums are Excellent for Dogs
While plums might not offer as many nutrients as other fruits, they’re one of the better fruits for dog health. On the other hand, plums are rich in vitamins A and C and fiber. These nutrients are typically unnecessary for a dog, but they are not harmful. So let’s review five reasons your dog will benefit from eating plums:
1. Vitamins
Plum fruit is a rich source of vitamins A and C. Like any vitamin-rich food, plum can help keep your pet healthy. Vitamin A is essential for your dog’s eye and skin health, and Vitamin C plays a vital role in strengthening your dog’s immune system to prevent illness.
2. Rich in Fiber
Besides this, it has fiber. Fiber not only improves digestion and regulates bowel movements and has also proved to play a role in maintaining blood sugar levels. So if your dog has occasional constipation problems, the occasional slice of plum can help relieve it.
3. Calcium
Calcium builds strong bones and teeth, so he’ll stay active as he ages.
4. Potassium
Potassium helps maintain normal heart function, so he’ll have more energy throughout his day.
5. Anti Oxidants
Besides being high in vitamins, plums also contain antioxidants that may prevent cancer and slow down aging. Antioxidants can also boost your dog’s immune system, so your dog doesn’t get sick as often (saving money on vet bills).
If you’re worried about plums causing symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhea in your dog, don’t be. Plum poisoning is extremely rare and usually only occurs when dogs are fed large amounts of plums over an extended period. Plum has even been used to treat upset stomachs in humans and animals alike.
As long as your dog doesn’t have allergies to plum or other foods, it should be safe for him to eat small amounts of plum every once in a while. Just make sure he doesn’t overeat at once—too much fiber can cause stomach discomfort for humans and pets.
How Many Plums Can a Dog Eat?
Like all desserts and snacks, consume plums in moderation. However, it’s alright to give dogs a few plums to eat but make sure not to give too many plums because this may lead to plum poisoning. Plum poisoning in dogs often has symptoms of excessive thirst, increased urination, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Suppose you think your dog got into too many plums. In that case, contact your veterinarian immediately for instructions about treating your dog for consuming too many plums.
Which Types of Plums to Choose?
Depending on their size, there are many plums from Asian, Italian, and Prune plums. However, we recommend you stick with small or medium-sized varieties of plums for your dog’s health. Large plums can cause gastric distress in your pup; small ones might result in minor stomach pains but should be fine in smaller quantities.
Can Dogs Take Plum Juice?
It is generally not advised to give your dog plum or prune juice. Despite containing tons of sugar, these juices don’t have the nutritional value necessary to provide any tangible benefits. Instead, if your dog has trouble going to the bathroom, talk to your vet about other ways to regulate and maintain their digestive system.
Will My Dog Digest Plums Like a Human Does?
Dogs can digest certain foods, including fruits like plums. But like many food items, dogs should not overeat plum fruit. You might have to consider a few symptoms of plum poisoning before feeding your dog any plum fruit. Since every dog is different, each has its allergies and reactions to specific types of food or fruit. Canine digestion concerning plum consumption might vary from one dog to another.
What Are the Risk Factors of Feeding Plums to Dogs?
Dogs will eat just about anything, including some foods we should not give. And when they do, it’s often only a matter of time before they get sick or even die from plum poisoning. For example, suppose your dog eats plums (or any other food he shouldn’t). In that case, it could lead to symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to muscle tremors and convulsions—and potentially death. That is why it’s essential to understand plum fruit risk factors for dogs so you can prevent plum poisoning in your pet. These are the most common factors at risk for dogs that eat plums.
1. Cyanide Poisoning
Plum fruit, particularly unripe plums, contain cyanogenic glycosides. It can cause symptoms of cyanide poisoning in dogs. Risks include vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, and seizures.
2. High Sugar Content
Though plums are a fruit, it’s important to note that they are high in sugar content. Additionally, keep in mind that dried or preserved plums can be higher in sugar. They may contain sulfur dioxide or other preservatives, upsetting your dog’s stomach.
3. Gastric Obstruction
Consuming the pit of plum can result in gastrointestinal problems. In addition to being a choking hazard, hot dogs can get lodged in the digestive tract, leading to an obstruction. Left untreated, this is a potentially life-threatening problem, so please call your veterinarian if you think your dog has ingested a plum pit.
4. Upset Stomach or Diarrhea
Dogs can have very sensitive stomachs, and plums are not always well-tolerated. In some cases, plum fruit can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea if a dog eats them.
If A Dog Eats Too Many Plums at A Time
It is important to remember that plum fruit can be toxic to your dog if they overeat. If you notice that your pet has become sick after eating a lot of plums, contact your veterinarian right away so they can get help. Unfortunately, if your dog eats too many plums at once, it could cause death. Although fatal cases are rare, we recommend that your pet not eat over 2 or 3 small plums within an hour.
If Dogs Are Allergic to Plums
Most plums come from China, where they are not a staple of the human diet. Therefore, most dogs enjoy eating them, and it’s doubtful that your dog will have an allergic reaction to plums. However, suppose you know your dog is allergic to any specific fruit. In that case, it’s best to avoid feeding him plums or any other fruit. A small percentage of dogs experience allergic reactions to certain fruits, so it’s essential to monitor your pet carefully when he eats new foods.
Poisoning of Plums in Dogs
While some dog owners will let their canine companions eat plums as a treat, others remain wary because reports suggest plums contain cyanide. This rumor is correct, where an average-sized plum has been left to ripen on a tree past its prime. As plums reach peak ripeness, they break down at a chemical level and produce hydrogen cyanide as a by-product. Ingesting enough of these ripe plums can cause cyanide poisoning and a lethal dose of cyanide for dogs.
Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, collapse, and coma.
Treatment of Plums Poisoning
Cyanide poisoning is a severe condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. If you suspect your dog has ingested any amount of cyanide-containing fruit or plants, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately at 800-213-6680. Tell them what kind of fruit your dog ingested and how much they ate.
Avoid Feeding Plums in This Condition
Plum fruit is not a good choice for dogs in two different cases.
- Stomach Ulcers or GERD:
First, suppose your dog has a history of stomach ulcers or GERD. In that case, you’ll want to avoid giving plum because it can exacerbate those conditions.
- Toxicity:
Second, plum is toxic to dogs if they overeat, which is easy to do since their bodies don’t register how much sugar they’re consuming.
Final Thoughts
These plums are exceptionally high in fibre and essential for intestinal health. They're also full of antioxidants and other nutrients, including vitamins A and C. In addition, they have a low-calorie count and a healthy fat profile, which makes them an excellent option for dogs who need to lose weight or manage their weight better. Dogs love plums too. If you have an unruly pet or need to train your dog, try giving him some tasty plum snacks each day; most dogs will love them! And finally, plum is safe for dogs—plum poisoning isn't something you need to worry about with these fruits.
Delicious Watermelon Recipes For Your Dog
Some tasty dogs treat recipes use plums if you want to make dog food with plums. Dogs will love these plum fruit treats, and your dog’s teeth and gums will thank you for making them. (We advise you to speak with your vet if your dog has allergies before using these methods).
Watermelon Summer Ice cream
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spelled (Dinkel) flour | 1 Cup |
| Cup of oats | 1/2 Cup |
| Plums | 4 – 5 |
| Cinnamon | 1/4 Teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 1 Table Spoon |
Steps
- First, wash and slice the plums, remove any damaged or inedible pieces, and remove the stones.
- Slowly heat the plums with two tablespoons of water until they soften and become mushy about five minutes.
- Remove the plums from the heat and process them in a blender. The biscuits will require a quarter cup of puree at the end.
- Blend the plum puree with the rest of the ingredients until you have a stiff yet mixed biscuit dough.
- After putting the biscuit dough in a sandwich bag, chill it for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius.
- Use flour to dust your workspace lightly.
- Roll the dough out to a width of about 1cm.
- Cut out the pieces with a biscuit maker.
- Put on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Take out the rest of the biscuits from the pan. Re-roll the dough if required.
- Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen minutes.
- Set aside to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
- Refrigerate biscuits for 1 to 2 weeks in a sealed jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog ate my plum; what to do?
While plum fruits are typically safe for humans to eat, they can cause some problems if your dog gets a hold of them. First and foremost, let your vet know your dog has eaten plums so he can inform you about what actions to take next. Signs of plum ingestion include excessive vomiting and diarrhea or just not feeling well. Depending on how many plums your dog ate, an intervention may be needed.
Should I Induce Vomiting If My Dog Eats a Plum?
Although many sources say dogs should not eat plums, dogs can safely eat them, but it’s essential to induce vomiting if your dog eats a plum. It is probably wise to induce vomiting if the dog has already ingested plums or has a sensitive stomach.
Which form should I use Plums in?
So which type of plum fruit is best for my dog to eat: plum juice, plum skins, or actual plums? Any of these will work just fine. They’re all packed with healthy vitamins and minerals, but you’ll want to ensure you don’t feed your dog too many fruits because they can lead to diarrhea.
How To Make Your Dog Eat Plums
If your dog is not excited about eating plums, there’s no need to force them. While other fruits might not be as sweet as plums, they provide better nutrients with less sugar and have no detrimental effects. Our furry friends can take and will take well to apples, watermelon, blueberries, bananas, and many other types of fruit.
On the other hand, you can give your dog the added fiber in plums by baking a fruit muffin or adding chopped-up pieces to his kibble. Don’t give them prunes, as they’re dried fruit with a higher sugar concentration than fresh fruit. So too are fruit juices such as plum or prune juice, which contain high sugar levels but offer no beneficial fiber.
How much plum is toxic to dogs?
Plum fruit can be toxic to dogs. An 8-ounce plum contains as much cyanide as 5mg of potassium cyanide. Even eating a small amount of plum fruit can have serious side effects in dogs, including vomiting, loss of coordination, and death.
Can dogs eat plums without the pit?
Plum fruits have a pit at their center and are technically pits, but dogs can safely eat plum fruits without consuming those pits. Wash plums thoroughly first, and then feed them to your dog like any other fruit.
Can dogs eat the skin of a plum?
Though plums are safe for dogs to eat, it’s important to remember that some plum skins can be dangerous. For example, do not give your dog any plum if you know it was sprayed with pesticides. Instead, try to find organic plums or remove plum skins before feeding them to your dog.
What happens if my dog eats a plum?
If your dog eats a plum, it is unlikely that you will experience any symptoms at all. However, while dogs can eat plums, they may get an upset stomach if they are not used to consuming plums or other fruits.
Can plums be poisonous?
Plum fruit is edible, but only when ripe and cooked correctly. When plum fruit is green, they contain an acid called prussic acid. This type of acid is poisonous to humans, dogs, and other animals.
Do plums contain cyanide?
Dogs can eat fruit, and plum is a fruit. However, plums contain cyanide, which can be toxic to your dog. In addition, if your dog eats too many plums, your pup can get sick.
How many plum pits are lethal?
While it’s not suitable to feed your dog fruits or vegetables, plums are relatively safe. It takes about 300 plum pits for your dog to be at risk of death.
Is it OK to swallow plum seeds?
Plum seeds contain cyanide, so it’s best to avoid eating them or swallowing them. Also, as with all fruit pits, it’s not a good idea to allow your dog to consume plum seeds.
Why Are Plums Bad for Dogs?
Dogs are scavengers and sometimes will eat things they shouldn’t. Ingesting plum pits can cause cyanide poisoning and symptoms of plum pit poisoning. It is because plums have high sugar content and a large plum pit.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Plum Pits?
If your dog ingests plum pits, contact your vet immediately. He may experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including difficulty breathing, agitation, vomiting, and abnormal heart rhythms.
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