Can Dogs Eat Plums?

Is your dog a fan of juicy and fleshy fruits? Do they always sneak and eat all the refreshing fruits? If yes, then their next target might be plums! But wait – can dogs eat plums?

Well, yes, dogs can eat plums, but only after removing the pit. The pit of the plums is the most scary part of the story. In this article, we have everything you need to know about the risks and possible disasters of feeding your dog plums!

Are Plums Good For Dogs?

Now that we’ve covered that dogs can eat plums, aren’t you curious to know whether it offers any health benefits for them as well? Here’s a few benefits your dog receives when eating plums:

1. Vitamins and minerals

Plums are rich in vitamins and minerals that are an integral part of a dog’s nutrition. These elements might be in small amounts but are far healthier than junk foods. The vitamins and minerals included in plums are:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron

2. Antioxidants

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to keep your dog’s immune system strong. So, if your dog has to fight off diseases and infections, antioxidants are your superheroes! You should incorporate human foods or dog treats that are rich in antioxidants and other vitamins. 

3. Fibrous

Another fantastic perk of feeding your dog plums (pitless) is that they are high in fiber and juices. They have the perfect combination of juiciness and fiber, which helps your doggo’s digestive system. If your dog suffers from constipation, fibrous fruits like plums and apples will be your dog’s besties!

Symptoms of Plum Poisoning in Dogs

Plum poisoning is one of the significant and primary concerns with dogs. As every dog has its tolerance, it is hard to determine how much plum can be toxic. However, if you saw your dog eating the whole plum, with or without the pit, you should monitor them for these signs and symptoms:

1. Breathing problems
2. Swollen and red gums and tongue
3. Dilated pupils
4. Vomiting
5. Behavioral change (unusual)
6. Excessive drooling
7. Seizures
8. Abdominal pain
9. Lethargy

Sometimes, our doggos can eat the whole plum and fool us into thinking that they only ate the flesh part. So, always listen to your intuition when it comes to your dog’s health. If your dog chews the pit, it can release enough amount of cyanide to make your dog sick. It is possible that your dog might suffer from cyanide poisoning, which can be deadly if not treated on time (article).

Please do not force and make your dog vomit or drink tons of water unless your veterinarian asks you to. It may lead to adverse reactions and worsen the situation. 

Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Plums to Your Dog

Here is what you should remember and keep in mind before serving your dog plums:

1. Remove the pit

As you must have understood now, the pit is the most dangerous part of plum. Not only can it cause gastrointestinal obstruction and choking hazards, but it can also cause further complications. If your dog ate the seed, you can only hope that they pass it out with their poop.

However, if they chew on the pit, it will release cyanide and be poisonous to dogs. Hence, you better not take any chances! If you see your dog sneaking in and eating a whole plum, consult your veterinarian immediately. 

2. Ripe plums only!

Another thing to keep in mind when feeding your dog plums is that you should only feed ripe plums. Raw or unripe plums can cause abdominal pain and may not even be appetizing for dogs. Giving your dog raw fruits is not safe or healthy for dogs. 

3. Moderation

You can feed your dog pitless plums, but only in moderation. Every dog has a certain level of tolerance when it comes to sugary content. For us humans, it might simply be a “sugar rush.” Meanwhile, for dogs, it can be a nightmare. Especially if your dog is diabetic, you should ask your veterinarian before feeding your dog sweet and sugary human foods. 

Also, please avoid adding sugar syrups or feeding your dog plum jams or canned plums. These contain heavy amounts of sugar and harmful preservatives that can ruin your dog’s overall health and well-being.

4. Preparation first

Here are the steps to follow when preparing plums for your dog:

Step 1: Wash the plum thoroughly under running water

Step 2: Make a cut in the plum, and take out the pit

and finally,

Step 3: Chop the juicy fruit into small pieces

Bon appétit!

Alternative Fruits For Your Dog

Here are the fruits that are far less risky than eating plums. Some of these have a core and seed that should be removed before serving to your dog. Also, please consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new human food to your dog!

1. Apples
2. Mango
3. Blueberries
4. Blackberries
5. Melons
6. Pears

Conclusion

Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat plums?” is YES, dogs can eat plums. They are super juicy and have multiple health benefits as well. The only catch is to remove the pit/seed as it contains cyanide, which is a poison for dogs, and pits can also be a choking hazard. 

Once you have taken all the preventive measures, you and your dog can enjoy your favorite juicy and refreshing treats- plums.

Frequently Asked Questions