Can Dogs Eat Plums?
Yes, dogs can eat the flesh of plums in moderation, but there are important precautions to keep in mind.
Benefits of Plums (in Moderation):
- Fiber: Aids digestion and regularity.
- Vitamins A & C: Support eyesight, skin health, and the immune system (though dogs don’t need large amounts).
Hazards of Plums for Dogs:
- The Pit: Contains cyanide, which is highly toxic to dogs. This is the most serious risk.
- Choking Hazard: The pit can also cause choking or intestinal blockage.
- High Sugar Content: Too many plums can lead to digestive upset or weight gain. This is especially important for dogs with diabetes.
How to Feed Plums to Your Dog Safely
- Remove the Pit: Never allow your dog access to a whole plum.
- Small Pieces: Cut the flesh into bite-sized chunks to prevent choking.
- Moderation is Key: Plums should be an occasional treat only.
- Watch for Reactions: Observe your dog for signs of choking, allergic reactions, or digestive upset.
FAQs
- Can dogs eat dried plums (prunes)? While the flesh is okay, the higher sugar content makes prunes less ideal.
- Can dogs eat plum jam or flavored ice cream? These are best avoided due to the high sugar content and likely additives.
- What about plum juice? Homemade plum juice with minimal sugar might be okay, but store-bought versions are too sugary.
Key Takeaways
- Only offer your dog the flesh of ripe plums in small quantities.
- Plum pits are toxic and a choking hazard – remove them completely.
- Due to their sugar content, plums should be a rare treat rather than a regular part of your dog’s diet.
- Monitor your dog carefully after giving them plum and consult your vet if you notice adverse reactions.
- If your dog has health conditions, especially diabetes, it’s best to avoid plums altogether.
Remember: There are healthier and safer fruit choices for your dog, such as blueberries or apples (seeds removed).
Can Dogs Eat Plums:
Yes, dogs can eat Plums. Plums can be moderately given to dogs by their owners. Plums are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that are healthy for your dog’s digestion and general health.
Dogs should only consume the flesh of the plums because the pits might choke them, make it difficult for them to breathe, and contain lethal cyanide. Because of their high sugar and fiber content, plums are best given to dogs in moderation to avoid digestive problems.
Nutritional Value Of Plums For Dogs:
The plum calorie content is 42 kcal per 100 grams of the product. The composition and useful properties of plums. Plums contain glucose, fructose, and sucrose, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, H, and PP, as well as essential minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese, iron, chromium, boron and nickel, phosphorus and sodium.
Health Benefits Of Plums For Dogs:
There are some health benefits of plums. See below the benefits of plums for dos.
Good For Eyes:
Plums are not as nutrient-dense as many other fruits, particularly when it comes to the special requirements of dogs. Having said that, plums are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and both. Although they are not typically needed, these vitamins can occasionally benefit dogs.
Strengthen Bowel Movement:
Vitamin C is crucial for the regulation of the immune system, while vitamin A supports the health of the eyes and skin. Fiber is essential for maintaining blood sugar levels in addition to aiding in digesting and controlling bowel motions. Sometimes giving your dog a slice of plum as a treatment could help if they occasionally experience constipation.
Strenthen Immune System:
Although not having a lot of nutrients, plums can be a decent source of vitamins A and C. An effective antioxidant, vitamin C helps maintain a strong immune system. Moreover, it helps to keep bones and cartilage healthy by lowering inflammation.
Improve Skin and Coat:
Maintaining their skin and coat as well as sustaining healthy eyesight both depend on vitamin A. Dogs do not require dietary supplements of vitamins A and C.
Potential Hazards Associated With Plums For Dogs:
There are many potential hazards of plums for dogs. So, see below these…
High Sugar Content:
Due to the fruit’s high sugar content, feeding your dog a lot of plums might induce weight gain or obesity. Don’t give dried prunes or plums to your dog because of this. Prunes are not harmful, however, the higher sugar content may upset the stomach or result in other digestive system problems.
Cyanide Poisoning:
Cyanide poisoning is one of the dangers of giving a full plum to your dog because the stone contains this poison. Other stone fruits, such as apricots and cherries, share the same characteristics. If you have a plum tree, you should also prevent your dog from eating the tree’s leaves or roots because they all contain hydrogen cyanide.
Choking Hazard:
Moreover, the plum stone may become lodged in your dog’s esophagus. It is a choking hazard that, if unintentionally consumed, can result in intestinal blockage. Prior to giving your dog the diced stone flesh, throw out the pit to prevent plum poisoning and any potential choking hazards.
Possible Side Effects Of Plums For Dogs:
Dog owners are not required to take any action if their dog eats a plum. Your dog should be alright, most likely. But, to prevent your dog from consuming a more dangerous section of the fruit in the future, you may wish to store plums out of their reach in the refrigerator or in a closed cupboard.
Watch for signs of an intestinal blockage if you believe your dog has swallowed a plum pit whole. They consist of:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Panting
Take your dog to the vet straight away if you see any of these symptoms. If there is a chance that the stomach will rupture, the vet can either help your dog pass the pit safely or conduct emergency surgery.
Allergic Reaction To Plums In Dogs:
It’s possible for dogs to experience an allergic reaction to any new food, but it’s exceedingly unlikely that a dog would be allergic to plums.
The primary issue with dogs and plums is what can occur if they accidentally consume the pit. Amygdalin is a substance found in the stems, leaves, and pits of plums. This substance is broken down by the body producing the lethal toxin hydrogen cyanide. Dogs can develop allergic reactions if they consume too many plums.
Symptoms of allergic reactions to plum fruit in dogs include:
- Redness in the mouth,
- Distress
- Loss of balance
- Foaming at the mouth
- Trembling
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Panting
Even an hour after poisoning, these symptoms can appear. If your dog exhibits these symptoms and you know or suspect that they are related to eating a plum pit, call your veterinarian right once.
Dog With Diabetes And Plums:
Because of the sugar in plums, canines might encounter serious glucose increments. Notwithstanding, certain canines shouldn’t devour any human food whatsoever, particularly the people who as of now have fundamental clinical issues like stoutness and diabetes, as the sugar content can bring about hazardous glucose spikes and weight gain.
How To Feed Plums To Your Dog:
Give out ripe plums. Plums with mold or flaws should be avoided because they could upset your dog’s stomach. Squeeze the plum; if it gives slightly, it is ripe and juicy. Let it out on the counter for another day if it isn’t ripe.
Scrub the plums. To get rid of any toxic pesticides, dirt, or filth from the plum’s skin, gently rinse it in the sink and wipe it dry.
Get rid of the stone. To prevent plum poisoning, this is essential. Before giving your dog any plum flesh, completely remove and discard the fruit’s core stone.
Slice the plum into little bits. To prevent your dog from choking, cut the plum into little pieces and feed it to him gradually.
Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior. Watch your dog’s reaction to the plum, keep an eye on their energy levels after eating it, and ask your veterinarian if you have any special concerns.
How Many Plums Should A Dog Eat:
Plums should be eaten in moderation, just like any sweets and snacks. Up to a few times each week, your dog may eat a few slices of plum, but no more frequently. Our dogs don’t need to eat as much fruit as we do to keep healthy, despite the fact that we all know it is nutritious and healthy.
Plums-Based Recipes For Dog Treats:
To give plums as a do treat take the flesh out of the plum and cut it into pieces and feed it to your dog.
Conclusion:
Even while plums are generally safe for dogs to eat and can be appreciated as a delightful treat, there are a few dangers you should be aware of before giving the fruit to your pet. Although the fleshy section is mostly safe for our animal friends to eat and has some nutritional benefits, the pits can be particularly dangerous.
FAQ’s:
Do dogs love the plum’s taste?
Yes, as per the research done, a piece of information has been obtained that dogs do love the taste of these highly nutritious material-rich fruits.
It can’t be considered pure pet food, but feeding dogs plums during the training sessions can remove obstruction related to distractions during the practice of its daily habits.
Can dogs eat dried plums?
As per the research done and the reviews, the consumption of dried plums is said to be safe for the canines when the bad portion of the plum, that is, the pit and skin, gets removed.
Do plum-flavored ice cream harm dogs?
Yes, plum-flavored ice cream can harm the health of your canine, but it depends on the sugar content in it. Most of the time, such flavorful fruit ice creams available at the market are high in sugar and other additives like fresh creams, which can be unsafe and may be responsible for extreme discomforts related to the lactose-intolerant nature of the canines.
Can dogs eat plum pits?
No, the consumption of plum pits is not at all suggested for the canines. Not only because it leads to deadly choking hazards which can lead to emergency vet visits.
Within how much time the cyanide poisoning gets deadly for the canines?
The research done on dog breeds has shown that when the dog consumes plum pits in large amounts, the poisoning can get deadly within 30 – 45 minutes, and it may differ for a couple of minutes.
How much plum flesh can a dog eat at a time?
The research done has shown that for almost all dog breeds, one to two slices of pitless plum a couple of times a week will be enough for the canine.
Can dogs have plum jam?
No, the consumption of plum jam is not suggested for the canines. Although this can be a great and delicious treat for the pooch still, its consumption is not suggested because most of the time, during its preparation, tons of sugar and artificial sweetening agents along with food colors are added to it to give it a proper taste.
Can dogs drink plum juice?
Yes, dogs can drink plum juice, but only when it is prepared according to the pet, which means with a very less amount of sugar, it will be even better if the juice is free from sugar. Most of the time, the dog owners used to add sugar and other additives to the juice to make the juice flavorful and delicious.
