We all want what’s best for our furry friends, so we must know which foods are safe for our dogs. For example, plums may seem like an innocent, delicious snack but are they safe for a dog to consume, or are they toxic? This blog post discusses whether canines can eat plums and explores the potential consequences of accidental ingestion.
Can Dogs Eat Plums?
Can dogs eat plums? Yes! Plums can be an excellent part of a dog’s diet. However, it is important to ensure that the plums you give to your pup are seedless and fresh, as plum stone can become stuck in their throats and cause choking. Additionally, only offer plums in moderation and small pieces so as not to upset their stomachs or cause diarrhea. Finally, constantly monitor your pup while eating plums just in case they have any adverse reactions or allergies.
What Are Plums?
Plums are a versatile and popular fruit belonging to the Prunus domestica species. They can be round or oval-shaped, with yellow, red, purple, or blue skin. Most varieties of plum have a sweet-tart flavor and juicy flesh that can range from light pink to deep red. Plums are a delicious snack full of nutrients like vitamin C, A and K, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
Do Plums Have Health Benefits for Dogs?
Plums are a great source of numerous vitamins and minerals that can benefit your pup in many ways. They are packed with Vitamin A and K, which help promote healthy vision, maintain strong bones and teeth and even boost the immune system. Additionally, plums contain dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and keep your pup’s digestive tract functioning properly.
Finally, they also contain antioxidants that help fight off harmful free radicals in the body. So, regarding dog nutrition, plums can be an excellent addition to any pup’s healthy snack.
Are Sugar and Fiber in Plums Bad for Dogs?
Can dogs eat plums? It is generally safe for dogs to eat plum flesh in small amounts as a treat, but they should not eat the whole plum pit or stem of the plum, as these can be harmful. The skin of the plum may also be a choking hazard for dogs, which can lead to intestinal blockage.
Natural sugars and fiber are not harmful to dogs in small amounts, but it is important to remember that fruit should not make up a large part of a dog’s diet. Dogs are predatory animals, and their diet should be primarily made up of meat. Since plums have high sugar content, it is best not to give large amounts to avoid unregulated blood sugar levels, weight gain, and obesity.
Xylitol Contents
Xylitol is a toxic sweetener to dogs and can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Therefore, it is important to ensure that any treats or foods you give to your dog do not contain xylitol.
Cyanide Factor
As for the cyanide factor, plums contain a small number of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized by the body. However, the amount of cyanide released is generally not enough to reach a toxic dose and harm dogs as long as they only consume small amounts of plums as a treat. Nevertheless, it could lead to cyanide poisoning and become extremely toxic. Therefore, monitoring your dog’s behavior and contacting your veterinarian if you have any concerns is important.
4 Risks of Feeding Plums to Dogs
As mentioned before, plum flesh is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts as a treat. However, there are some health concerns to be aware of when giving plums to your dog:
- Choking hazard: The skin and plum pit of the plum can be a choking hazard for dogs, difficulty breathing so it is important to remove these before giving the plum to your dog.
- Digestive issues: If your dog eats many plums, it could cause digestive problems such as diarrhea or upset stomach.
- Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to plums or fruit. Signs of a food allergy in dogs include itching, scratching, and digestive issues.
- Nutrient imbalance: As mentioned before, fruit should not make up a large part of a dog’s diet. A diet high in fruit can lead to an imbalance of nutrients and cause health issues.
What is Plum Poisoning?
Plum poisoning or cyanide poisoning refers to dogs’ adverse health effects from eating large amounts of several plum pits. The pits of plums contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized by the body. The flesh of the plum also contains small amounts of these glycosides but in much smaller amounts. Therefore, consuming large quantities of plums or plum pits can lead to hydrogen cyanide poisoning in dogs.
Signs of Plum Poisoning
- Rapid and difficulty breathing
- Redness of the skin or mucous membranes
- Dilated pupils
- Bright red gums
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Seizures
If you suspect your dog has eaten many plums or plum pits and is showing any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately. Treatment for cyanide poisoning may include oxygen therapy, medications to increase blood pressure, and supportive care.
What Other Stone Fruits Can Cause Problems for Dogs?
Other fruits with pits that can cause problems for dogs include peaches, apricots, cherries, nectarines, and olives. All these fruits contain toxins in their pits that can be harmful if ingested. Additionally, any large pieces of fruit should be removed since they could potentially become choking hazards. As always, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before feeding your pup anything new or unusual.
How Many Plums Can a Dog Eat?
As a general rule, it is safe to give your dog one or two small plum slices as a treat, depending on the size of your dog. However, you should also be mindful of your dog’s calorie intake, as treats should not make up a significant portion of their daily caloric intake.
How Do I Feed My Dog Plums?
To feed plums to your dog, you should remove the plum pit and stem of the plum, as these can harm your dog. You can then slice the plum into small pieces and treat them to your dog. You should also monitor your dog’s behavior after giving them the plums to ensure they are not showing any signs of digestive issues or other health problems.
Dog Treat Recipes With Plums
Here is a couple of dog treat recipes that include plums:
Plum and Oat Dog Biscuits:
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh plums (pits and stems removed)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Mix the oats, whole wheat flour, and all-purpose flour in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and stir in the chicken broth and chopped plums. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. Let the biscuits cool before serving them to your dog’s fruit bowl.
Frozen Plum Treats:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh plums (pits and stems removed)
Mix the Greek yogurt and chopped plums in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or small paper cups and freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid. Then, pop out the frozen treats and serve them to your dog as a refreshing summer snack.
It is important to remember that these treats should be given to your dog in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet. Be sure to monitor your dog’s behavior after giving them the treats, and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, plums can be a safe and healthy treat for dogs if given in moderation. However, remove the pits and stems from any fruit before giving it to your pup, as these parts can be toxic. You should also monitor your dog’s behavior after giving them new foods or treats to ensure they do not have any adverse reactions. As always, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before feeding your pup anything new or unusual. With these tips in mind, plums can make a tasty and safe occasional treat for your furry friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my dog eats plums?
If your pup is eating plums, it's important to know that one plum pit, foliage, or stem contains amygdalin compounds. Once the body processes these compounds, they can become deadly poisons like hydrogen cyanide. So to avoid potential poisoning in dogs, ensure not to give them excessive amounts of amygdalin.
Can dogs eat plums without the pit?
Plums that are overly soft or stale should be avoided as they can lead to severe diarrhea and vomiting in pups. In addition, the fat content in plums could contribute to such symptoms, so it's important to check that your pup only consumes ripe, fresh plums.
How many plums are toxic to dogs?
If you let your pup dig into a plum, ensure all the plum stones have been removed first! Plums are comprised mainly of water (around 85%) and are low in carbs, fat, and sodium – perfect for a healthy canine diet.
Can dogs eat plums and peaches?
Unlike watermelon, strawberries, and other fruits with stones, such as cherries and apricots, it's important to keep an eye on your pup if they get their paws on them. Double-check that all stones have been removed before consumption to avoid dangerous or uncomfortable side effects.
