Can Dogs Eat Plums? 4 Health Benefits of Plums for Dogs

Dog owners can feed plums to dogs in moderation. Plums are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that can benefit your dog’s digestion and overall health. Dogs can only eat the plum flesh—the plum pits are a choking hazard that can cause difficulty breathing and contain cyanide, which is toxic. Plums are high in sugar and fiber, so feed your dog plums in small amounts to prevent digestion issues.

Plums can be a healthy snack for your furry friend. Consider the following benefits:

1. 1. Fiber: Plums are a good source of fiber, which can help aid constipation and promote healthy digestion.
2. 2. Antioxidants: Like blueberries, which are also safe for dogs, plums are rich in antioxidants that can help bolster your pet’s immune system, counteract brain aging, increase energy, and neutralize harmful free radicals throughout their body.
3. 3. Vitamins: Plums contain vitamin A, which contributes to keeping your dog’s coat shiny and their eyes strong. Plums also have vitamin C, boosting your dog’s immune system to fight off illnesses.
4. 4. Water content: Plums have a high water content, making them a refreshing treat, especially when chilled and served on a hot summer day. The sweetness can also help stabilize blood sugar levels; serve this fruit up after a long walk.

Plums make for a special treat, but there are also some risks to feeding your dog this fruit. Consider the following health risks:

1. 1. Cyanide poisoning: One of the risks of feeding your dog a whole plum is cyanide poisoning, as the stone contains this toxin. The same is true for other stone fruits, like apricots and cherries. If you have a plum tree, you’ll also want to avoid having your dog eat the tree’s roots or leaves, which all contain hydrogen cyanide.
2. 2. Choking hazard: The plum stone can also get stuck in your dog’s esophagus. It is a choking hazard, which can lead to intestinal blockage if accidentally swallowed. Avoid plum poisoning and any risk of choking by tossing out the pit before feeding your dog the cut-up stone flesh.
3. 3. Sugar content: Giving your dog large amounts of plums can contribute to weight gain or obesity because of the fruit's sugar content. For that reason, avoid feeding your dog dried plums or prunes. Prunes are not poisonous, but the higher sugar levels can cause stomach upset or other digestive tract issues.

Before offering your dog any plums, follow these feeding instructions:

1. 1. Serve ripe plums. Avoid plums with mold or blemishes as they may upset your dog’s stomach. Squeeze the plum—it should have some give to indicate it is ripe and juicy. If it’s not ripe, leave it out on the counter for another day.
2. 2. Wash the plum. Gently rinse the plum in the sink and wipe it dry, removing any harmful pesticides, dirt, or grime from the plum’s skin.
3. 3. Remove the stone. This is vital to avoiding plum poisoning. Fully remove the stone at the center of the fruit and toss it out before serving your dog any plum flesh.
4. 4. Cut the plum into small pieces. Cut the plum up into small pieces so that your dog does not choke, and slowly feed it to your dog.
5. 5. Monitor your dog’s reaction. See how your dog takes to the plum—keep an eye on their stools and energy levels after consuming, and consult your vet if you have any specific questions.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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