- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you enjoy eating fresh plums, you might wonder if you can share a slice of this nutrient-packed fruit with your dog.
Yes, dogs can eat plums, experts say, as long as you only share this fruit in limited amounts.
It’s OK for dogs to eat plums in moderation, but not all parts of the plum are safe for dogs, says Kathryn Dench, a holistic veterinarian and chief science officer at Paw Origins. Plum pits aren’t safe for dogs, so you’ll want to make sure you remove all pieces of the pit before sharing a slice of plum with your dog.
Read on to learn more about giving dogs plums, including health benefits, potential risks, and feeding guidance.
Are Plums Nutritious For Dogs?
Plum flesh contains key nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which Dr. Dench says can support a dog’s immune function.
They also contain potassium, an electrolyte that supports your dog’s muscles and nervous system, and fiber, which can support healthy digestion.
Can Dogs Eat Prunes?
Dogs can eat pit-free plums in moderate amounts as a treat or snack. But Dr. Dench says it’s best to avoid giving your dog prunes, which are dried plums.
Prunes have a higher fiber concentration than fresh plums. Large amounts of fiber could upset a dog’s gastrointestinal system and cause symptoms like diarrhea.
What’s more, prunes have more sugar than plums. Too much sugar can increase your dog’s chances of weight gain over time or dental issues. So, it’s better to stick with fresh plum slices for an occasional snack.
Do Plums Have Risks For Dogs?
Plum pits can pose a risk of choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed.
If your dog is choking on a plum pit or any other small object, follow these emergency steps:
- Open their mouth to check if their airway is blocked.
- Try to dislodge the object with your forefinger and thumb.
- Tilt your dog’s head down to face the floor so gravity can help pull the pit out.
If the above steps don’t work, try the dog Heimlich maneuver:
- Place your dog on your lap, lying with their stomach toward the ceiling. Their bottom should face your stomach.
- Feel for the soft spot under your dog’s ribs
- Make a fist, place your other hand on top, and push inward and upward. Thrust five times to try and dislodge the object.
Plum pits also contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Chewing and swallowing plum pits may potentially put your pup at risk of cyanide poisoning.
If your dog swallowed a plum pit, pay close attention for signs of cyanide poisoning, which include:
- Vomiting
- Convulsions
- Shortness of breath
If your dog has any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. You can also call an emergency vet or the Pet Poison Helpline for guidance.
Important: You can reach the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
How To Safely Give Your Dog Plums
Dr. Dench recommends the following serving sizes when feeding your dog plums:
- Small dogs (under 20 pounds): No more than 1-2 small slices per day
- Medium dogs (20-50 pounds): No more than 2-3 small slices per day
- Large dogs (over 50 pounds): No more than 3-4 small slices per day
Remember to slice the plum into bite-sized pieces to help prevent choking and make sure you’ve completely removed all pieces of plum pit before giving the fruit to your dog.
What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Want to give your dog other nutritious fruits? Try the following ideas to spruce up your pup’s snack time.
Just keep in mind that experts say human foods should make up no more than 10% of a pet’s daily food intake.
It’s also a good idea to check with your vet before adding any new foods, even fresh fruits and vegetables, to your dog’s diet.
| Dog-Safe Fruits | Nutrients | Dog-friendly serving suggestions |
| Apples (remove core, stems, and seeds) | Vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants | Mash into homemade apple sauce, bake into apple pie bites, spread slices with peanut butter |
| Bananas (Remove peel) | Vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium | Mash into a food topper, slice and freeze, combine with peanut butter |
| Strawberries | Vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids | Give fresh slices, freeze with yogurt, blend into a smoothie |
| Blueberries | Vitamin C, vitamin K, antioxidants, fiber | Give fresh berries, dry berries into crunchy blueberry treats, bake into muffins or toasted scones |
| Honeydew melon | Vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, fiber. | Cube into bite-size pieces, blend with ice for a slushie, dehydrate into chewy treats |
| Oranges | Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium. | Give fresh slices, freeze into orange ice cubes, blend into a smoothie |
| Mangos | Vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium. | Blend into a frozen dessert, add to fruit salad, dry into mango chews |
| Peaches (remove pit) | Vitamins A, vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, potassium. | Give fresh, slice and freeze with other fruit, make a dog-safe pie |
