Can Dogs Eat Plums? – get the facts
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Can Dogs Eat Plums?
Sharing foods with our dear pets is something we all enjoy. However, it is good to know what is safe for your four-legged friend to eat and what is not healthy. When it comes to plums, there are separate opinions – some say it is good for dogs to eat plums while others say that you should avoid them.
In this article, we will discuss more on the subject “Can dogs eat plums,” and cover the most common questions asked by dog owners.
Nutritional Benefits
Plums are highly nutritious, with plenty of health benefits to offer. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Plums are low in calories and connotation the following nutrients:
- 8gr of carbs
- 1gr of fiber
- 7gr of sugar
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Copper
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Total calories: 30
They are high in antioxidants, which protect the cells from damage and have positive effects on bones. They help reduce the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. Plums also contain properties that may help reduce the blood sugar level. Fiber slows the rate at which the body absorbs carbs, causing blood sugar levels to decrease slowly.
Are Plums Safe for Dogs to Eat
Feeding your canine friend plums is perfectly fine, as long as you take off the pits. Pits can be problematic and harmful to dogs. If crushed, the peat can release cyanide, a toxic chemical, and can seriously harm your pet. A plum pit weighs around 10g and contains 9mg of cyanide. If your dog eats a plum pit or two, they will be fine, but if your pet accidentally swallows more (this can happen if you have a plum tree in your yard and forget to collect the fallen fruits), consult with your veterinarian immediately.
The medical expert will take a closer look to check for any pit remains. If the pit is intact, your dog is okay.
Here is why you need to be extra careful when feeding your pet plums:
They Can Cause Diarrhea
Like most fruits, plums are rich in natural sugar, which can lead to digestive problems. If your dog eats an unpeeled plum, with pesticides that haven’t been washed, it can lead to diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Your Dog Can Choke
The pits can block the intestine, causing gas to acquire, which can then swell the intestine and obstruct the blood supply. While intestine blockages are more likely to happen in the lower entrails, it can sometimes be higher, resulting in digestive problems. If it is higher up, the common symptoms are a pain in the abdomen, vomiting, loss of appetite, and shock.
Sugar is Dangerous for Overweight Dogs
Just because plums are rich in natural sugar doesn’t mean they are healthy for each type of dog. While they are low in calories, they are high in sugar and aren’t suitable for overweight dogs.
Final Word: Can Dog Have Plums
To conclude, “Can dogs eat plums,” yes, but you have to be extra careful when giving them fresh plums. While your furry friend can eat this type of fruit and reap the benefits, make sure you feed them in small amounts to avoid diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle spasms.
In a nutshell, plums are nutritious and can provide your pet some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As long as you feed your canine friend in moderation and remove the pits, you have nothing to worry about.
Before serving plums to your dog, wash them thoroughly, slice the fruit, remove the pits, chop them up, and give your dog a tasty summer treat.
