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Can Dogs Eat Plums?

Can Dogs Eat Plums?

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Why are plums toxic to dogs? | What happens if my dog eats a plum? | What should I do if my dog ate plums? | Prevention

plums on a tree

If you’re a dog parent, you probably enjoy any opportunity to safely share food with your pup to strengthen your loving bond. Carefully chosen and prepared fruits and vegetables can seem like an excellent choice, but you may be surprised to learn that some of your favorites aren’t good options for canines. Can dogs eat plums, or are they off-limits? 

No, dogs cannot eat plums. As tasty as you may find them, these fruits are not good food for dogs. Read on to find out why dogs should avoid plums and why you should offer commercially available dog food and treats instead. Since so many foods that are beneficial for humans can be harmful to dogs, remember that your veterinarian should approve every new food you introduce to your pet’s bowl.

Why are plums toxic to dogs?

They’re juicy, sweet and delicious to us—so why are plums bad for dogs? While the flesh of this fruit is not toxic for dogs, it doesn’t provide your pup with any significant health benefits. Other parts of the plum—including the pits, stems and leaves—contain cyanide in concentrations that could be hazardous to your pet if consumed. And the pit isn’t just a concentrated source of cyanide—it could also cause a life-threatening GI obstruction whether bitten into or swallowed whole.

You might wonder, since the flesh of plum is not toxic, can dogs have plums that have been pitted? Unfortunately, plum flesh is high in sugar, which isn’t great for canines and can be especially bad for pets with certain medical conditions.  For these reasons, it is best to avoid this fruit altogether.

You should also note that even though canned plums and plum juice may seem like acceptable alternatives to fresh plums for dogs, these products typically contain high amounts of sugar. With so many potential problems that can arise, it’s best to save the plums for yourself and find a better alternative to feed your dog as a snack. 

What happens if my dog eats plums?

If you suspect your dog has consumed plum pits, leaves or stems, immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (consultation fee may apply). You should also monitor your dog for the following symptoms, which could indicate that your dog has eaten plums without your knowledge.

  • Excess salivation or droolingRapid or labored breathing 
  • Watery eyes 
  • Dilated pupils 
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Bright red or inflamed gums 
  • Collapse 
  • Coma

What should I do if my dog ate plums?

Can dogs eat plums and experience mild no symptoms? Yes, if none of the toxic parts of the plum have been consumed. If your dog has eaten the plum flesh but not the pit, stem or leaves, they may experience some digestive issues due to the high concentration of fiber and sugar. Be prepared to deal with some stomach problems in the hours or days after the incident. 

If dogs eat plums whole or eat any parts of the fruit other than the soft flesh—especially the pit—they could experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning. Contact your veterinarian or pet poison control immediately if you know or suspect your dog has eaten plum pits, stems or leaves

How can I prevent my dog from eating plums?

Providing plums for dogs as a snack isn’t a good choice. Make sure that plums are stored securely out of your dog’s reach—such as in the refrigerator or on a high shelf—so that your pup can’t mistake them for a treat and devour them behind your back. And if you’re eating plums, be careful to properly dispose of all the toxic parts in a receptacle that your pup can’t access. Make sure that all people who live in or visit your home—especially curious kids—know the right answer to the question, “Can dogs have plums?”  

FAQs About Dogs Eating Plums

Can my dogs eat plum slices?

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No, they shouldn’t eat this fruit any way you prepare it. Unfortunately, it’s not how big or small the pieces are that makes plums a bad choice for your pup—it’s the sugar and toxic components.

What fruits can dogs eat?

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Though plums are bad for dogs, there are some other delicious human foods you can share with your pup. Fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, sweet potatoes and strawberries can be a nutritious part of your dog’s diet if given as a small treat in moderation.   However, even wholesome fruits and vegetables can cause digestive issues for your pup—and may even lead to nutritional deficiencies—if given too frequently or in large quantities. Make sure that the diet you feed your dog is balanced and that fresh fruits and vegetables are given in moderation as a treat.  Keep in mind that all treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

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