Prunes are pretty much the same as plums. The only difference between the two is that prunes are dried.
They are sweet, chewy, and a good source of fiber for humans. So you might be thinking that since prunes are fruits, they must be healthy for dogs, right?
Well, that is not necessarily the case. Some fruits, such as grapes and limes, are harmful and even toxic to dogs.
Do prunes and plums have the same health effects on dogs? Are they toxic or can they be healthy for our beloved pets?
If you are wondering can dogs eat prunes, you’ll find the answer below. In this article, you’ll find out whether prunes are a safe food for dogs to eat. You’ll also learn about whether this food has health benefits or harmful effects on our dogs – and exactly what these benefits and/or effects are.
Can Dogs Eat Prunes?
The short answer is no; dogs must absolutely not eat prunes. Prunes are harmful to your furry little friends.
Many types of fruits are harmful to dogs, such as grapes, apricots, and avocados. Well, you can add prunes to this list of fruits dogs should avoid.
Prunes are bad food for our furry pups. Although they are not toxic fruits (at least the fruit part is not – read on for more about this) to dogs, they can still have harmful impacts on your dog’s health.
Why Prunes Are Bad for Dogs
Since plums are bad for dogs, the same could be said for prunes as they are just dried plums. Although both fruits are not toxic, they are not suitable for dogs either.
Prunes contain high levels of sugar. This can impact the blood sugar levels of your pet, especially if it has diabetes.
The pits of prunes are also not suitable for dogs. They contain toxic chemicals and can also cause digestive issues.
The pits of prunes contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs. The amount of cyanide in a single prune will not instantly poison your dog, but eating many prune pits can.
To add to that, prune pits are hard and sharp so they are a choking hazard for dogs. They are also indigestible, meaning consumption of the pit can cause intestinal blockage.
Eating too many prunes can cause the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Loss of appetite
Even though there are multiple health benefits that we humans can get from prunes, we do not recommend giving them to your dogs.
A small slice of prunes may not harm your four-legged friends, but eating too much can cause health problems.
Healthy Fruits for Dogs
If you are looking for great fruits or healthier options for your furry pooches, we highly recommend the following:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Cucumbers
- Cantaloupe
- Cranberries
- Mango
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
These fruits mentioned above pack some great health benefits for your pups. Of course, there are safety and health precautions you must take first before giving them fruits. Here are some of them:
- Wash the fruit first
- It is better to peel the fruit
- Remove any seeds, pits, stems
- Smaller sizes are better
- Smaller portions are better too
Remember, too much of anything can be a bad thing. So be sure to give your dogs fruits in moderation.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?“
Up next, find out Can Dogs Eat Arugula?
