Can dogs or cats eat plums?
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Can dogs eat plums?
Plums are a safe and juicy treat for us, but they're a mixed bag for dogs. While the fleshy part of the plum is okay for pups to nibble on, the pit and stems are extremely hazardous to their health.
The pit and stems of a plum contain a compound called amygdalin (also known as cyanogenic glycosides) which is toxic to dogs. When eaten, this substance breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, which can disrupt cell respiration and hamper oxygen flow in your dog's body. This could lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing. Severe cases could even result in shock or death.
On top of this, the pit can create an intestinal blockage if swallowed whole, which may lead to surgery.
On the flip side, the flesh of the plum is low in amygdalin compared to the pit and stems, and is generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation. The flesh of a plum even contains healthy nutrients, like antioxidants and essential vitamins such as C and K. Just be VERY careful to remove every last trace of the pit and stem before letting your furry friend dig in.
If you're picking plums from a tree, make sure they're pesticide-free to avoid additional health risks.
If you're still nervous about offering your dog plums, no one could blame you! As an alternative, you can stick to more thoroughly dog-friendly fruits like watermelon or blueberries. Just remember to remove any seeds before serving.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first. If your dog eats plums (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Can cats eat plums?
Cats can eat plums...if you're very careful. The flesh of the plum itself can be safe in small quantities, but the pit and stem are dangerous.
The pit and stem of plums contain a substance called amygdalin (AKA cyanogenic glycosides), which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when your cat eats it. This is particularly problematic for cats because they lack the enzyme needed to break down amygdalin safely. As a result, the stem and pit are toxic to cats. Eating even small amounts can lead to symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or even death.
If you want to feed your cat the actual flesh of the plum, just be VERY careful to remove any trace of the pit or stem. The flesh of a plum can provide cats with antioxidants and essential vitamins like C and K, but it's important to remember that cats are obligate carnivores, and their primary nutrition should come from meat.
If you're picking plums from a tree, make sure they're pesticide-free to avoid additional health risks. Also remember: If swallowed, the pit can cause a digestive obstruction, which could require surgery.
The bottom line: While the flesh of a plum can be okay for your cat in limited amounts, the nutritional value is limited. Couple this with the risks posed by the pit and stem, and you might decide that feeding your cat plums carries more potential downside than upside.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first. If your cat eats plums (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
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Information Purposes Only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
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Food Safety Statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet