· 8 min read
Can Dogs Eat Dried Plums? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Prunes & Pups
Picture this: You’re curled up on the couch, munching on a handful of dried plums (aka prunes) for a sweet, fiber-packed snack. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice your dog—tail thumping, head tilted, those big, pleading eyes locked onto your hand. “Just a tiny piece?” you think. “What harm could it do?”
As pet parents, we’ve all been there. We want to share the joys of snacking with our furry family members, but not all human foods are safe for dogs. Dried plums are a popular pantry staple, lauded for their health benefits in humans (hello, digestive support!). But when it comes to our pups, the rules change. Can dogs eat dried plums? Are prunes a safe treat, or should they be off-limits?
In this guide, we’ll break down the facts: the potential benefits, the risks, how much (if any) is safe, and healthier alternatives to keep your dog happy and healthy. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Can Dogs Eat Dried Plums? The Short Answer
- Potential Benefits of Dried Plums for Dogs
- Risks of Feeding Dried Plums to Dogs
- How Much Dried Plum Can Dogs Safely Eat?
- Healthier Alternatives to Dried Plums
- FAQ: Your Dried Plum Questions Answered
- Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Dog’s Health
Can Dogs Eat Dried Plums? The Short Answer
Yes, dogs can eat dried plums in very small, occasional amounts—but they’re far from an ideal treat.
Dried plums (prunes) aren’t toxic to dogs, but their high sugar content, fiber density, and potential choking hazard make them a risky choice for regular snacking. Think of them as a “once in a blue moon” treat, not a go-to reward. Even then, you’ll need to monitor your pup closely for any adverse reactions.
Potential Benefits of Dried Plums for Dogs
At first glance, dried plums might seem like a healthy option. After all, they’re packed with nutrients that humans love. Let’s explore what prunes offer—and whether those benefits translate to dogs.
1. Fiber: A Double-Edged Sword
Dried plums are loaded with fiber—about 3 grams per prune (USDA). In humans, this fiber supports digestion and keeps things “regular.” For dogs, small amounts of fiber can help with occasional constipation, but here’s the catch: dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and too much fiber can backfire (more on that later).
2. Vitamins & Minerals
Prunes are a source of:
- Potassium: Important for heart health, muscle function, and fluid balance in dogs.
- Vitamin A: Supports eye health, immune function, and skin/coat health.
- Vitamin K: Aids in blood clotting and bone health.
These nutrients are beneficial, but here’s the thing: Dogs can get all of these (and more!) from safer, lower-risk foods (we’ll share alternatives below). Dried plums aren’t a necessary addition to their diet.
3. Antioxidants
Dried plums contain antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids, which fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Again, this is a plus—but it’s not unique to prunes. Many dog-safe fruits (blueberries, apples) offer similar benefits with fewer downsides.
The bottom line: While dried plums have some nutrient perks, they’re not a “superfood” for dogs. The risks often outweigh the benefits for most pups.
Risks of Feeding Dried Plums to Dogs
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-sweet side of dried plums for dogs. Even small amounts can pose problems, so it’s crucial to be aware of these risks.
1. High Sugar Content: A Hidden Danger
Dried fruits are essentially fresh fruits with the water removed—meaning their sugar content is concentrated. A single dried plum (prune) contains about 6-7 grams of sugar (USDA). For context: A 10-pound dog should consume no more than 2-3 grams of sugar per day (AKC). One prune could exceed that limit!
Excess sugar in dogs can lead to:
- Obesity: Extra calories from sugar quickly add up, contributing to weight gain.
- Diabetes: Chronic high sugar intake raises the risk of insulin resistance.
- Dental issues: Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to cavities and gum disease.
2. Digestive Upset: Fiber Overload
While a little fiber is good, too much can wreak havoc on your dog’s gut. Dried plums are high in insoluble fiber, which can cause:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea (sometimes severe)
- Stomach cramps
Puppies and dogs with sensitive stomachs (e.g., those with IBS or food allergies) are especially prone to these issues. Even a single prune could leave your pup feeling miserable!
3. Choking Hazard
Dried plums are chewy, sticky, and relatively dense—qualities that make them a choking risk, especially for small dogs (think Chihuahuas, Yorkies) or dogs who gulp treats without chewing. If your dog swallows a prune whole, it could get stuck in their throat or digestive tract, requiring emergency vet care.
4. The Pit (If Present): Toxic to Dogs
Most commercial dried plums are pitted, but always check before feeding! Plum pits contain cyanide, a toxin that can cause vomiting, seizures, or even death in dogs (ASPCA). Even a small pit can be dangerous for a small dog, so never feed a pitted prune to your pup.
Key takeaway: Dried plums are high in sugar, can cause digestive chaos, and pose choking risks. These issues make them a poor choice for regular treats.
How Much Dried Plum Can Dogs Safely Eat?
If you must share a dried plum with your dog (we get it—those puppy eyes are tough!), extreme moderation is key. Here’s a general guideline based on your dog’s size:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1 tiny piece (about ¼ of a prune) once every few weeks.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): ½ a prune once every few weeks.
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 1 prune once every few weeks.
Important notes:
- Always remove any pits (even if the package says “pitted”—double-check!).
- Chop the prune into small, bite-sized pieces to reduce choking risk.
- Monitor your dog for 24 hours after feeding. Watch for diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy—if you see these, contact your vet.
Healthier Alternatives to Dried Plums
Why risk the sugar and digestive issues when there are so many safer, tastier treats for dogs? Here are our top picks for alternatives that offer similar nutrients without the downsides:
1. Fresh Blueberries
- Why: Low in sugar (only 0.7g per berry!), high in antioxidants, and packed with fiber and vitamin C.
- Bonus: Dogs love their sweet, crunchy texture—plus, they’re the perfect size for training treats!
2. Apple Slices (No Seeds!)
- Why: Crunchy, low in calories, and rich in fiber (supports digestion) and vitamin A (great for skin/coat).
- Pro tip: Remove the core and seeds (seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, though not enough to harm in small doses, but better safe than sorry!).
3. Plain Pumpkin (Canned, No Sugar Added)
- Why: A go-to for vets to soothe upset tummies! High in fiber (regulates digestion) and beta-carotene (converts to vitamin A).
- How to serve: Spoon 1-2 tbsp (depending on dog size) over kibble or freeze into “pumpkin pops” for a cool treat.
4. Banana (In Moderation)
- Why: A natural source of potassium (supports heart health) and vitamin B6 (aids metabolism).
- Caveat: Bananas are higher in sugar than blueberries/apples, so limit to 1-2 small slices per week for small dogs.
5. Carrot Sticks
- Why: Crunchy, low-calorie, and full of fiber and vitamin A. They’re also great for dental health—chewing carrots helps scrape plaque!
FAQ: Your Dried Plum Questions Answered
Got more questions? We’ve got answers!
Q: Are prunes and dried plums the same thing?
A: Yes! “Prune” is just another name for a dried plum. The terms are used interchangeably, so the same risks/guidelines apply.
Q: Can puppies eat dried plums?
A: We don’t recommend it. Puppies have developing digestive systems that are extra sensitive to sugar and fiber. Stick to puppy-safe treats like fresh blueberries or plain yogurt (unsweetened, no xylitol!).
Q: My dog ate a whole bag of dried plums—what should I do?
A: Contact your vet immediately. A large amount of prunes can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, or even pancreatitis (from the high sugar/fat). Bring the package with you to show how many they ate.
Q: Are dried plums good for constipated dogs?
A: Maybe, but there are better options. Vets often recommend plain pumpkin (canned, no sugar) or psyllium husk for constipation, as they’re gentler on the gut than prunes. Always check with your vet before using any “home remedy” for constipation.
Q: Can dogs eat dried apricots or raisins instead?
A: No! Raisins (and grapes) are toxic to dogs—even a small amount can cause kidney failure. Dried apricots are high in sugar and can also cause digestive upset, so skip them too.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Dog’s Health
At the end of the day, sharing a tiny piece of dried plum with your dog is unlikely to cause harm—if you’re super careful with portion size and monitoring. But why take the risk when there are so many safer, more nutritious treats out there?
Dogs thrive on a balanced diet of high-quality kibble or wet food, plus occasional “human food” treats that are low in sugar, easy to digest, and non-toxic. When in doubt, always check with your vet before introducing a new food—they know your dog’s unique health needs best.
So next time your pup begs for a snack, reach for a blueberry, apple slice, or carrot stick instead. Their belly (and their teeth!) will thank you.
Happy snacking—for both you and your furry friend!