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Can dogs eat prunes?
The short answer is… Yes! but, it’s not recommended. Dogs can eat prunes, and, providing you limit this to one or two at most and it may be a bit of an acquired taste for some, most dogs will love this healthy snack.
But, be warned: if you know the effect prunes have on the human digestive system (they help with digestion and constipation in case you’re wondering), I implore you to read on and get the facts because, while prunes might not be toxic for dogs, they actually could have a rather negative impact on your pup.
Health benefits of prunes for dogs
Let’s be clear here. Prunes are generally not recommended for dogs. The occasional prune won’t harm your dog, but prunes shouldn’t be fed to pets in any quantity. Same goes for plums and dates.
Why prunes can be bad for dogs?
Prunes are made from dried plums and contain a high concentration of sugar. Having too many prunes might give your dog diarrhea. Too many prunes can lead to stomach aches due to the high levels of fiber in these tasty treats.
Usually, when an animal eats a food they’re not typically accustomed to, there is a chance for an upset stomach or diarrhea. If you notice your dog has developed diarrhea after eating prunes or another food it’s not accustomed to, then get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.
If you’re giving your dog prunes (or any food) for the first time in small amounts, make sure to monitor them closely for any signs of an upset stomach which may include:
- Vomiting or throwing up.
- Dry heaving (dry heaves are dry, non-productive heaves).
- Diarrhea.
- Crying/Whimpering (an indication of stomach pain).
In addition to the symptoms listed above, giving your dog a large number of prunes can potentially cause your dog to become dehydrated.
If you notice your dog is dehydrated, give them a little water and call their veterinarian as soon as possible.
What to do if my dog ate a prune?
If, for any reason, your dog accidentally eats a whole box (or any moderate volume) of prunes, or any other food they aren’t supposed to have – don’t panic!
When it comes to major ingestions of non-food items (or prunes) your dog will probably experience some mild symptoms. Call your veterinarian or pet ER immediately to get their advice on what to do.
Your dog’s veterinarian will likely recommend that you monitor the dog for gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea), dehydration, and possibly vomiting. They may want to take blood to check your dog’s blood sugar levels. If the symptoms worsen, you may need to take them to an emergency vet or pet ER to be treated.
How many prunes are safe for a dog?
When it comes to dogs, if you simply must let your dog try a prune, the answer is quite simple: limit it to 1 or 2!
It would be great if you could consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog prunes so that you can get their advice on whether or not it is safe for your dog to have prunes.
What foods can I give instead of prunes?
If you want to cure your dog’s constipation using prunes, try cooked, mashed pumpkin instead. It’s a lot safer, healthier, and more effective.
Are dogs allergic to prunes?
Perhaps. However, we do not recommend it. Prunes are dried plums, which are equally harmful to dogs. A single prune or a slice of plum will probably have little effect on your dog, but both are high in sugar and fiber, which can upset his digestive tract.
Can diabetic dogs eat prunes?
Although prunes are not poisonous to dogs, dried prunes contain much too much sugar to be considered a good dog treat. Dogs should not be given dry prunes, despite the fact that they can eat them.
Too much sugar can cause your dog to gain weight, putting him at risk for heart disease and diabetes.
A single fruit contains around seven calories. The great aspect is that the fruit has a calorie content of zero. This means that if you give it to your dog, he will burn more calories digesting it rather than gaining weight.
