Dried plums, or prunes as they are often called, are a snack that some humans love while others wouldn’t dream of eating. It’s also used to help us relieve constipation. If you’re a fan of prunes, you’ve probably caught your dog eyeing up your snack. Let’s learn about whether prunes are safe for dogs!
So, can dogs eat prunes? While a prune or two likely won’t hurt your dog, we don’t recommend feeding your dog prunes. This is due due to the very high sugar and fiber content of plums which can result in diarrhea or stomach aches for your pup.
It’s important to remember, that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen and dogs can easily eat things they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, even if those accidents aren’t fatal, they can result in huge, unexpected veterinary expenses. That’s why we recommend all responsible dog owners get a free, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws.
Are Prunes Good For Dogs?
Prunes are primarily consumed by us humans to help remedy constipation. This is because of their high fiber content. Fiber is normally good for dogs, however too much can do more harm than good. As a result, prunes aren’t likely to help your dog relieve conception in the same way it does for us. Due to this, the main benefits of prunes are outweighed by the cons we’ll discuss in the next section.
Are Prunes Bad for Dogs?
While not toxic, prunes aren’t great for dogs to consume. The super high content of fiber and sugar packed into little bites will do more harm than good for your dog’s digestive system. Instead of curing constipation, it’ll likely just result in an upset stomach and diarrhea for your pup. If your dog gets a few prunes without you knowing, it probably isn’t too much of a cause for worry. They’ll likely not feel well, but unless extreme amounts are consumed it likely won’t be a major detriment to their health or cause for an emergency vet trip.
Alternative Options
If your dog is constipated and you were thinking about giving them prunes to help, don’t worry! Instead of prunes, a simple option is to give them a spoonful or two of canned pumpkin. For more information on this, check out this article: Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Other Varieties & Related Foods:
Prune Juice
No, prune juice should not be consumed for the same reasons as why prunes shouldn’t. Drinking prune juice will likely result in an upset stomach, diarrhea, or dehydration for your pup.
Pitted Prunes
Plums are typically pitted before the pruning process occurs, so you likely don’t have to worry about this. Plum pits are not good for dogs and should never be given to them as they can contain trace amounts of cyanide. Pits can also be a choking hazard which is why we recommend being careful when feeding olives, dates, and persimmons as well. However, even without pits, prunes shouldn’t be given to your dog as they can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Will Prunes Help With Constipation in Dogs?
No, prunes shouldn’t be used to remedy constipation in dogs. It will likely cause more harm than good in your pup, making them have an upset stomach and diarrhea. Instead, try feeding your dog pumpkin or plain, nonfat yogurt.
In Conclusion: Can Dogs Have Prunes?
No, you shouldn’t give your dog prunes intentionally. If they happen to accidentally get ahold of a couple, they may not feel well for a little bit after and may experience diarrhea, but it likely isn’t cause for too much worry. Always contact your veterinarian if symptoms don’t go away relatively quickly or are very severe.
Want to Learn More?
Check out these related articles from our “Read Before You Feed” series for more advice on safe foods for dogs!
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and this article should not be taken as medical or veterinary advice. If you have any questions about your pet’s health or dietary needs, please contact your local veterinarian.
