Cherry plums are small, round fruits, resembling cherries, with a sweet-tart taste. They’re rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. While safe for humans, moderation is key when feeding dogs, as excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues.
In this post, we’ll see whether you can feed your dog cherry plums, what are their benefits, harmful effects and most importantly, things to know (facts) about cherry plums. Additionally, we would also take a look at the nutritional value and the proper way to feed dogs, cherry plums. Finally, we will answer the most important questions about this topic and share the final verdict.
But, firstly – let’s see, can dogs eat cherry plums?
Can Dogs Eat Cherry Plums Safely?
Yes, dogs can eat cherry plums in moderation. Offer only ripe, pitted fruits. Limit to 1-2 slices per 20-pound dog. Cherry plums contain fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. However, watch for choking hazards and potential digestive upset.
Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Cherry Plums (3 Benefits)
Cherry plums are beneficial to dogs. Here is a list of three benefits of cherry plums for dogs:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cherry plums contain antioxidants that help boost immune function and fight inflammation, promoting overall health in dogs.
- Source of Fiber: The fiber in cherry plums aids in digestion and can help regulate bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation in dogs.
- Provides Vitamin C: Cherry plums are a natural source of vitamin C, which supports skin health, collagen production, and immune system function in dogs.
Harmful Effects of Feeding Your Dog Cherry Plums (3 Harms)
Cherry plums can be harmful to dogs. Here is a list of three harmful effects of cherry plums for dogs:
- Choking Hazard: The pits in cherry plums pose a choking risk to dogs, potentially causing airway obstruction or gastrointestinal blockages.
- Digestive Upset: Consuming cherry plums in large quantities or without pits removed may lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort in dogs.
- Potential Toxicity: While the flesh of cherry plums is generally safe for dogs, ingestion of large amounts of pits may result in cyanide poisoning, posing a serious health risk.
Things to Know About (Facts) about Cherry Plums
In this section, we will discuss some facts and things to know about cherry plums.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Small, round fruits resembling cherries, with smooth skin and varying shades of red or yellow. |
| Taste | Sweet-tart flavor profile, combining sweetness with a slight tanginess. |
| Nutrients | Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting overall health. |
| Pits | Small, hard seeds found within cherry plums, posing a choking hazard to dogs. |
| Digestive Impact | Excessive consumption or ingestion of pits may lead to digestive upset in dogs. |
| Preparation | Pits should be removed before feeding to dogs to prevent choking and digestive issues. |
| Moderation | Feeding in moderation is crucial to avoid potential harmful effects on dogs’ health. |
Nutritional Value of Cherry Plums
In this section, we will discuss the nutritional value of cherry plums.
| Nutrient | Value per 100g | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 46 | kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11.5 | grams |
| Fiber | 1.4 | grams |
| Sugars | 9.2 | grams |
| Protein | 0.7 | grams |
| Fat | 0.3 | grams |
| Vitamin C | 9.5 | milligrams |
| Vitamin A | 108 | IU |
| Vitamin K | 6.1 | micrograms |
| Potassium | 157 | milligrams |
| Calcium | 8 | milligrams |
| Iron | 0.2 | milligrams |
How to Feed Dogs Cherry Plums?
Here we will explain in four proper steps how to properly feed your dog cherry plums:
- Wash thoroughly: Rinse cherry plums to remove any dirt or pesticides before feeding.
- Remove pits: Always remove the pits as they pose a choking hazard to dogs.
- Offer in moderation: Limit cherry plum intake to avoid digestive upset. 1-2 slices per 20-pound dog is recommended.
- Supervise: Monitor your dog while eating cherry plums to ensure they chew properly and don’t swallow pits.
Things to Take Care of (Precautions) before feeding your Dog Cherry Plums:
- Remove pits entirely to prevent choking hazards.
- Introduce cherry plums gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions.
- Monitor your dog’s digestion after consuming cherry plums to ensure they tolerate them well.
- Avoid feeding cherry plums if your dog has a history of gastrointestinal issues.
Can Dogs Eat Alternative Forms of Cherry Plums?
In this section, we will discuss if dogs can eat alternative forms of cherry plums such as cherry plum jam, cherry plum juice and more.
Can Dogs Eat Ripe Cherry Plums?
No, dogs should not eat ripe cherry plums. While the flesh of ripe cherry plums is generally safe for humans, it may cause digestive upset in dogs due to its high sugar content. Additionally, the pits pose a choking hazard, and consuming them in large amounts can lead to intestinal blockages or cyanide poisoning.
Can Dogs Eat Unripe Cherry Plums?
No, dogs should not eat unripe cherry plums. Unripe cherry plums contain higher levels of tannins and may cause stomach upset or diarrhea in dogs. Additionally, the pits can still pose a choking hazard, and ingestion of unripe fruit may increase the risk of intestinal blockages.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Cherry Plums?
No, dogs should not eat cooked cherry plums. Cooking cherry plums alters their texture and may concentrate sugars, making them more likely to cause digestive issues in dogs. Additionally, the pits remain a choking hazard, and cooking does not eliminate the risk of cyanide poisoning from ingesting pits.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Cherry Plums?
No, dogs should not eat dried cherry plums. Dried fruits, including cherry plums, are high in sugar and can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and vomiting, in dogs. Moreover, dried cherry plums retain their pits, which pose a choking hazard and may cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
Can Dogs Eat Cherry Plum Jam?
No, dogs should not eat cherry plum jam. Jam typically contains high amounts of added sugar, which is harmful to dogs and can lead to obesity, dental issues, and even diabetes. Additionally, the fruit in jam may be processed, losing some of its nutritional value, and the pits remain a choking hazard.
Can Dogs Drink Cherry Plum Juice?
No, dogs should not drink cherry plum juice. Similar to other fruit juices, cherry plum juice is high in sugar and lacks the fiber found in whole fruits. Excessive consumption of fruit juice can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and digestive issues in dogs. Additionally, the pits of cherry plums are still present in the juice, posing a choking hazard and potential toxicity risk.
What Fruits Other than Cherry Plums can a Dog Eat?
Dogs can safely eat the following fruits:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Mangoes
- Oranges (in moderation, without seeds)
- Peaches (without pits)
- Pears (without seeds)
- Pineapples
- Strawberries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, we will discuss some frequently asked questions regarding cherry plums and feeding them to dogs.
What are the potential risks of feeding cherry plums to dogs?
Cherry plums, a type of fruit similar to plums and cherries, can be harmful to dogs due to their pits and stems, which contain cyanide, a toxic compound. Other fruits like apricots and peaches also have cyanide in their seeds, posing similar risks.
Can all breeds of dogs safely eat seedless cherry plums?
No, not all breeds of dogs can safely eat seedless cherry plums. Even without pits, cherry plums might contain traces of cyanide in their flesh and can also cause gastrointestinal upset. Safer fruit choices for dogs include seedless watermelon, blueberries, and bananas.
How do cherry plums compare to apples in terms of safety for dogs?
Cherry plums are less safe for dogs than apples. While both fruits are edible, cherry plums contain cyanogenic glycosides in their pits, which are toxic, unlike apple seeds which contain lower cyanide levels. Apples, cored and seedless, are safer alternatives.
What are some fruits that should be avoided in a dog’s diet?
- Grapes and raisins (toxic, can cause kidney failure)
- Avocados (contain persin, harmful to dogs)
- Cherries (pits contain cyanide)
- Citrus fruits (can cause stomach upset)
- Figs (high in fiber, can cause diarrhea)
Conclusion
In essence, cherry plums represent a tempting but potentially hazardous snack for dogs. Despite their enticing sweetness, their seeds contain cyanide, posing a severe health risk. Owners should prioritize canine safety by avoiding feeding cherry plums to their furry companions, ensuring a healthy and secure diet.
