Can Dogs Eat Plums? (Nutritional Guide)
A pet can be a great addition to your home, whether you have a family or you live on your own. Most domestic animals do well with humans and do not need that much maintenance. They are great companions and can take some of your boredom away. Dogs are described as man’s best friend because they are loyal creatures who can be a source of happiness if kept well. The issue of taking care of your pet comes in so many forms, including grooming, playing with them, regular vet visits, and of course, feeding.
Like any other living organism, food is the primary source of energy for them to have a healthy life. What you feed your dog will depend on what it needs to grow healthy. Ideally, dogs should be supplied with a diet that is close to what they would eat in the wild, which includes a lot of proteins. Humans, on the other hand, have a more balanced diet that consists of all nutrients. Fruits are a part of the human diet that is not always good for animals, but they can have in small quantities. If you have ever found yourself asking ‘Can dogs eat plums?’ then this article will help you find out as we put plums under the microscope to find out how it can affect dogs.
What Are Plums?
Plums are fruits with a groove running down one side and a smooth pit. The average tree can grow up to 12 inches if it is not pruned but five to six inches if it is. The plants blossom during different months of the year, across different parts of the world. Taiwan plums blossom in January, while April is their prime time in the UK. The fruit has two to seven centimeters in diameter with an oval shape. It has a firm and juicy flesh and a smooth peel. Plums are also drupes, meaning that their flesh surrounds a single hard seed. Plums have a taste from sweet to sour and can be eaten raw or as jam. The fruit can also be used for wine or a cider-like beverage, especially in England. Dried, salted plums are used as snacks, while the fleshy inner part of the plum is also used for plume kernel oil. The wood of the plum tree is used to make knife handles and musical instruments by woodworkers. This use of plums is not accessible or commercial but is available as well as other small projects. Most applications of plums are for food in different cultures across the world. These foods are consumed mostly by humans, and there is not enough indication of plums used as dog food.
What Are Their Health Benefits?
Plums are known to be very rich in nutrients that are suitable for the human body, containing about 15 minerals and vitamins. They are relatively low in calories, and some of the nutrients in on plum are potassium, vitamins A, K and C, manganese, and copper. One plum also contains small amounts of magnesium, B vitamins, and phosphorus. Plums also contain antioxidants that help relieve inflammation and help cells fight against damage by free radicals. The antioxidant in plums helps specifically with bone health, reducing diabetes as well as heart disease. Plums contain higher levels of antioxidants than other fruits, and so it makes them healthier in that regard. A reduction in blood sugar level is not surprising as a benefit of plums since studies have shown it helps with diabetes. This is also because of its low-calorie content, which makes it more difficult for overeating. The fiber present in plums can also be attributed to this reduction in overeating because it gives the feeling that you are full. In terms of heart health, plums aid in reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease. Aside from these benefits, plums are easy to add to your diet since it is a versatile fruit and has a lot of by-products.
Plums and Dog’s Diet
As mentioned earlier, dogs should eat a lot of proteins to grow healthy throughout their life. Once in a while, you can throw up some snacks to spice up their diet. Fruits are one of those food groups that make tasty snacks for dogs, and plums are one of them. Plums are high in sugar content that might not be so great as the main component of the dog’s food. The flesh has the sugar and is safe if your dog gets a few bites. The seed of plums contains cyanide that is a poisonous substance when consumed in high amounts. For dogs the effect might be exaggerated since their bodies are not built for that kind of content. The pit of plums also has a sharp end that can be a choking hazard for the dog. It can also be an obstruction in the digestive tract of your companion and create problems for it. Some symptoms to look out for include breathing difficulty, low energy, vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and skin irritations. These are indications that the plums may be having adverse effects on your dog. Whenever you are not sure what is causing your dog to have reactions, always consult your veterinary doctor.
To Summarize
Sometimes you might be tempted to give your pet what you’re having for breakfast to give them a taste of what you think is delicious. It is not always the case that what is right for you will be good for your dog. Plums are one of those fruits that are great snacks for dogs but at the same time can be terrible food for them. Despite the health benefits, it does not work for you the same way it works for animals. The flesh of the plum is safe, whereas the seed can be dangerous to the dog’s health. Visit a vet to be sure about what is right for your dog and what you should absolutely avoid. Also remember that a happy dog makes a happy owner and feed your dog in a way that it’ll be pleased with you.
Source:
- Everything Your Dog Can and Cannot Eat – Cuteness
