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There are tons of safe fruits out there to feed your pup, but if you’re trying to find a way to get rid of some prunes, you shouldn’t give them to your dog. Prunes present a multitude of health concerns for dogs, so while they might be great for you, they’re not the best choice for your pooch.
We’ve highlighted the reason why, came up with some safer options, and gone over a few other fruits you should avoid feeding your pup for you down below.
Reasons Your Dog Shouldn’t Eat Prunes
Prunes are dried plums, and while not toxic to dogs there are two main reasons why it’s a bad idea to give them to your pup. First, they contain very high and concentrated levels of sugar, which means it doesn’t take many prunes to create digestive problems for your dog.
In addition to the high sugar content, prunes also contain a ton of fiber. While that might help humans with digestion, too much fiber can cause gas build up and other digestive problems for dogs. When you pair this with the high sugar content in prunes, it’s a recipe for disaster for your pup.
The prune pits are toxic as they contain cyanide. They can also be a choking risk and lead to intestinal blockages.
When to Take Your Dog to the Vet
While you shouldn’t feed your dog prunes, that doesn’t mean you need to rush your pup right to the vet if they eat one or two. Typically, small amounts of prunes (without the pit) don’t warrant a trip to the vet, but you should monitor them for negative side effects. If your dog has consumed prunes containing the pits, contact your vet.
If you start to notice any of the following signs, play it safe and take your dog to the vet. Whenever you’re in doubt, take them in, as it’s better to take them to the vet and not need it than not take them to the vet when they need to go! Some signs that your dog is sick and requires a vet visit include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
What Are Safe Fruits for Your Dog?
While you shouldn’t feed your dog prunes, there are several fruits you can safely feed them when they want a sweet treat. Just keep in mind that all fruits are high in sugar, so you still should only feed them fruits in moderation and they may not be suitable for all dogs.
Apples
Most dogs love the taste of apples, and they’re also nutritious for your dog. They have nutrients like vitamins C, potassium, and antioxidants. When giving your dog apples, remove the core and seeds, and thoroughly wash the apple before feeding it to them.
Bananas
Bananas are a sweet and low-cost treat for your pup. Remove the peel, and then feed your pup a few chunks of banana here and there to keep them happy!
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is 90% water, which makes it extremely refreshing for your pup to chow down on. Cantaloupe contains vitamins A and C, folate, and potassium, making it an excellent choice for your pup.
Strawberries
Strawberries are super sweet, and many dogs simply can’t get enough of them. Just ensure you remove the stems and thoroughly wash them before feeding them to your pooch.
Watermelon
Watermelon is another sweet treat that most dogs like. It’s full of water, so not only is it something your dog loves to eat, but it’s also hydrating and nutritious. Just ensure you remove any seeds and the rind before feeding it to your pet.
What Fruits Should You Not Feed to Your Dog?
While there are plenty of fruits you can feed your dog, there are also quite a few you shouldn’t give them. We’ve highlighted a few fruits you should keep far away from your pup here:
Avocado
While dogs are not as sensitive to persin, a toxin found in avocados, that doesn’t mean you should give it to them. Avocados are also high in fat, which can lead to numerous health problems. The pit can also lead to intestinal blockages.
Grapes
Grapes and raisins can be highly toxic to dogs causing sudden kidney failure.
Wild Berries
While berries from the store are usually safe for your dog, that’s not the case with wild berries. It’s extremely easy to misidentify a wild berry, and if your dog eats the wrong one, it can be fatal.
Conclusion
If you want to share some fruit with your dogs, there are plenty of safe options out there, just ensure you don’t give them prunes! If your dog already ate a few prunes, you likely don’t need to rush them straight to the vet, but whenever you’re in doubt, play it safe and take them to the vet just in case. If you have any questions about your dog’s diet your vet is your best source of tailored advice and information.
Featured Image Credit: Celiafoto, Shutterstock
